Page 65 of Bryce

Heat settled andclimbed steadily as she continued to stare at him. His musclesbunched and flexed as he slapped his palms on the blue-green tilesand ducked his head under the spray.

He had a well-tonedbody and was tanned all over. Her eyes drifted over the tapered backto the taut buttocks and powerful legs covered with dense dark hairs.

He was a magnificentcreature, and he was all hers. She had the sudden urge to bite himall over. Doing the next best thing, she stripped naked and steppedin behind him.

“Let me.”She saw when he stiffened, but did not turn around as she took thesponge and started soaping his back. He remained silent, fighting theinstant response to her touch.

“I was mad.”

He grunted, fingerscurling into fists. Her hands slipped around his front. His fingersdug into his palms as she played the sponge over his abs and driftedlower.

“I know I wentoff earlier, but I was just venting.” Her hands drifted lower,and he felt as if his head was about to burst. “But I am overit now.”

“Is thatright?” His voice was rusty as if something was lodged in histhroat.

“Yes.”She dipped lower and hummed inside her throat as she felt hisresponse. “And I am asking for your forgiveness. It seems Idon’t have to ask.”

“Is that so?”He was repeating himself, but his mind was blown to bits.

“Hmm.”Dropping the sponge, she used her very capable hands that had thepower to drive him completely insane. When he could not take itanymore, he turned abruptly and hauled her against him, his lipscrushing on hers hotly.

*****

They had the meetingin the elegant little green and gold salon just next to the library.Zahra had had enough time to get herself settled before they came andlast night. Bryce had assured her that he was right there with her.

She had dressed forthe part, deciding on a brand-new aquamarine sweater that was not tootight and paired it with a tan dress pants. Her hair was partiallytamed and twisted into a heavy knot at the nape of her neck.

Gold earrings dangledat her lobes, and she was wearing the exquisite pearl and sapphireengagement ring, Bryce had given her to seal their engagement.

His hand was drapedaround her shoulders and there was a combative gleam in his eyes.Blaine and Maxine Whitlock were seated on a tan leather sofa next tothe window. Catherine, wearing a stunning mint green silk pants suit,completely unsuitable for the occasion was perched on a deepcushioned sofa next to the fireplace.

“So, it’strue then.” Maxine balanced the cup and saucer in her eleganthands, blue eyes taking in the closeness of the couple seated acrossfrom them. “You’re getting married.”

“We are, yes.”Bryce drew her closer to him and pressed a kiss on her temple.“December.”

She turned her headto give him a swift glance that had him lifting his brows.

“I don’tsee any reason to wait.”

“Why the rush?”Blaine asked icily, his eyes drifting to her stomach. “Unlessthere’s a reason for the haste.”

His son gave him amild look and shook his head. “She’s not pregnant, yet.But we want to get the legalities out of the way.”

Zahra nudged hisribs. “Mr. & Mrs. Whitlock, I know this comes as asurprise…”

“Try shock.”

Holding onto hertemper, Zahra gave the woman a level stare. “Bryce and I are inlove…”

“You barelyknow each other.”

“I don’tsee what that has to do with anything.” Catherine was smilingcharmingly. “We’re going to be a family. I think that’swonderful.”

“You would.”Blaine swung his cold gaze towards her. “Just don’t thinkthat this gives you leave to ask for any favors.”

“How dare…”

“Enough.”Bryce’s voice was low but had the power to silence all of them.“We did you all the courtesy of telling you, but if you don’twant to be at the wedding, then so be it.” He sent his parentsan icy look.

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