Page 60 of The Rogue and His Flower

“I meant Sterling,” Ben says, following my gaze. “Though I’m guessing you’re having a bad night too?”

“What do you think?” I grind out, my jaw clenching.

“I think you need to get laid,” he retorts with a chuckle, knowing full well the predicament I’m in.

“Fuck you, Ben.”

He straightens his features as best as he can, but there’s no missing the spark of mirth in his eyes. “Might do you some good, abstaining from sex for a while. You could use the time to work on improving your personality. Silver linings and all that.”

“Since we’re talking about our sex lives, or lack thereof, how are things between you andMrsElodie Hoxton? Is she still married to that cunt?” I ask, referring to the woman he’s obsessed with, and her marriage to the sleaziest, most corrupt man I’ve ever had the displeasure of meeting.

Ben’s gaze darkens, his smile slipping into a scowl. “I’m working on it.”

“Sounds complicated. Did he actually take you up on your offer?”

“He did, though we haven’t finalised the details.Yet,” he adds, pouring himself a shot of scotch, and knocking it back before sliding the other two shot glasses towards me. “Though I plan on cashing in soon.”

“Bet that went down well with Elodie,” I remark. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”

“No, but if her husband is willing to accept two million pounds in exchange for me spending an uninterrupted month with her, then she’s got to see what a bastard he is and divorce him.”

“You don’t think that she’ll see you the same way for even suggesting this, let alone going through with it? That’s one hell of an indecent proposal, don’t you think?”

“It’s a risk I’m willing to take,” he replies, swiping a hand over his face. “Besides, what the fuck have I got to lose?”

“About two million pounds,” I point out.

“She’s worth it,” he retorts without hesitation.

“Well, I guess we’ll have each other to drown our sorrows with if everything goes tits up,” I comment, eyeing Daisy once more.

Ben lets out a humourless chuckle. “How are things with you and Daisy, anyway?” he asks, just as Riley ducks down and whispers something into her ear.

My gut churns as I watch her turn her body into his as she listens, and even though I know it’s probably because she can’t hear him all that well over the music, a blaze of jealousy and possessiveness flares to life inside my chest.

“The fuck?” I snarl.

“Dalton…” Ben warns, but it’s too late, because before he can stop me I’m already halfway across the room, pretty sure I’m about to cause a fucking scene.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

DAISY

“...And then Troy split his shorts right down the arse-crack when he bent over to pick up the weights he was lifting,” Riley continues, breaking into a smile that has me snort-laughing.

“Oh my God, I bet the women at the gym loved that,” I reply, giggling.

Riley smirks, dropping his mouth to my ear. “You bet they did, and a few of the men too, especially when he was completely starkers beneath them. Pretty sure the whole gym caught a glimpse of his family jewels, and a lot more besides.”

I tip my head back and let out a raucous laugh, clutching my belly at the thought. “You’re killing me, Riley!”

“Having fun?” a familiar voice mutters.

I snap my head around to find Dalton standing right behind me, his jaw clenched tight as he glares at us both. What the hell is his problem?

“Evening mate, I was just telling Daisy about Troy splitting his shorts at the gym yesterday. It was fucking hilarious,” he says, good-naturedly, completely oblivious to the fact that Dalton looks like he’s about to burst a blood vessel.

“Enjoying the singing?” Dalton asks pointedly.

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