Page 72 of Crush

She flicked me a look and nodded slowly, “Yes. I just—I’m a bit nervous I think.”

Admitting that took courage as the old Amber would never show weakness, especially to me. It felt like another move in the right direction.

And yes, I meant the right direction as the more I thought about it, the more I realised I wanted more from Amber than just sex. I wanted to own her, body, and soul.

“You don’t need to be nervous. I’m here,” I replied and squeezed her fingers.

“Are you though, Max? Are you really,” Amber whispered, looking sad.

My brow creased, “Yes, of course.”

She shot me a shy smile, “OK, sorry. I’m just a bit on edge.” God, she was cute.

“Well, I did give you the option of my place and some serious fucking,” I whispered against her ear. And she blushed, lowering her eyelashes with a coy smile.

“Don’t tempt me.”

“Why don’t we show our faces, donate some cash and then go back to mine?” I delivered the latter part with a cocky smirk which I knew she’d appreciate.

“I make the best eggs benedict in London,” I added as I placed my hand on her thigh. Amber’s eyes flickered towards Dexter but I didn’t move my hand. Whether she knew it or not, she was mine for the night.

“What about Dexter,” she said softly.

“Sod him. I want to spoil you,” I replied under my breath.

“Why are you being so nice to me?” she asked, her eyes drilling into the side of my face.

“Because you’re letting me.”

I watched her with compulsive intensity. That wave of guilt doubled and I knew I needed to come clean fast.

As we pulled outside the huge glass-fronted building, Amber slid out of the car but left her clutch bag behind. It took me seconds to slide her phone from her bag and place it into my jacket pocket.

Mission one wasaccomplished. The next task was to encourage her to open the hell up. But I knew that wasn’t going to be easy. I grabbed her clutch and slid out after her.

“You forgot this,” I said as she turned to face me.

“Thanks.” I handed her the bag.

There was a guest list for the charity event and most of London’s high society would be there. The place was a sea of money.

As we walked into the building, I immediately noticed the looks Amber received from both men and women. They’d know who she was of course. She hadn’t been in the media much lately but anyone would recognise her with her good looks and fiery red hair.

A couple of women in evening gowns almost curtsied as they’d said hello; total suck-ups. I tucked Amber against my side. She probably felt like she was on display.

As we rode the long escalator to the first-floor grand lobby, I placed my hand against the bottom of her spine. Man, she felt good and I longed to move my fingers over her tight, pert bottom. Thoughts of seeing her hair across my pillow were starting to give me a boner.

When we got to the main room, the doorman didn’t even need to ask our names, he immediately welcomed Amber.

“Lady Swift. It is so good to have you join us—oh and apologies, who is your plus one?”

I itched to lamp the fucker. Amber was there atmyinvitation and so how was I the plus one?

“It’s Max Hunter and I should be on the list,” I stated moodily. I suppose it wouldn’t have been his fault that the list had been fucked up but it made me feel like a nobody.

It didn’t take him long to correct the mistake and after a half-hearted apology, I swept Amber inside.

As I turned to glance down at her she was smiling and it stung.

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