Page 9 of Guilty Pleasures

“I’m poor, Harper. Poor and shameless. Now, give me that card before you lose it.”

CHAPTER 8

SILAS

Isaunter into In the Pink, hands in my pockets, trying to look casual. The shop is still bustling, even thirty minutes into closing time. Clearly, Harper’s first big day was a success. Good for her. Although I’m working behind the scenes to shut this place down, I won’t deny her a few weeks of confidence-boosting business. I’m not a monster. Besides, I still think this place is much better suited for Fifth Avenue.

I pretend to browse a rack of dresses, sneaking glances at Harper across the store. She’s radiant, laughing with a customer as she rings up their purchase. Her long hair is slightly mussed from a busy day, and a flush of excitement is on her cheeks. I remember that look well. Two days ago, she showed that kind of excitement for my cock.

Approaching a display of scarves, my fingers caress the smooth, silky fabric while keeping Harper in my peripheral vision. She makes each movement a seductive dance, her body fluid and captivating as she glides between customers and adjusts displays. The memory of her skin against mine, the way she moved with such intimate ease, is etched into my mind. I can’t tear my gaze away from her, recalling the intoxicating rhythm of our entwined bodies.

A group of giggling college girls enters, and Harper greets them warmly. “We’re closing soon, but feel free to look around!” she calls out.

Her voice makes my heart flutter, but I push those feelings down. This is neither the time nor the place. I’m only here for answers. I don’t remember the last time anyone treated me with such disrespect, and yet it’s such a fucking turn-on when it comes from her.

I grab a scarf from the rack, pretending to examine it, but who am I kidding? I’m not here for shopping. I’m here for her. To see her in her element, radiating confidence and vitality. To soak in every detail of her presence, even from afar, as memories of the other day flood my mind. It was so fucking hot—the heat of her breath, the way her tight pussy gripped my cock, and how much she begged me to fuck her. Then she ran out like a thief in the night, practically tossing me a twenty-dollar bill as if I were a cheap trick.

As the last customers trickle out, I know I should leave, too. But I linger, not quite ready to tear myself away from Harper’s magnetic presence. Just a few more minutes, I tell myself. A few more precious moments before I confront her and risk her wrath.

“Can I help you find anything?” Harper asks, eyeing me suspiciously as she refolds the scarves I handled.

“Just looking,” I mutter, suddenly very interested in a display of socks, trying not to look directly into her eyes for fear I’ll lose my train of thought.

Harper hovers nearby as I move to the next table. “Are you sure? Perhaps some nice pink panties?”

I whirl around, ready to tell her off, but the words die in my throat. Harper’s so fucking beautiful, she steals the air straight from my lungs. But I’m determined not to look like a stalker. “I’ll buy every last pair if you promise to wear them for me,” I say with a smirk.

Her eyebrows shoot up, but I catch a hint of amusement in her expression. “Lower your voice. I don’t want anyone to know about what happened. It was a one-time thing and now I want to forget about it.”

“One-time thing?” I grin at her, enjoying our little game. “We both know you’ve been thinking about it ever since.”

“You’re delusional and conceited. It was somewhat fun, but hardly the best I’ve ever had.” Harper drops the volume of her voice and looks over her shoulders, ensuring no one is within earshot. “Now buy your pink panties and leave.”

“Is that a proposition? Are you saying you’ll wear them for me?”

“I said forget about all that. I know you’re up to something, and our little tryst must have been part of your bigger plan. You caught me in a vulnerable moment,” Harper replies, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. “And I’m still not convinced you’re not here to cause trouble.”

I lean in conspiratorially. “Well then, I guess you’ll just have to keep a close eye on me, won’t you?”

“Or I could save myself the headache and ask security to follow you around.” Harper narrows her gaze and steps close enough to whisper, “Don’t think I’m not onto you, Silas Fraser. You’re not as clever as you think.”

I force a confused smile, scrambling to regain control. “I know you’re into me, Harper. You’re not as subtle as you believe.”

“Enough,” Harper cuts me off. “I’ve been watching you. I know you’re trying to get my lease terminated, and I’m not above using unorthodox tactics to get you off my ass.”

My mind races with one dirty thought after another. “Your ass? I’ve yet to explore that region, but if that interests you, I can work it in the next time you beg me to fuck you. And if you’re talking about sending your mother to bully me, she’s come and gone. I told her I wouldn’t try to close you down anymore. Did you tell her about what a bratty girl you were in my office? I bet she’d love to know what kind of daughter she raised.”

Harper lets out a harsh laugh. “Drop the act. I know you’re here to find another reason to close me down, and you won’t get away with it.”

“The store is empty. Why don’t you lock the door and show me your office. It’s only fair we christen yours now.” I quirk an eyebrow and study her stern expression.

She’s even prettier when she’s enraged.

CHAPTER 9

HARPER

Imarch toward the front door, keys jangling in my hand. Silas remains by the counter, watching me with those annoyingly sexy eyes. “For your information, this is policy,” I say curtly, jamming the key into the lock. “We close at 8 PM sharp on Saturdays.”

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