Page 107 of Undeniable Temptation

He inclined his head. “All the guys, plus Sidney, Alana, Melody, and Gabi. Everyone knew what was at stake.”

Her vision blurred. “Wait.” She pressed a palm against his chest. “I’m confused. You said I was fired. How does this fix our problems when I’m still legally obligated to comply with a non-compete?”

“There’s no non-compete. Bruce agreed to a mutual dissolution to the contract. He doesn’t want his company tarnished, and deep down, I think he was content our manipulation gave him a way to do right by you.”

“I’m a free agent?” She wanted to be happy. The tingling sensation was already igniting behind her ribs, held captive by the reasons her freedom had been achieved. The cost was too high. They’d gone too far.

“We did good, didn’t we?”

She leaned forward, brushed her lips against his and then pulled back. “It’s another album. Those three songs could’ve gone toward establishing your own label. I would’ve fled the tour earlier if I knew that’s what you were going to do.”

“I know.” He nodded. “That’s why I didn’t tell you.” His smile returned, the glimmer of happiness touching every dark part inside her chest. “We know you’ve given up a lot because of your dedication to the band. You put your social and family life on hold for us. You made Reckless your world, and we love you for that. It’s only fair we return the favor.”

She would’ve forsaken more if there was anything left to give. Existence didn’t seem worthwhile without those five men. One in particular.

“Forgive me?” He leaned his head against hers, his presence everywhere.

“You’re crazy, do you know that?” Insane. Unhinged.Reckless. But she loved him. She loved every single thing about him.

“Yes. But do you forgive me?”

She gave a defeated laugh. “Give me more than five seconds.”

He smirked, the kick of his lips enough to initiate a rapid pulse in her clit. He trailed his forehead along hers, then his beard was scraping her cheek, his mouth finding the heavenly spot below her ear. “What can I do to speed up the process?”

“You got me fired.” She placed her hands on his shoulders, needing to be grounded. “Redemption will take time.”

“I bet I can make you forgive me in less than fifteen minutes.”

She chuckled. “And how do you plan on doing that?”

He gripped the hem of her blouse and tugged. “Take this off and I’ll show you.”

“I’m not getting naked, Ryan.”

“Are you sure?” His fingers moved to the center of her blouse, the deft digits flicking undone one button. Two.

“Forgive me yet?”

She shook her head. “No.” She stared him down, her scrutiny almost a glare as he continued popping buttons until the front of her blouse gaped.

“That’s a shame.” He pushed the material from her shoulders.

Her nipples tightened beneath her bra as his attention lowered to her body. He admired her with fascination. With undiluted desire. Everywhere his gaze led, she could feel it—her cleavage, her shoulders, her throat.

Strong arms wove around her, unhooking her bra. He picked at the thin straps, encouraging them down her arms, to fall to the floor. “How about now?”

“Nope.” She bit her lip over the frantic flutter of her heart.

He narrowed his stare and lowered the zipper to her pants, slow, gentle. Then in a rush, he shocked her by shoving them down her thighs, along with her panties.

“How about now?” he growled.

If she wasn’t becoming mind-numbingly aroused, she would’ve chuckled at his growing intensity. Instead, she raised her brows in a taunt and shook her head. He stepped back, giving her a slow appraisal, the heat in his eyes making her burn. He pulled off his shirt, ruffling his long hair. Then his belt buckle was clanging, his jeans being thrust to the floor, exposing the length of his erection. An always-impressive length.

“I’m still unforgiven?”

She didn’t answer. Didn’t respond. Not apart from the frantic breaths between them.

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