Page 66 of Beautiful Beast

She frowns because she already knows me well enough to realize that I don’t mean sharing one with me. But instead of harping on me, she changes the subject.

“How’s everything going with the team? It must be kind of terrifying that their new boss has killed people. Like literally killed them.”

“And given the right circumstances, would do it again,” I confirm. “But I don’t usually lead team-building exercises with that tidbit of information.”

“You’re wise beyond your years.” she laughs. “Your very advanced years.”

Outside of Belle not understanding certain references or knowing the bands I grew up listening to, which makes me feel like I belong in an old age home, she’s been shockingly easy to talk to. She isn’t a typical twenty-something in the most important ways.

“Hey, is your period gone yet?” I joke. “I’m going to fuck some respect into you.”

I’m definitely not joking about the last part.

She bites her pouty lower lip that was built for kissing. “I’m waiting. But you’ve been gone so long, it will probably be back by then.”

“Then I’m fucking you anyway.”

We’re so far beyond “friends with benefits” at this point. There haven’t been any benefits since I’ve been away, and I still keep coming back for more of her.

For the first time in my life, just talking to a woman and connecting with her is enough.

But I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I’m desperate to make her come. Phone sex with her is more incredible than I could have imagined, but it sucks that I wasn’t touching her the first time I heard her moaning my name.

And we’re most definitely not friends.

The girl knows things about me that guys I went to war with do not.

Neither of us has pushed to put a label on what we’re doing, and I’m grateful to her for being understanding. I do want her in my life, but I’m not sure in what capacity. And right now, my focus is on Uncle Dennis and Townsend Enterprises.

Not that she’s ever far from my mind.

“Show me your dick,” Belle says.

I laugh. “You’ve seen my dick.”

“Show me again.”

“When I get home tomorrow.”

“You’ll be so tired that you’ll probably sleep for a week.”

“If your pussy is on the menu, I promise that sleep is not on my agenda.”

While we’ve had many deep conversations since I’ve been away and I know her really well, we’ve also talked about sex – a lot.

And how much we both want to do it together.

“I really miss you,” Belle says.

She’s so sweet and tender, and as much as I hate to admit it, her presence is exactly what I’ve needed in my life without knowing I needed her.

“I miss you, too, princess,” I admit. “And I can’t wait to show you how much.”

“Can I tell you something?”

“Of course, you can.”

I head onto the balcony and let the noises of the city surround me. It was the soundtrack of my life growing up and has become what I’m used to. I don’t mind getting out of the city for the weekend, but I can’t imagine my life in the suburbs.

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