Page 29 of Ruined

I hoped.

I gave her a quick peck, the taste of her gloss making me grimace. She strutted inside. Her hand stroked my chest, tracing my pecs.

Her eyes sparkled. “You’re so handsome.”

I forced a half-smile. “You look nice, too.”

Maria’s arms wrapped around my waist. I fought the urge to peel her off my body and closed the door. Her hand circled my waist and drifted lower. Her palm slid over my cock and gave it a squeeze. Then she mashed her lips to mine.

Nothing. Not even a twitch.

The uncomfortable twist in my stomach flared, and I pulled back.

“Actually, I…I need to hit the shower.”

She winked. “Oh yeah? Do you want company?”

I patted her shoulder. “Nah, I’m good.”

“It’s beentwo weeks, Luca,” she pouted.

I rubbed my neck, and her gaze darted to where my fingers brushed. Her expression shifted. She let out a short laugh.

“Well, I guess that explains it.”

“What?” I asked.

She crossed her arms. “There’s a hickey on your neck.”

Fucking Dominic.

I swallowed the urge to defend myself with something as weak as denial.

“So? We’re not exclusive.”

Her lips thinned. “Guess I was expecting too much. Figures.”

I almost apologized, but our arrangement had never been serious. Maria wanted invitations to high-profile events that’d launch her event-planning career. She hadn’t been subtle about it, dropping hints about who she could meet at the next fundraiser.

She pawed at my chest. “We could make this work, you know. I could use someone like you in my corner.”

“I can’t call in favors for someone I barely know.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Then take me out more. Introduce me to the right people. I’ll make it worth your while.”

“Oh yeah? How?”

Slowly, she dropped to her knees. Her hands slid to my waistband. Her dark hair fell in waves over her shoulders, and her plump cleavage teased with every breath. She looked pretty, sure. Delicate.

But…feminine.

Small and fragile andsoft.

But I could’ve let her suck me off. It would’ve eased the tension clawing at my chest.

Only if you ask me nicely.

Heat curled around my neck.

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