Page 54 of The Innovator

Holy.

Fucking.

Hell.

I thought I’d shut off my brain to ensure that truth never made its way out of my mouth.

The muscles in my back tensed. I didn’t like this sudden lapse in judgment. What the fuck? That revelation had been one of my deepest secrets. No one knew this.

I glared at her, the temper in my body rising. The anger was aimed at me for not having control of myself, but it was also at her for making me weak. Somehow, she had snuck into my sacred space, pulling things out of me. Her presence had completely changed everything.

Vulnerability was something I didn’t want to show anyone.

Unperturbed by my instability, Natalie lifted a finger and pressed it onto the tense spot between my eyebrows, rubbing gently. “Why the frown? It’s a beautiful dedication that would make anyone proud.”

She had no fucking clue, and somehow, she held the key to unlock me. I didn’t want to talk about it anymore, fearing I’d reveal more than I already had.

Though none of this was her fault, I couldn’t stop the frustration and sexual need rising in me.

“Let me show you to your room.” I led her through the door, up the stairs, and into a hallway that offered access to the balcony.

“Wow, the view is stunning. I love all the trees.” She stepped past me and the scent of her perfume tantalized my body, dragging the frustration that had clung to me and tossing it elsewhere.

She could shift my mood with ease. How could I go from being frustrated to feeling lusty in mere seconds? My gaze followed her as she walked to the guardrail, leaned over, and glanced around without knowing her effect on me. My eyes slid down to her full ass and then to her long, toned legs. Legs that would wrap nicely around my body . . .

Christ.I was in deep shit.

She turned to face me, her back leaning against the railing. Blonde hair framed her gorgeous face against the green backdrop of the peaceful woods. She looked like a goddess from a magical world who came to Earth to put a spell on me. Maybe that was it. Maybe I was stuck in a dream state.

If that were the case, I could extend this magical dream by envisioning doing other things to her—

“How many people are staying at your retreat? Are more guests coming? How many bedrooms are in this extravagant tree house?” Her voice snapped me out of my lusty bubble.

I forced my body to behave, but it was a fucking traitor.

My eyes darted to the enticing mounds peeking above the low neckline of her tank top. Touching her would relax me. I stepped next to her, inhaling her scent. If I was going to die of lust, I might as well indulge in it now.

“There are five bedrooms between the three floors. No one comes here but me and a few friends. I didn’t build this for public use. It was for me, and since I love having space, I added a bunch of rooms and filled them with furniture. I own fifty acres of the surrounding lands. This property is very secluded.”

“I see.” She nodded slowly, studying me. “A perfect place forcrimes.” Mischief sparked in her eyes. “I’ve watched a lot of true crime shows.”

“I wouldn’t know anything about that.” I bent down and whispered into her ear, “But I could make you scream and no one will hear you for miles. You’re going to lose the bet. I’ll make sure of it.” I licked her ear.

She sucked in a breath and turned to face me, her pupils darkening. Our lips were inches apart. All I had to do was kiss her and satisfy this need to taste her, but that would make me lose. I wanted more than a kiss. I wanted to fuck her from all angles. That was the deal—the prize for my victory.

I didn’t know where I found the last thread of self-control, but I gripped it tightly.

Straightening up, I said, “There are walking trails over there. Do you want to take a walk later?”

“That sounds wonderful, thank you.”

I never imagined being here with her. Now that she was here, a plan formed in my head to win. Natalie was here for a reason. God must have read my mind.

We continued down the hallway to her room.

“Kiera offered to let me take her place. I hope you don’t mind.”

I’d forgotten I’d agreed to let Kiera use this retreat, but I preferred the sudden change in guests. Kiera would’ve been here all by herself if I hadn’t taken this impromptu vacation.

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