Page 9 of It Takes a Thief
“You’re on my island.”
My eyes narrow because she has a point. “And?”
“And you work for me.”
“I work for your parents,” I correct her.
“Same thing.”
“What exactly are you ordering me to do?” I ask in a low voice that’s suggestive as hell and totally inappropriate. Because, yeah, she’s getting under my skin.
At some point, we’ve moved closer, and the conversation has taken on a more…sensual tone. My focus dips to her full lips. They’re glossy and pink, and it’s so damn easy to picture them wrapped around my dick.
“Take me back to New York,” she announces, abruptly standing up and breaking whatever connection I mistakenly imagined. “If you won’t pretend to be my fake fiancé, then I only have fourteen days to find someone who will.”
I jump up, grab her wrist and spin her back around. “That’s crazy.”
“No, Mr. Decker, it’s aroyal order.” She hikes a triumphant brow. “So, go pack your suitcase. We’re leaving. Now.”
She pulls out of my grip, turns on her heel and leaves me standing there. Clenching my fists, I fight the urge to grab her, hike up her dress and spank that royal ass until it burns with my handprint.
Chapter Five: Merritt
After leaving Linc to stew over my words, I storm up to my bedroom and start throwing stuff back into my suitcases. I’ve wasted enough time here, and I need to get back to New York. Time is of the essence, and it’s slowly slipping away.
I yank the zipper closed on the largest piece of luggage and frown. He turned me down. I thought for sure when I offered him whatever he wanted from the coffers, he wouldn’t be able to refuse. But he did, and he did it without much thought.
Hmm. Either he’s a fool or he has principles. Most men, including Jeffrey, would’ve jumped at my offer.
Either way, regardless of what he said, I didnothave a temper tantrum.
Am I upset? Yes.
Annoyed? Definitely.
Attracted to the huge, muscled man who just rejected me? Unfortunately, that would be a resounding yes.
With a huff, I strip out of my sandals and dress and put on a pair of comfy leggings and an oversized T-shirt. The trip back to New York is about eight hours, and I plan on sleeping so I can avoid the burly man who probably considers me a thornin his side. Luckily, my family’s private jet has every amenity, including a bedroom.
I’d like to tell Lincoln Decker I don’t need his services any longer, but my parents insisted on hiring a bodyguard after, as they call it, “the kidnapping incident.” I wasn’t kidnapped. Not even close. But, being so far away from home, and the fact that I’m royalty, they worry.
By the time I’m done packing, my anger has worn off and I’m just…tired. Tired of everything, but mostly how I feel so out of control of my own life.
It’s your own stupid fault,I remind myself. Suggesting Jeffrey was all me, but I really thought I’d find someone special at some point over the last five years. I guess the joke’s on me.
After wheeling my luggage down to the foyer, with a little help from a royal guard, I wander back out to the veranda where my parents sit on a cushioned, rattan sofa. They stop talking when they see me, and my mom sets her wineglass down on the coffee table.
“Are you okay?” she asks.
“No, but I will be.” I push my shoulders back and stand taller. “Jacques is flying me back tonight. I still have two weeks.”
My parents exchange a look.
“You really think two weeks will make a difference?” my dad asks.
“Maybe,” I say with a stubborn tilt of my chin. “Guess I’ll find out.”
“Everything we do is because we love you,” my mom says quietly.
