Page 35 of A Man of Wealth

She sits on the edge of the bed and crosses her legs, unbashful about her body. I finish with my phone and set it on the charging stand as I pull back the comforter for us.

“Are you sure?” she asks, cocking her head to one side.

Am I sure? That’s a loaded question if I ever did hear one. I check myself. Yes, I want her here in bed. I want to wake up with her next to me. That’s a first. Normally, if a woman gave me the perfect out, I’d take it in a heartbeat.

“Yes, get in,” I command. She studies me for a long beat, presumably deciding what to do. I’m pleased when she crawls across the bed and settles herself under my blanket.

I crawl in beside her.

“Lights off,” I say to the automated system that controls my lights as I pull her against me. She places her head on my chest and giggles.

“What?” I prod.

Sighing she nestles closer to me, wrapping an arm over my chest.

“Is everything in your homes automated in some way? Do you do anything manually?” The words are out of her mouth before she realizes the sexual innuendo.

I smirk even though she can’t see my face. “Oh, curious cat, I do many things manually as you just experienced.”

She groans, making my smirk widen. Slapping my chest, she glances up at me. “You’re a real asshole, you know that?”

I shrug. “I’ve been called worse.”

“I’m sure you have,” she mumbles.

I chuckle and her head bounces on my chest. “So fiery.”

She pokes my side and looks up at me. “I’m only fiery because I have to put up with your assholishness.”

“I’m sorry, is that a real word? Do you use that in news articles?”

“Yes, all the time,” she says in a mocking tone.

I place my hand on her head and force her to resume using my chest as a pillow. She complies after giving me a glaring look.

“Curtains closed,” I say. The blackout curtains in my room close over the blinds, creating a space of complete darkness. It’s funny how when one sense is removed, the others become heightened. My memory drifts to my granny, and all the happy times I had with her as she taught me how to do things in the dark. She was the one to teach me that you can live in the darkness without being scared, little did she know just how relevant that lesson would be in other areas of my life.

Her skin feels smoother. I can smell my shampoo on her hair as I lean my nose into her wavy locks. I can hear her soft breaths and feel them on my chest.

I bring my hand up and cover hers. It feels small in my hand. I run my thumb over the back of it. Her skin is soft and delicate. She seems almost fragile, yet I know she’s fierce.

She relaxes more, draping her leg over mine. Normally, cuddling after sex isn’t my thing, but this…has me wanting more. After kissing her head, I lean back into my pillow and make the executive decision that for the moment, I’m going to just let this be what it’s going to be. I’m going to enjoy this moment, while I feel calm and happy. I’ll figure out the rest later.

Chapter16

Vivienne

I wake from the heat.I’m so hot. Why am I so hot?

I struggle to move, but I can’t. My eyes fly open in fear as I try to figure out where I am. It’s pitch black, and it takes me a long moment to realize that I’m in Conner’s bed. And…I’m the little spoon. Conner’s arms are wrapped around me, and his one leg is over mine, essentially covering my body with his. He’s like the surface of the sun. I can’t tell what time it is in the dark confines of his bedroom. I try to squirm loose, but he just tightens his grip. He mutters something in his sleep.

I manage to get the comforter off me and sigh when the cool air hits my skin. His hand moves and covers my breast. He squeezes slightly.

“Conner?” I mumble.

“Go back to sleep,” he mutters.

“I’m hot,” I say, squirming some more.

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