Page 142 of The Wrong Play

I leaned against the counter, my gaze locked onto hers. “You’re always running around, working, studying…stressing yourself out. Maybe this is the universe telling you to slow down a little.”

She huffed. “Or maybe it’s just the universe being a jerk.”

I chuckled, tilting my head. “Look at it this way—you get more time to yourself now. More time to relax, sleep in, maybe even let me take care of you a little.”

She rolled her eyes. “I don’t need to be taken care of.”

“I know,” I said smoothly, my fingers tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “But that doesn’t mean you don’tdeserveto be. And think of the orgasms. You can have so many more orgasms in that free time.”

She hesitated, her lips parting like she wanted to argue but couldn’t quite find the words. I could see the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes, the way she fought against the ideaof letting herselfbetaken care of. It only made me more determined.

“Come on, Riley-girl. Think about it,” I murmured, running my hands up and down her arms. “No more dealing with customers who don’t tip. No more aching feet after standing all day. Just…free time. And me. And orgasms. Sounds pretty great, don’t you think?”

She exhaled slowly. “I guess when you put it like that…”

I grinned. “Exactly. You deserve a life of leisure. One where you can focus on what really matters.”

She smirked. “And what exactly do you thinkreallymatters?”

I leaned in, my voice dropping. “Me, obviously.”

Her face heated, and she quickly turned away, grabbing a glass of water. “You’re insufferable.”

“I believe the word you were looking for…is cute.” Riley scoffed, of course.

I watched her closely, my smirk widening. If she thought this was the end of it, she was wrong. Because next, I had my sights set on that damn bookstore job.

She might not realize it yet, but soon enough, she’d have all the time in the world.

And she’d spend it exactly where she belonged—with me.

As I drew her in my arms that night after an hour spent giving her the promised orgasms, there was one thing still bothering my mind.

She still had that haunted look in her eye.

And I still didn’t know what was causing it.

CHAPTER 26

RILEY

The email hit my inbox at exactly 8:04 a.m.

Subject: Academic Standing

Dear Ms. St. James,

Please report to the Administration Office at your earliest convenience regarding an urgent academic matter.

Best,

Dr. Elaine Morrison

Academic Affairs

I stared at the screen, my stomach twisting.

Nothing good ever came from being summoned by Academic Affairs.

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