Page 83 of Seduction in Spades

His gaze rakes over my body, and I return the favor. His erection is obvious in his slate gray slacks, bulging against his zipper. I lick my lips, possibly unconsciously... nah, I’m totally aware of my actions.

For fun, I stretch my arms above my head, knowing it will elongate my naked torso and squeeze my boobs together. I turn around and do one more sun salutation, staying extra long in my downward dog, keeping my ass directed toward Nolan. When I stand, I stare at him in the window again.

“Dinner’s ready,” he says, monotone, before heading back into the kitchen.

The three of us eat in silence, which is normal. Usually, I’m the one blabbering away to fill in empty air, but this week I’ve been quiet. Neither Trey nor Nolan call me on it. Not that I’d expect them to. Well, I’d expect Nolan to if he wasn’t the one to cause the weird behavior between us.

After Trey leaves for The Club, Nolan does the dishes and I take a long bath. An hour later, I come out to the living room to relax in front of the television. The penthouse is unusually quiet. I don’t hear his shower running, and there’s no light coming from under his door.

I’m about to go looking for him when there’s a knock on the door. The hair on the back of my neck stands on end. My heart begins to race, and I search the room for a space to hide and for something to use as a weapon.

“Avery? Are you up?” Nora calls from the other side of the door.

I cover my heart with my hand and take two deep, calming breaths. Nolan and Trey’s behavior have put me on high alert. I open the door to Nora, and she engulfs me in a hug.

“I haven’t seen you in five days. How are you? I brought chocolate.” She holds up a carton of rocky road ice cream.

“I take it you had a nice getaway with Drake?”

“Oh, did I ever.” Her smile reaches her hairline, and I can’t help my laugh.

“I’d ask for details, but I’m guessing you never left your hotel room.”

“We did some hiking and visited a few antique shops.” She takes down two bowls and I find an ice cream scoop and two spoons. “Other than that, yeah, we stayed in the room except to take Daisy out.”

We take our ice cream to the living room and talk about Boston, work, the weather, their trip to the White Mountains. Anything except the threat to my life and the danger the men could be in.

“How was Ohio? I’ve heard Nolan’s family is super nice.”

“They are. His niece and nephew are adorable too. Katie was jealous of me and clung to Nolan, but I hear she does that anyway. I got to snuggle and read books to little Theo. He’s precious.”

“That’s so sweet. Have you always wanted to have kids?”

“What? Kids? Me?” I laugh. “No. Well, I’ve never thought about it.”

“Ever thought about marriage and settling down?”

“Honestly? No.” I curl my feet under my butt and toss a blanket over my legs. “Trey and I didn’t grow up in the most loving household. I think our parents loved each other in their own way. Trey and I were... more annoyances than a part of them.”

“I’m so sorry.”

She doesn’t ask for more details, and I don’t provide them. I don’t like to talk about my family. It’s depressing, and I don’t want or need anyone’s pity.

We’re both yawning, and Nora checks her phone. “I should let you get to bed.” She stands and gives me a hug. “Nolan should be back soon. Want me to tell Hugh to come in?”

“Nolan isn’t here?”

For the past hour, I didn’t think about him once, thoroughly enjoying having girl time. I’m surprised he left me alone. Although... “Who is Hugh?”

“Nolan didn’t tell you?”

I snort. “Nolan’s turned into Trey. He grunts one and two-word responses. Barks orders.” I lift my shoulder and feign nonchalance.

“Oh.” Nora frowns. “That’s not like him. Drake said Hugh was on his SEAL time. He’s helping... keep you, us, safe.”

If you can’t treat me like a human, fuck off and get me another bodyguard.I guess Nolan called me on my bluff.

It’s nothing personal. Hell, it’s everything personal.

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