Page 73 of The Assignment: Room 3

“Like me? Pray tell, what am Ilike?”

“You have no attachments or responsibilities. No kids to worry about, which isn’t a bad thing. Kids complicate life.”

“If you could go back, would you wait to have a child?”

“No.” My voice is irate, even though I know it’s just a question meant with no malice or judgment. “I’d go through every hardship a million times over to have Gracie.”

“Can I ask where is her father?”

“Dead.” I have no desire to elaborate on that piece of shit.

“I’m sorry for your loss.” That’s a joke. I would dance on Michael’s grave given half the chance. He would’ve been a terrible father.

“I really need to get home.”

“Of course. Sorry. I didn’t mean to grill you.” He reaches into his wallet and drops a hundred-dollar bill. “Let’s go.” He takes my hand in his, and it’s warm, strong, and comforting in a way I know I’ve already let myself get used to.

When we get to the bike, I reach for my helmet, but before I can put it on, Flex leans in, wrapping his arm around my waist. He gently presses his lips to my cheek, the scent of his cologne intoxicating my senses. I release an audible moan as his mouth moves to the shell of my ear. “Flex.” I’m not sure if it’s a plea for more or for him to stop being so damn irresistible.

“Remember to hold on tight, pet. I want your thighs wrapped around me… for safety.” Holy Mother of all that is good and pure. I need to stop this before I get hurt, but God, he’s so dominant in everything he does. The submissive in me wants to beg him to take me right here, right now. The mom in me wins out and always will. I need to go home and get my head out of the clouds.

Flex triple-checks my helmet before I climb on behind him, savoring his proximity, and we peel out onto the road. Before today, I’d never been on a motorcycle, too afraid at the prospect. I don’t know why I trust Flex so intrinsically. Is it that he served his country or that he owns a security firm? With my arms wrapped around his waist, I close my eyes and let everything else fade away. I feel so safe, and it’s something I long gave up on.

The ride home is exhilarating, and I’m a little sad when we pull up outside my house. I don’t want to let go of Flex, but I know I have to. When he kills the engine and takes off his helmet, his hair is messy and sexy as hell—like he’s freshly fucked. My whole body reacts to him, his smile making me weak at the knees.

“Thanks for coming out with me today, pet.”Fuck me. Say it again. Call me your pet.

“I should be the one saying thank you. You didn’t have to come here or take me out for lunch. It was nice.”

“Celest…” He reaches for my hand.

“Mommy!” Gracie comes running out the front door, my mom at her back, trying to slow her down. “You’re back. Can we churro?”

I sweep her up into my arms. “Hey, little miss. Yes, we can churro.”

She peeks around me to where Flex sits astride his bike. “Are you coming?”

“Gracie, I’m sure Flex has other things to do.” Her tiny pout is so sassy.

“Nope. No plans. I do enjoy churros. I’d love to come with you, Gracie. If it’s okay with your mommy.”

Is he kidding right now? I can’t say no to that little face as she beams up at me. “Sure. Do you want to come and get churros with us, Flex?”

The smug expression on his face is annoyingly endearing. I’deven venture to call it cute. Not a word I ever thought I would use to describe Flex Navarro.

“Yes, I’d like to come with you.” I watch as he gets off the bike with such fluidity. His every move exudes confidence. Even the way he walks is sexy.

I turn to him. “Give me a few minutes to get Gracie ready, and we can go.”

“Celest…” my mom chastises me. “Invite the boy inside.” Everything about this moment has me on edge. It’s bad enough that Flex knows I live in this neighborhood.

“I’m sure Flex doesn’t want a tour of our home.”

She ignores me and extends the invitation. “Would you like to come inside? Would you like a drink?”

He smiles, and it’s completely disarming. “It’s lovely to meet you properly, Mrs. Monroe. I’m Felix.” I’m pretty sure I can see her cheeks blush when she shakes his hand.

“Please, call me Nora. Tell me, Felix, are you dating my daughter?”

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