Page 71 of Strictly Business

His expression shifts, his brows knitting together. “And what makes you think Savannah is one of them?”

“The way she looked at me,” I explain, fidgeting with my hands on my lap. “Like I was competition.”

He lets out a low chuckle, shaking his head as though I’ve said something absurd.

“It’s not funny,” I snap, a flush rising to my face.

Nicholas straightens, his smirk deepening. “It is if you think she would have any competition when it comes to you.”

My heart stutters. “So… does that mean—”

“No,” he says firmly, cutting me off before I can finish. “I haven’t slept with Savannah.”

Relief floods through me, even though I tell myself it shouldn’t matter. I tilt my head skeptically. “Really?”

His expression softens as he leans back into the couch. “I don’t mix business and pleasure.” His voice lowers. “And for the record, I never slept with those women you picked out either.”

I blink, thrown by his confession. “What?”

“That was all PR,” he explains. “Just a show to get the gossip sites buzzing. It was never real.”

“Kinda like us?” I ask cautiously.

Nicholas shakes his head slowly, his gaze steady as it locks onto mine. “No, baby. Not even close.” His hands find my face, his palms warm against my skin, grounding me as every trace of lingering jealousy dissolves. “You’re the only exception.”

“Yeah?” I whisper.

He leans in, his lips brushing against the sensitive skin of my jaw. Heat spreads through my body, sending a shiver down my spine. “The only one,” he murmurs.

Before I can respond, the sound of a soft cough echoes through the cabin.

Savannah stands in the doorway, her gaze flicking between us before settling on Nicholas. Her lips curve into the same flirtatious smile. “Sir, we’re ready for takeoff,” she announces, her eyes briefly grazing mine before returning to him as though I don’t exist.

“Thank you, Savannah,” Nicholas replies.

She lingers longer than necessary, her smile widening. “And if there’s anything I can do…”

I watch her with narrowed eyes, my fingers curling into fists on my lap.

“Actually,” Nicholas cuts in, surprising me. “There is something.”

She leans in, her voice filled with sugary sweetness. “Yes, sir?”

Nicholas’s hand curls around my waist, tugging me to his side, earning a gasp from me. “My fiancée and I are celebrating an anniversary today,” he lies, and I blink at the side of his head, wondering what the hell he’s doing. “We’d love a glass of champagne and some strawberries.” His eyes finally turn to face me, and he brushes his lips softly against mine, making my eyes flutter. “Anything you want, baby?” he asks, his hand finding its way to my waist, pulling me closer as he presses a soft kiss to the curve of my neck.

I shake my head, glancing up at Savannah, who just blinks, clearly taken aback.

“Of course, sir. I’ll be right back with your drinks.”

When the door clicks shut again, I let out a breath, shaking my head.

“That was a little unnecessary.”

Nicholas arches a brow, looking very pleased with himself as he stretches out on the couch. He taps his leg twice, a silent command.

“Sit, Amara,” he orders.

“Nicholas—”

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