Page 31 of Tamed By You

“Yeah, I need a minute.”

“Really?” he deadpans.

“Yes,” I bite back.

“It's okay, give her a minute. I have so many good qualities, it’s going to take her a hot second to decide on my best one,” Harry says, grinning like a Cheshire Cat.

“You’re not terrible to look at and I guess you make me laugh when you aren't making me feel like I’m losing brain cells listening to you talk.”

“Really, Ali,” Jack groans, rubbing an exasperated hand over his face.

“Best I can do.” I shrug.

“I’ll take it. She said I’m funny.” Harry smiles.

“Didn't say I found your humor funny did I, just you make me laugh with your-”

“Okay, we’re done here,” Jack announces, clapping his hands together. “Now you two will figure this out and we'll meet in the casino for dinner at 8 pm.”

If Jack thinks we can get along, he's more delusional than Harry is, but for him and Ria, I will at least try.

Chapter Thirteen

Harry

Well, she got me good with that prank. I can’t even be mad at her really. I suppose I was kind of a dick today. Ali may be the most confusing, frustrating, hottest woman I have ever met. But there is something about her. I have a feeling there are many layers to Alice Hart and I, for some reason, am drawn to her and want to peel back every single one of them.

I step out the shower and reach for my towel. I had hoped the cold water would not only ease the pain in my back but my throbbing hard on.

It didn't.

I dry off and dress in dark suit pants and a white shirt, rolling up the sleeves to my elbow and putting on my Omega watch. Jack is right, I know he is. We need to figure out how to be around each other without tearing limbs off one another.

Everyone has headed down to the casino early and I head over to the suite the girls are staying in to speak to Ali.

Ria left her keycard in our suite, so I use it to tap on the door and let myself in. The suite is messy, dresses, balloons, heels scattered everywhere, and a tray of half-eaten room service sits in the entryway.

Music is thumping from one of the rooms, aBeyoncetrack I think, and I follow the sound to the bathroom.

Ali is in a matching black strapless bra and thong, looking in the mirror using what I think is a curling iron in her hair. Her silky blonde locks drape down her back and finish just above the small of her back. She’s swaying her hips in time with the music, singing along, her voice surprisingly good, and my body heats watching her, knowing just how damn good those hips feel griding down on me.

I clear my throat and tap the bathroom door and she yelps. “Jesus, fuck, what are you doing? Haven’t you heard of knocking?”

“Ermm, I did knock.” I point at the door.

“I meant the main door, you ass. I nearly burned my hair off.”

“Sorry. I used Ria’s key card.” I take small steps towards her. “I’m here to call a truce, or…” My eyes rake over her body. Her tan glowing from the day round the pool, her hypnotizing eyes staring back at me. She looks like every man’s fantasy. “...I could think of something else we could do.”

“Not happening,” she says, placing the curling iron on the bathroom counter.

I step in behind her. Leaning in to inhale her coconut scent that has a hint of salted caramel this evening, reminding me of days at the beach.

“I need to get dressed. Since you’re here, you can help me get my dress on.”

“I’m much better at taking dresses off.”

She turns, her blonde hair hitting my chest. Without heels on, she stands at a tiny 5ft 3 I would guess. Being 6ft 2, I tower over her, and she has to crane her neck to look up at me.

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