Page 124 of Lush

“So hardheaded,” he growled, his pace slowing but not losing any of its punishing precision. Every thrust still found my spot, sending shockwaves through me. “Quit pushing me away and take this fuckin’ dick.”

“That’s my spot,” I gasped, my voice breaking.

“Right here?” His smirk was downright devious, his hips angling to hit that spot over and over. Each slow stroke had moans spilling from my mouth like a broken record.

“Fuck!” we shouted in unison, our voices tangling in the heated air.

Pleasure hit me so hard, I nearly fell back. He held on to my hips tight while he went deeper and harder, making sure I remembered every moment.

I could feel myself getting him all wet, slippery and wild, dripping down from his cock. Reese’s cock pulsed inside me, his release driving me higher, my walls clenching around him in one final desperate grip before I collapsed against his chest, trembling, spent, and entirely his.

I took a few moments, letting my heartbeat come down andlistening to the steady beat of his as he softly stroked my back. I faced him, and his smile was gentle, almost goofy.

“I’m scared,” I choked out.

“I know,” he murmured, the scent of his cologne filling my nostrils, pulling me closer until his arms wrapped around me completely. “Me too.”

CHAPTER 24

Laurene

This weekend with Reese?Perfect. Just us, uninterrupted. It was like time stopped—we just talked, made love, and enjoyed each other’s company. I didn’t want to get out of bed from under him when Monday came and reality hit.

At my desk, I went through every sketch and plan for my art exhibit. My team wasn’t exactly on board, but oh well. I was gonna make that exhibition happen, no matter what they thought.

A voice crackled over the intercom.

“Mrs. Ashbourne.” The way my new name sounded—so unfamiliar, yet so right—made me smile. I hadn’t expected it to feel like this, and a quiet, unexpected joy settled over me. “You have a visitor.”

“Who is it?”

“It’s the mayor.”

A wave of nausea washed over me.Dante. Here. Why now?

“Send him in,” I managed to say.

After all this time, after everything, this was how we finally came face-to-face.

He walked in, cool and commanding. Dante Castillo was aman you couldn’t quite pin down. His charm was disarming, his smile as polished as a mirror. “Laurene. As beautiful as ever.”

I stood, extending my hand with practiced grace.God, I wish Reese were here.

“As charming as ever,” I said, concealing my emotions. His lips brushed my knuckles; his hand was warm against mine. A performance, like everything else about him.

Because no one—least of all Dante Castillo—showed up without a motive.

“Being a newlywed doesn’t stop work, does it?” He gestured to the papers on my desk. “I’ve heard about your upcoming exhibit. It’s creating quite a buzz.”

“You already know about that?” I feigned shock. “It’s not public knowledge.”

His harsh features softened in a knowing smile. A neat beard framed his strong jaw. Long, dark hair added a touch of untamed elegance to his otherwise meticulously tailored suit.

“Information travels fast when people are eager to impress.”

I sat, raising an eyebrow. “Impress?I didn’t know you had so much clout?”

“Don’t underestimate me, your family isn’t the only one that makes people jump.” His eyes challenged mine.

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