Page 66 of Strictly Business

“I’m serious, Nicholas,” she chuckles, breaking the kiss. “I’m all sticky from last night, and I still need to shower.”

I groan, the thought of her full of my cum making my blood heat, and I move in to kiss her again. But before I can, my phone buzzes on the nightstand.

I let out a frustrated sigh and grab it, seeing Robert’s name flash on the screen.

“Good morning, Nicholas,” Robert’s clipped voice comes through the speaker. “I was wondering if you had time to talk today.”

I sit up, stretching a little as I try to shake off the grogginess. Amara stirs next to me, glancing over with tired eyes. “I wasn’t expecting you to drop by,” I mutter, rubbing my face.

“I wasn’t planning on it, but there are a few things we need to go over.”

I glance at Amara, who’s watching me curiously. “Of course. I’ll be there soon.”

“Work?” she guesses.

I nod, pressing my lips together. “Robert wants to see me.”

Her brows furrow, the concern deepening. “You think he knows?”

I take a slow breath. If Robert found out the engagement wasn’t real, it’d be a huge problem. Not just because the deal would undoubtedly fall through, but… My gaze flickers to Amara. This would end between us.

“I don’t think so, but who the fuck knows.”

I blow out a breath, my mind swirling with the possibilities of what Robert could want. Amara’s concerned gaze lingers on me, but I can’t focus on that right now—not when I’m more distracted by the soft curve of her lips and the warmth of her body beside me.

I lean in, capturing her lips with mine in a kiss. Her hand slides up my chest, pulling me closer, and for a moment, everything else fades into the background. There’s nothing but her.

But—of course—Pumpkin decides this is the perfect moment to jump up onto the bed and cockblock me.

I pull away from her lips with a groan, and Amara chuckles, scratching the cat’s head as Pumpkin purrs contentedly against her chest. “Are you hungry, baby?”

I roll my eyes, irritated, as Pumpkin snuggles into Amara, purring softly with her eyes closed. I let out a sigh. I did agree to share Amara, and… she’s kind of cute, I guess.

“Come on,” Amara says, rolling out of bed. “Let’s go get you some food.”

As she stands, the sight of her full ass greets me, and I pause for a moment, just watching. The curve of her hips, the way her skin glows in the morning light. I drag a hand down my face. All I want is to stay in bed with this woman, but work—and her damn cat—are ruining that plan.

Amara gently places Pumpkin on the ground before pulling on a silk robe. The cat follows her out of the room, tail flicking.

I lie back against the bed, hands behind my head, watching her every move, my lips curling into a smile.

Then my gaze shifts to the ground, where Pumpkin turns her head back to look at me and lets out ameow.

My jaw practically hits the floor as I glare at her, as she follows Amara out the door.

Nicholas: 1, Pumpkin: 1.

Chapter twenty-three

Nicholas

Ican feel eyes on me.

It’s not unusual. I’m Nicholas Blackwood, after all. But today, it’s different.

Whispers ripple through the air, following me the moment I step into the office. My shoulders instinctively straighten as I make my way through the sea of desks, not sparing a glance at anyone.

Amara insisted on coming in ten minutes earlier than me this morning. She’s trying to avoid the attention that would surely bring if we walked in together. Personally? I don’t give a fuck about the gossip. I’d much rather stroll in with her, hand in hand, and kiss her right here in front of everyone, making it crystal clear who she belongs to.

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