Page 45 of Carnal

I should end this now.

Instead of doing what I know is the smart thing, I ignore the nagging voice in my head and ask, "Don't you think it's risky to go out in public together? What if someone sees us?"

Hurt passes in his expression, but it disappears so fast, I think I imagined it. "Don't worry. I'll make sure no one sees us."

"How?" I question.

He grins. "That's my secret. I need to go. I'll call you later." He gives me another panty-melting kiss and then squeezes my ass.

I watch him leave my unit then wait ten minutes, worried. If I text my driver to take me to work, he might see Tristano. So I pace my family room, reliving the weekend and trying to contain my smile. When it's been long enough, I slide into my coat, text my driver I'm ready, and head downstairs.

The cold wind slaps my cheeks the moment I step outside. I get into the SUV, pull my phone out of my purse, and text Dante.

Me:Are you coming to the office this morning?

Dante:I'm already on my way.

Surprised, I glance at the time. Dante usually comes in either late morning or early afternoon if he's not working out of his home office.

Me:Well, aren't you motivated on this cold Monday morning.

Dante:We need to talk.

I groan. Whenever Dante needs to talk, it usually involves some sort of lecture. I'd bet money it's regarding the club.

Me:And to what do I owe the pleasure?

Dante:We'll discuss this in person.

Me:Fine. If you want me in a good mood, I'll need my favorite drink.

Dante:It's in my hand.

I smile. At least I have Dante trained. There's a coffee shop halfway between his house and the office. It has the best salted-caramel latte on Earth. He made the mistake of bringing me one years ago. Now he knows if he wants to butter me up, he better bring the drink. And the coffee shop is out of my way, so I don't have it often.

Me:I'm ten minutes away. See you soon.

I scroll through my messages that I ignored over the weekend, respond to a few texts, then click on a voicemail Chanel left Saturday afternoon.

She chirps, "Hey, girl. Call me ASAP."

I tap the button, and her phone rings four times.

She groggily answers, "Hello?"

"Morning! Sorry I didn't call. I just got your message."

She groans. "It's only seven."

"Yep. And Monday. It's a workday," I tease.

"I don't have a normal job, remember?" she grumbles.

"Doesn't Zara have school?" I ask. Zara is Chanel's daughter.

"Snow day," Chanel replies, then yawns.

"Lucky her. So what's going on?"

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