Page 59 of Resisting Temptation

He lets out a deep, low chuckle. “Tomorrow, before the sun goes down, you will have broken it off with her.” He shoves me in the chest then gives me one last look before heading back inside.

I glare back at him, confused. This is some fucked-up bullshit.

“There you are. I was wondering where you got to,” comes Margo’s sweet voice as she steps out onto the terrace. She places a hand on my back softly, and I flinch. “Noah, what’s wrong?” she asks sweetly, but my whole body goes still.

“Who is Adrian Giorgio? And don’t lie to me,” I spit out, anger dripping off my every word. Up until now, I have placed my trust in her and accepted everything she has told me. But this introduction seems like a deliberate manipulation on her part, and I need to understand the true intentions behind it.

Margo gazes back at me. She looks as frightened as a little mouse caught by the cat. “He owns a huge number of businesses in town. He’s well-respected. Why, what happened? He said he just wanted a friendly chat with you, he pledged a lot of money to our campaign.”

I maintain a persistent stare, refusing to let her easily evade the situation with her words. My chest feels tight, and I’m struggling to breathe. I’m on the verge of completely losing my shit. “He insisted I end my relationship with Paisley. Why the fuck does he think he’s got the power to demand something like that?You know this game, you’ve been in it a while. Has something like this happened before?”

There’s a faint spark in her eyes that I don’t like the look of. She’s hiding something from me. “He holds significant influence in this community. If Mayor Micheals was asked to jump, he wouldn’t even ask how high, he would just do it.”

As I tug my fingers through my hair, I can sense the weight pressing down on my shoulders. This was never going to be easy; I was under no illusion that this town was something it wasn’t. But I expected more from Margo. Somehow, I thought she was legit and we would avoid the corruption. She of all people knew how I felt about it, after my father’s arrest.

“My campaign is fucked because of Doctor Whittaker.” The words stab at my soul like tiny little knives.

Her delicate hand comes to my arm, bringing my attention back to her. “We don’t know that, Noah.”

My spine straightens. “I’m not walking away from Paisley, Margo. So, we do know.”

Playfully her hand dusts up the length of my suit jacket. “Hey, Noah, don’t let this get to you. I’m sure I can fix this. I’m a fixer, it’s what I do.” Her eyes meet mine, as if she’s using them to try and convince me of her words. “Okay. Let me go into damage control for you.” Her hand lingers on my arm, and she gazes up at me. “I can fix this. You go home, get some rest, and let me take care of it for you.”

My jaw ticks, and I take a step back from her. What the hell does she think she can do to fix this? From where I’m standing, I have two choices: walk away from being mayor or my girl. I won’t be controlled.“What are you going to do?” I ask, a seriousness to my tone. I’m not fucking around anymore. Her behavior tonight has left a bitter taste in my mouth. She invited him, so she must have known he was going to threaten me.

With a sugary-sweet smile, she bats her lashes in what I can only assume she believes is an adorable manner. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll come up with something. Mr. Giorgio likes me, I’m sure I can convince him to let this slide, that Paisley is important to you.”

That wasn’t the answer I wanted to hear. He likes her! Now, I’m really worried. What exactly is her role in this town? “I need to get out of here,” I mutter, walking away from her.

Chapter 32

Paisley

His soft silky sheets envelop me like a warm cocoon. I’m waiting for Noah to get home after his donor dinner, my stomach churning uncomfortably. The guilt of sneaking around since Monday is catching up with me. I love Noah, and I want to be with him more than anything, but I don’t want to let Beckett down, and since he asked me to stay away from Noah until the campaign is over, every time I see him I feel so guilty. I tell myself today’s the day I talk to him. The day that I let him know I can’t see him again until after the election. But I just can’t bring myself to do it. It’s taken so long for us to find our way back to each other. I don’t want to walk away from him, even if it’s only for a month. Honestly, I never want to leave his side again. And I know that makes me an awful person because Beckett’s been so good to me. I owe my shop to him. Not only that, but he was there for me when I was falling apart over my father. He’s a decent person, and he deserves so much better.

The front door opens, and I make out the echo of Noah’s footsteps climbing the stairs two at a time. Apprehensive butterflies take flight throughout my body. Then he’s there in the doorway, his gorgeous face illuminated by the bedside lamp. I lick my lips, so ready to taste him.

“You’re lucky you’re already here. I was prepared to drag you back here tonight over my shoulder if you weren’t,” he says, a dark edge to his voice. He looks out of sorts. His tie’s already hanging from his pocket, and the first few buttons of his shirt are undone. Kicking off his shoes, then removing his suit jacket, he stalks toward his bed.

“Are you okay?” I ask, cautiously wondering what happened tonight.

“I fucking am now,” he says, ripping the comforter off me, a wicked smile painting his lips. Oh God, this man. This is why I can’t leave him; he looks at me like I’m the answer to all his dirty prayers. And I want to be. He’s the answer to all of mine.

I spread my legs for him, showing him how wet my bare pussy is. “I was ready to start without you,” I tease, enjoying the hungry look in his eyes as he eats me up.

The rest of his suit is gone in a matter of seconds, and he is on me, pinning my arms above my head. “You have no idea how delicious you look, naked in my sheets.” His mouth meets mine, melting me into a puddle. The stubble of his face scratches my skin, but I don’t care. I kiss him with just as much desperation. He tastes of bourbon and smells of Dior Sauvage, the aftershave he’s been wearing for years. My eyes close, enjoying him invading all of my senses. I want him to leave his mark on me in every way tonight.

“Noah, I need you to fuck me hard and bare. I want to feel you.” I stare back at him. He knows this is a lot for me, but I want it. I need it. I need him to know I’m right there with him, so deep in this crazy love that we share for each other.

He pulls back from me. “You, Paisley baby, are pure perfection.” His hand runs down my body over my breasts then over my stomach, leaving a trail of gooseflesh in their wake. My nipples form stiff peaks, begging to be touched, and right on cue, he toys with them, sending tingles of pleasure right down to my throbbing pussy. He takes one in his mouth, sucking roughly as he continues to deliciously twist the other. His tongue flicks over the metal ring.

A breathy moan escapes me. “Yes,” I tell him, wanting more.

His other hand slips between my legs, finding my sensitive spot, and he runs delicate circles around my clit. My back arches off his bed, needing more. His other hand comes to my stomach, holding me in place, then he kisses me roughly down my front, shoving my legs apart greedily. “All night I was thinking about tasting you.” He studies me, one hand still playing with my clit.

“I’m so close already,” I whimper, my body trembling with anticipation.

His hooded eyes meet mine. “Hold it. I want you to cum on my cock.” He licks his lips then buries his head between my legs, stroking his tongue through my folds.

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