Page 42 of Enemies with Benefits

She matched me look for look, her nostrils flaring slightly as she brazenly acknowledged my intent.

A throat cleared. Paolo. Had he asked a question? Or merely narrated another anecdote? When I looked his way, he raised his glass in a silent salute, which I answered. ‘To feisty women and all the exciting ways they keep us on our toes—eh,amigo?’

‘Sure,’ I responded, then grabbed the bull by the horns. ‘So, are we doing business, Paolo?’

‘It’s probably prudent for me to take a day to think on it.’

‘But come tomorrow you’ll be saying yes, right?’ Wren pressed. ‘Because otherwise you’d be disappointing me greatly for misjudging you for an astute businessman.’

Shrewd admiration flickered in his eyes. ‘Ah, the very fine art of complimenting and challenging that women seemed to have honed over the ages. How can I resist?’

Wren’s gaze met mine and we both silently acknowledged that he still hadn’t said yes. ‘I’ve sent you all the paperwork. What will it take to convince you tonight?’ she asked.

Another flicker of respect, then he set his shot glass down. ‘For La Tromba to be the signature drink you serve on the opening night and for the next seven nights. You can throw your vintage champagne and whatever else you like at your guests, but I want my tequila to be the showpiece. Dare I say even base the whole event around it?’

‘You aren’t trying to hijack my launch by any chance, are you, Paolo?’ I asked, my voice firm enough to reflect my seriousness.

He laughed. ‘I’m striking a good business deal by getting myself as much of the action as I can. You would do the same, my friend.’

‘Seven days is out of the question. But I think we can make something work, can’t we, Wren?’

She nodded. ‘I’ll speak to the event organisers, come up with something to show you by Monday. Provided you give us your agreement tonight,’ she said, her eyes steady on his, her smile replaced by steely determination.

Paolo smiled. ‘I understand why you brought her along,amigo. She drives a hard bargain.’

Wren’s challenging gaze slid to mine, and I fought the urge to squirm in my seat. ‘You have no idea.’

Paolo grinned and smacked his hand on the table. ‘Bueno, we have a deal.’

Wren smiled in triumph. She looked so stunning in that moment, I wanted to climb over the table and taste the beauty of it. The urge intensified as she snuck a glance at her watch. We’d been here close to two hours but Paolo was only halfway through the extensive tapas he’d ordered. At the very least we were looking at another forty-five minutes until this ordeal was over.

I forced myself to finish my steak and salad, my temperature skyrocketing with every sultry glance Wren slid my way.

I almost groaned in relief when the waiter arrived to clear away our plates. Only to glare at Wren when she smiled and asked, ‘Would you like some coffee, Paolo?’

Before I could utter the strenuous objection firing up my throat, her left hand landed on my knee. Without glancing my way, she toyed with her small diamond pendant with her right hand as her left slowly caressed up my thigh.

Was she really about to stroke me into a frothing frenzy beneath the table?Fuck yes, my senses shrieked.

Paolo contemplated the tequila bottle with longing before he shook his head. ‘Sí, I’ll take an espresso.’

I watched in frustration as the waiter hurried away to fetch the beverage, then I bit back a tight groan as Wren’s clever fingers landed on my steel-hard cock. She stroked me through further small talk as we waited for the espresso, and then under cover of observing the waiter set out the coffee, her fingers slowly lowered my zip, reached inside the opening in my boxers and wrapped her hand around my hot length.

Sweet holy hell.

Stars burst across my vision as she stroked me harder, all the while smiling through another Paolo anecdote. When she toyed with the head of my dripping cock, smoothing the liquid over me in an expert pump, I gripped her wrist, terrified for a second that I would disgrace myself in the restaurant.

‘Another nightcap, amigo?’ Paolo asked, once he’d finally finished his drink.

‘No!’ I stopped, cleared my throat. ‘I mean, I need to call it a night. I have an early morning meeting.’

He looked from my face to Wren’s, a smile twitching at his lips before he nodded. ‘You’re right, I better get back to my hotel, too.’

As I reached for my wallet, I wrapped my fingers over Wren’s, allowing her to stroke me one more soul-searing time before easing her away. And then she threatened to blow my head clean off when, under the guise of fixing her hair, she flicked her tongue over the fingers that were wrapped around me a moment ago.

The knowledge that she was tasting me, right there in front of our guest and restaurant patrons, was so shockingly arousing I knew I’d need five minutes to get myself under control before standing. As if she knew the havoc she’d created, she rose. ‘I just need to dash off to the ladies. Shall I meet you at the front entrance, Jasper?’

‘Sure,’ I croaked.

---