Page 45 of Beautiful Lies
“We go way back,” Jared said. “I met Connor and Ava six years ago. They were inseparable.”
“Once upon a time,” I said.
Claudia arched her brows. “The fairy tale ended?”
I looked her straight in the eye and saw it written all over her face. She wanted Connor. That’s why she’d given me attitude. She viewed me as the competition.
“The fairy tale isn’t over yet,” Connor said, coming out of nowhere. He slung an arm across my shoulder and tucked me close to his side like he was trying to prove something. “Ava is still my princess. I’m working on being her white knight.”
I lifted my eyes to his. “Sounds like a good story.”
“Guaranteed to have a happy ending.”
“You’re making guarantees now?”
He lowered his head and whispered in my ear. “Are you here to take advantage of me? That can be arranged.”
Without giving me a chance to respond, Connor guided me away from the desk and to the private room in the back. When we got inside, he closed the door behind me and caged me in his arms. “Miss me?”
Every. Single. Day.
His lips brushed across my jaw. My eyes closed, and I leaned back against the door for support. “Connor,” I whispered.
“Tell me what you want, Ava.”
He pressed his body against mine and I could feel his erection pressing against my hip. Oh God. How easy it would be to give myself to him. To let him take me on the tattoo table. Against the wall. Anywhere. He worked his kisses down my neck. They were just whispers of a kiss, so soft and gentle they almost hurt. I wanted to grind my body against his, release the ache between my thighs. Instead, I stayed perfectly still, the palms of my hands flat against the door, my legs trembling underneath me, my breathing ragged.
I need you. Now.
“Connor…” I panted.
“Tell me to stop.” The back of his fingers brushed over my nipple. My bra and T-shirt offered no protection. My nipples hardened under his touch and I was dizzy with need and want.
“Stop,” I whispered, knowing that he would do as I asked.
He dropped his arms to his side and took a few steps back. My body betraying my words, I leaned against the door for support.
“Your wish is my command.”
I hadn’t really meant it. But I wanted to mean it. “Did you sleep with Claudia?”
He tilted his head, studying my face. “Would it bother you if I said yes?”
I shrugged like it didn’t matter to me one way or the other. But it mattered. I couldn’t bear to think of him with her or anyone who wasn’t me. “Just curious.”
He grinned at me. “Give me an honest answer and I’ll tell you.”
“Whatever. It’s none of my business. We’re just friends.”
“That’s right. So why are you here,friend?”
Why was I here? Crap. I needed to tell him about the exhibit. “When’s your next customer?”
“Fifteen minutes. You looking for a quickie?”
“Get your mind out of the gutter.”
He escorted me out of the room and outside behind the shop. “I need some fresh air,” he said, lighting a cigarette.
