Page 179 of Fiery Romance

Every single errand I run has one parking spot conveniently in front of the business. It’s like hitting a green light at every stop.

Life is fair.After the horrible meeting with Genevieve, I’m being given a break.

My stomach growls again.

I check my watch and my eyebrows hike.

I’d expected errands to take up most of my day, but with all the good luck I’ve had with parking, I’m well ahead of schedule.

Deciding to treat myself to my favorite dessert, I stop at a famous bakery and note the long line going through the door.

As I debate whether I should go in or not, my phone rings.

Clay.

My shoulders stiffen.

He had a chance to free you from the contract and he didn’t.

I frown, send the call to voicemail, grab my purse and determinedly march toward the shop. After the day I’ve had, Ideserveto have a super deluxe chocolate pastry and I will get it, dammit!

I’m halfway to the shop when a cool, deep tone sounds behind me. “Am I mistaken or are you avoiding me, Miss Hayes?”

I turn and find Clay stalking towards me, dripping with his usual imposing confidence. He’s dressed in a tight T-shirt and a pair of dark green trousers. Expression stern. He’s thunder and steel from head to toe, from skin to soul. A god playing with his creation. Cold. Unattainable.

I remain in place, eyes narrowing and waiting for him to walk up to me.

He wants to control you.Genevieve’s words ring in my head.

“Looks like you and I had the same idea.” He gestures to the bakery, a small smile playing on his lips.

“You expect me to believe that you justhappenedto show up here?”

“Would you believe that I’m human and like dessert too?”

I frown at him.

He’s manipulating you.

“I don’t have time to talk, Clay. I still have a lot left to do today.”

He smirks. “I didn’t come here to bother you, Island.”

I want to be mad at him. But when he smiles like that, the slight upward tip of the corners of his mouth, blue eyes gleaming with dirty promises, it’s enough to make my knees weak.

He’s a controlling, blackmailing criminal. Can a criminal keep his son?

I swallow hard and turn sharply. “Good. You didn’t come here to bother me and I don’t want to be bothered by you. We’re on the same page.” I check my watch and frown at the long line.

Maybe I should just leave.

Clay’s here anyway, making my heart beat faster with his blue eyes and his muscular body. And does hehaveto wear a shirt that tight?

My eyes stray to his abs and I quickly jerk around. I should probably drive by a fast food chain and order fries and a milkshake.

When I start to leave, Clay stops me. “Didn’t you come all the way here to eat?” His blue eyes peer into mine. “I remember you mentioning this was your favorite bakery.”

He remembers that?

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