Page 81 of Release Me
I smooth my palm over the curve of her hip. ‘No regrets about last night?’
‘Only that we didn’t do it sooner.’ She shuffles closer. ‘I am slightly worried, though.’
‘What are you worried about?’
‘Everything.’ She reaches for my bicep, trailing her fingers lightly over my skin. ‘Anthony finding out about us. The press printing pictures of him and his PA. Public humiliation.Professional ruin.’ She pauses then, her throat bobs as she swallows. ‘Mostly I’m worried about us. This can’t end well.’ She shakes her head. ‘So, take your pick.’
I pull her body flush against mine and stroke my hand over her spine. Her eyes bore into mine. ‘Anthony will never know what went on upstairs in my bar, or in my bedroom, unless you tell him. He certainly won’t hear it from me. As far as the press goes, I had my security team confiscate all the photographers’ cameras as they left. James has contacts in the press, I asked him to make sure no one prints anything about Anthony or you. So, other than the people who were in my bar last night, who incidentally, were plied with free champagne and cocktails, I don’t think you have to worry about the public humiliation.’
Her shoulders sag in relief.
‘As far as professional ruin goes, you are the best in your field at what you do. I’ve seen you in action. You have nothing to worry about.’
She looks at her left hand, at the rings resting on her left finger. A frown furrows her forehead. One day, I’m going to replace them with rings I put there—even if it’s the last thing I do. I reach for her chin, tipping it up until her eyes meet mine again. ‘And as for us, I don’t want it to ever end.’
‘I can’t make you any promises, Rian. I’m not free to do that, no matter how much I want to. There’s a good chance both of us will end up getting hurt here.’ She sighs.
‘When you let someone in, there’s always a chance of getting hurt, Bekka. It’s the same in every relationship. But I promise you this. I will never hurt you.’
‘What if I hurt you—by accident?’ she whispers, gnawing on her lower lip again.
‘Despite my nickname,’ I scoff, ‘I’m a big boy. Don’t worry about me. I’m just happy to finally be with you, whatever that looks like right now. It’ll all work out, trust me.’
‘How come you’re so sure?’
‘Because you and I were meant to be. I’ve known it since the minute I met you. So stop worrying about things and let’s just see how they unfold.’
‘You’ve got a wise head on those shoulders.’
‘Thank you.’ I press a kiss to her lips.
‘Thank you—for having my back.’ Her hand slides up over the nape of my neck, and she runs her fingers through the back of my hair.
‘Always,’ I promise. ‘Now what do you want to do today?’
She stares at me with an incredulous look on her face. ‘You want to spend the day with me?’
I shake my head in wonder. She still has no idea how deeply I feel for her. ‘Sweetheart, I want to spend every minute of every day with you. When will you get the memo?’
Chapter Thirty-Six
REBEKKA
We spent yesterday curled up on Rian’s couch, ordering takeout, watching romcoms, and exploring each other’s bodies. He didn’t go to any of his bars. He didn’t go to his family for Sunday lunch earlier. He hasn’t left my side for more than a few seconds. He even showered with me, which was quite the experience.
‘Do you want to get out for a while?’ He offers, handing me a coffee from the machine in his kitchen. It’s bigger than my kitchen—Anthony’s kitchen, I should say. But the luxurious cream and ivory theme running through it makes it feel cosy, warm, just like the rest of his home.
‘Did you choose the décor in here?’ I blurt, accepting the mug he hands me, blowing on it, and ignoring his question.
He glances at me quizzically. ‘No, why?’
‘I knew this place had a woman’s touch,’ I tease. ‘Who was she?’
‘Jealous?’ He’s positively gleeful as he puts his own mug on the ivory marble counter behind me, places his arms around my waist, and brushes the tip of his nose against mine.
I scoff. ‘Just curious,’ I lie. I am jealous of any woman whospent any time with Rian, because he’s the kindest, most considerate, not to mention the sexiest man I’ve ever been with. And to top it all off, he makes me laugh so often that my face aches from using muscles I’d forgotten I owned.
‘It was Zara. You know that’s her thing. This place was one of her first projects.’
