Page 8 of Burning for the Billionaire 7

“I’ll see you guys tomorrow,” I mumble, not bothering to make eye contact with anyone. I know they’re all shocked that we’re leaving so abruptly. I’m glad Rowan doesn’t care about being polite sometimes because I desperately need to get out of here.

Chapter 5

Grace

Three days into thewedding festivities and I’m so over it. The bride decided she wanted an entire week of dinners and luncheons preceding the big day, so everyone is forced to attend another get-together where Isabelle is the center of attention. At least this is the last one before the bachelor and bachelorette parties tomorrow night.

This afternoon, the entire bridal party, the parents of the bride and groom, and a bunch of other high-society people I don’t know are on a yacht the groom rented. Luckily, Rowan was invited, so I don’t have to suffer through the ordeal without support. He and I are off to one side, watching Isabelle’s bridesmaids fawn over her.

“How are you holding up?”

Pausing from downing my fifth—I think?—glass of champagne, I glance at my date and beam. “I’m wonderful.”

The bubbly has created quite a buzz. I’m so out of it, I actually giggled a few minutes ago when Isabelle implied I’m too curvy to fit in with her bridal party. She said I’ll throw off the aesthetic or some such nonsense. Pardon me for enjoying healthy meals.

“Uh-huh.” Rowan peers down at me, one corner of his lips curled up into a smile. “I’m cutting you off, young lady.” He plucks my glass from my hand. “No more bubbly for you.”

I stick my lower lip out. “If you’re cutting me off, you’ll have to find some other way to distract me.” Running my index finger along the sleeve of his button-down, I purr, “We should sneak off and find somewhere private. Since we stepped onto this yacht, I’ve been fantasizing about you spanking me while wearing a captain’s hat.”

Rowan’s burst of laughter makes me blink. This hearty sound is a rarity, and in a crowd, no less. Once I’m over my initial shock, I giggle. We draw attention, a few heads turning our way.

Noticing that people are watching, Rowan angles his body away from the crowd, blocking most of me. He bends to whisper in my ear, “Don’t tempt me.”

Batting my eyelashes, I ask, “Why, are you going to do something about it?”

His eyes flare with desire. “Jesus, Grace, we’re in a crowd and you’re causing a crisis.”

Snickering, I glance at the tent forming at his crotch. “Are you going to punish me later?” I gaze at him hopefully.

His groan sounds like it’s on the verge of pain and pleasure. “I don’t even want to talk about sex with you right now. Not with your father watching. He’s been glaring at me since we met.”

My playfulness dampens at the mention of Dad. “I’m sure you’re imagining it.”

He glances over his shoulder. “Nope. He’s throwing daggers at my back as we speak.”

Frowning, I peer around Rowan. Dad’s gaze is indeed fixed on us. So is Mom’s, but I know she’s only checking outmyman.

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