Page 94 of Princess of Pride
“Same time tomorrow?” Ian asks as I climb out from the back seat.
“I’ll text you.”
He nods, again not showing any concern that my answer has changed from the usualyes, please.
Stella greets me with a berry smoothie and a smile. She’s become my personal attendant in a way. “Everything is ready for you.”
Meaning my bathroom is ready for me to hop into the shower and more clothes options are waiting for me in the dressing room.
“Thank you.” I give her a big smile. “You’re the best.”
Everyone here is—except for Lachlan. The way he’s turned a cold shoulder to me like he had in the beginning of our relationship shows he wasn’t genuine or as hungry for me as he’d let me believe.
The man is like a faucet that has no warm water, only hot or cold. It hurts, as much as I don’t want to admit it. He fooled me into thinking I was special to him. What’s worse is that I wanted to be. I can admit that now too.
Showered, I dress in a high-waisted plaid mini skirt and a cropped cream cardigan with a matching sleeveless undershirt. I leave the sweater open and finish off the outfit with low beige booties. My legs are on display in a way I miss. I never shied away from showing them off like I did my chest.
My hair is still in the long French braid I wear when riding. Ready, I text Lachlan.
Emery: Can we talk?
He responds at once.
Lachlan: Come to my study.
I haven’t been in that room since he ate me out on his desk.
The door is open when I get there. I knock to announce myself and walk in hesitantly.
He’s on the phone, standing by one of the tall windows, which has a view of the ocean like I’d suspected. He waves me over with a quick glance that doesn’t quite reach me.
I continue to the chairs in front of his desk and perch on the edge of one. His conversation goes on for so long I recline and cross one leg over the other. He hasn’t once looked at me. I consider leaving.
I’m about to when he ends the call and turns his attention on me. His aqua eyes go directly to my legs, following them up to the hem of my short skirt, which exposes most of my thigh.
He runs his hand down the light scruff on his jaw and licks his lips.
My traitorous cooch twitches. I shift to sit up.
“Don’t move.” Lachlan orders and strolls to me in a predatory way.
I stand and swallow, mad that I like how he’s looking at meand ordering me around. Why does there have to be this chemistry between us? He feels it too. I didn’t get a single charge between him and Tessa when they interacted. She seemed more desperate than suffering from uncontrollable desire, which is how I feel whenever I’m around him. Like I’m fighting a losing battle no matter how hard I try.
“I want to go home,” I blurt.
He halts a foot away from me, his lips drawing in with confusion. I’ve thrown him again.
His gaze returns to my legs, sweeping from my booties all the way up to my braid. “You should have worn something else.”
If only I was immune to him when he acts like this, treating me like I’m the only woman in the world he wants.
“Lachlan?” I sigh.
It spurs a tiny smirk to the corner of his mouth. “I can make you scream my name.”
My sex clenches. I step away from him and put the chair between us. “I think it’s fair to say we work better apart. You can stay here and be you, and I can go home and be me. If that isn’t good enough for you, I’m willing to move to a house in New England of your choice. One that is protected to your liking and preferably by the water. I’ve come to realize I really like the ocean and think I’d miss the salty breeze and crashing waves.” Even the squawking seagulls make me smile. “We can meet up for appearances sake when necessary but otherwise live apart. I’m also fine with you taking a… bed partner if that would help.”
The suggestion burns coming out. I hadn’t planned to add that part. It tumbled out as a way to sweeten the deal—a sugar-coated cherry on top of the cake I’m hoping he’ll bite.
