Page 41 of The Mastermind

“Do I need to air out the stench before I put it on?” Remi asked.

“No such thing as stench here. Just fine ass is all.” Royce grinned and stepped out of the inflated sumo.

My heart raced as my scheme fell into place.

“I need a drink.” Royce zipped Remi up. “You guys have fun. I’ll referee when I get back.”

“Actually, I could use some help over here. Do you mind taking over the grill for a bit? I need to return a call.” Grayson removed his apron and tossed it on the table.

“Okay, I’ll be right back.” Royce rushed into the house.

“I’ll prep the salad.” Giselle took out a large bowl.

A group of people played corn hole on the other side of the yard.

“Giselle and I will take a turn after you guys,” Amanda said.

“It won’t take long. Audri will crush Remi in no time.” Grayson chimed in right before he strode away, chatting on his cell.

“Are you ready to lose?” I taunted Remi.

“I never lose unless it’s intentional.” His lips smirked with challenge.

My body heated from the padded outfit, but the way Remi looked at me with those blue-flamed eyes increased my body temperature, causing sweat to trickle down my back.

He walked around the chalked perimeter, gauging me as if I was prey. He looked silly and adorable in the sumo outfit.

“Say cheese!”

Remi turned to Giselle, who snapped a photo of us.

Taking the opportunity, I slammed my body into him. He fell to his side and tried to get up, but I jumped on him, bouncing a bit. Somehow, he shoved me back and got to his feet faster than I expected.

How did he do that so quickly?

Laughing, I charged at him . . . well, more of a wobble than an actual charge. We slammed into each other, and I lost my balance. Remi was on top of me before I knew it, his face was above me, and his eyes darkened.

My heart gave a nervous jolt as he lowered his lips. Was my License to Kiss happening right now?

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

REMINGTON

I never expecteda sumo match would turn me on this much. Lying on top of Audri, I braced a hand on the ground, fearing I’d crush her. Based on my arousal, I wasn’t sure if the padding could protect her from me. That barbecue sauce evening should have been a strong indication that I lacked self-control when I was around her. She hadn’t left my thoughts since that night. I could still taste her skin and hear her moan.

I’d almost lost control because of my sexual desire. I should stay away from her.

Audri moved under me, and my cock shifted, and my need escalated.Stop moving, Audri. You’re taunting a heated lion.

I dreamed about her often, dreams where she was exactly in this position—and others that were more explicit. In the dreams, she had surrendered to me, and I replayed the scenarios in my head repeatedly. Those were dreams that could never come true, but they were mine.

My current position was close enough for now.

Earlier, my stomach had twisted into uncomfortable knots when Royce had been on top of her. It bothered me more than it should have. They were just friends, combating in a match like inflated toddlers, having fun.

Still, I didn’t like it. I’d wanted to yank him off of her if she hadn’t escaped from under him.

Sexual desire became the air I breathed. I thanked God that the outfit hid all evidence of my need. I’d never been aroused in battle, whether through a video game or through physical combat. This proved my body wasn’t mine when it came to her. She willed it alive.

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