Page 42 of Devour

Leaning into her so my lips can brush against hers. “What just happened is – your body is reminding you who you belong to.”

I jerk her pants up and roughly untie the belt from the branch, leaving her wrists still bound. I’ll let her manage that on her own.

“Hey. A little help.”

The SUV pulls up the same time as Ethel. I wink and hurry off back to the house to fetch my clothes and then catch my ride. I’ll be seeing her again soon. She can give me a tongue-lashing then.

Miss Bowman sits in her desk chair with a cold smile on her face as I enter her office. Mr. Bradly quickly stands and comes to shake my hand. I squeeze his a little too tightly. I walk over to Miss Bowman who is now standing.

“Miss Bowman, thank you for accommodating my schedule by meeting me on a Saturday.” I initially pushed for a weekendmeeting. The office is closed so there would be no distractions and it will allow us to take our time. However, there’s a slight problem. Luckily for them, it’s an easy fix. It’s the only reason I’m keeping my anger at a slow boil. My requests were clear, yet ignored. “I see we’re missing one for our meeting?”

“Mr. Deschamps. The employee you requested will be working on the project, but we thought it was best for our first –”

“You thought?” Her eyes widen in surprise at my interruption. “I’m going to try very hard to not be an asshole right now, but I’m investing millions into your little company for this event. With the possibility of multiple events into the millions. Don’t fuck this up by not meeting my one request.”

“You hiredmycompany. She works here and will be at every other meeting. It’s Saturday. The company is closed but to show our appreciation we opened for you, but it is Miss Goodman’s day off.”

My temper is simmering. “Get Miss Goodman in here now. We’ve wasted enough time.”

Miss Bowman lifts her cell phone. “Of course.”

“And Miss Bowman.” I’m barely keeping my voice from a growl. “If she isn’t here, I’ll take that as a personal insult from you as not being prepared for our first meeting. I’m sure your competition would never treat their clients so carelessly.”

Mr. Bradly clears his throat. “We are both well-seasoned experts, Mr. Deschamps. You’ll be in excellent hands until the lovely Miss Goodman can take the lead…”

His voice trails off as I level him with glare, barely biting back my rage. I’ll be damned if I’m going to tolerate anything from this handsy prick. I didn’t miss the way he saidlovelyMiss Goodman.

“Please, Maeve. It’s an emergency. I need you herenow.” I almost chuckle. Maeve is tied up, and it’s all my fault. She’ll be here, though. I don’t mind waiting. They should’ve informed herof the meeting. When she didn’t mention needing to leave early at her grandmother’s, I knew they must not have included her. Miss Bowman is sweating and looks to be on the verge of a panic attack. Maeve must be telling her she’s out of town.

“I’m going for lunch. I’ll be back in an hour for our meeting when all the parties are here.”

My parting gift is an evil smirk.

Twenty-Three

Maeve

I’m assured that this is an emergency, and I am desperately needed for this meeting. Going in on my day off wouldn’t be an issue, but I’m panicking that I’m a dirty mess, thanks Nicholas, and I’m two towns away. Seeing Nicholas Deschamps sitting at my grandmother’s table and then chasing me into the woods to eat me out also has my heart still thundering out of my chest. I have to clear my mind. This is my career. I never should’ve been seduced by him again. But my stupid greedy lustful ovaries. Or hormones. Whatever is causing my body to short circuit and only crave his dick no matter how dangerous the situation may be.

I apologize to Gram for such a short visit. “Even though it’s partially your fault,” I tell her.

“By the leaves and debris in your hair, I don’t think you’re that heartbroken he was here, dear.”

“Are you not concerned that you invited someone who could’ve been a psycho into your house and left him with your granddaughter?”

“I searched him for weapons and only left him with one. Your pappy was a big man, but I must say, I was a little worried about the size of what this one was packing.”

Nothing can prepare you for what Ethel Goodman will say. “You looked?”

“You’re darn right I did. I’ve lived a long life with no regrets. I intend to keep doing that until the day the good Lord calls me home.”

“Do perverted old ladies go to heaven?”

“Oh, listen to you. Besides I complimented God on His good work with that one. I always give the glory to Him.”

“Please tell me you didn’t tell Nicholas you were admiring his manhood.”

“I didn’t have to tell him. I was doing it openly. I even gave a thumbs up when I walked by. But I didn’t tell him it was one of the nicest I’d seen. Men and their egos, ya know.”

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