Page 82 of Handsome Devil
“We stopped doing that in the twenty-first century.” I smiled serenely at Enzo.
“Depends on your kinks.” Enzo shrugged. “Though I guess Tate’s vibe is staying a virgin.”
“Achilles punished Enzo by fucking his high school sweetheart,” Tate said without breaking eye contact with Enzo, a sadistic smile on his face. “Or should we call herex-girlfriend now, Enzi boy?”
Enzo’s cheerful smile never wavered.
“That’s awful.” I gave Enzo a sympathetic face.
“I concur,” Tate agreed. “The punishment for losingmy wifeshould be, at the very least, death.”
Enzo rolled his eyes. “Bro, she’s your wife by name only. I’ve seen her show more sympathy to half-eaten subs at her desk.”
“Enzo is doing an excellent job,” I clarified, mainly because I didn’t want Tate to add an entire SWAT team to watch over my every move.
“He’s not doing an excellent job keeping his mouth shut,” Tate said.
“Hoo boy,” Enzo smirked. “Someone got bitch-slapped by their own emotions.”
“I only trust myself to keep you safe,” Tate argued.
“Well, I need a break from you,” I countered. “Go make plans with your mates.”
“Don’t have any.” He turned to stare at me, looking angry and lost and…boyish, almost.
“Shocking stuff,” Enzo muttered, playing with his knife.
“Find some.” I breezily made my way to the door, opening it and jerking my head for him to leave. The entire floor was at a standstill, watching as if we were the best show in town. Not every day did they see Tate Blackthorn brought to his knees. “In the meantime, I’m busy, and you should be too. Go make us millions, stud.” I winked, blowing him a little kiss.
His steadfast, unrelenting scowl melted in an instant, making way for something gentle and beautiful. Almost childlike. He wasn’t smiling, but he looked…content.
He enjoyed when I pretended to like him. That I assumed the role of the playful wife.
He made his way out the door. When he brushed past me, I gave his arse a small slap, the way he did me when he was done eating me out in his office. “You’re dismissed.”
Tate side-eyed me, giving me a barely audiblewoof.
Promising to punish me for that little flex.
I couldn’t wait.
From: Dr. Arjun Patel, MD
To: Tate Blackthorn
Subject: Appointment
Tate,
I started a new email chain just in case.
Following this up to see if you’d like to schedule an appointment. I’ve been refilling your prescriptions, but the pharmacy notified me that you’ve not been picking them up. If the issue is around scheduling, we can meet virtually, or I can make a house call as discussed. I would advise keeping with the agreed upon protocol to avoid a setback.
Dr. Patel.
