Page 78 of The Innovator

Tension coiled so tight that my body trembled for release. A massive eruption and then liquid heat filled her. “I love being inside you.”

“And I love having you inside me.” She squeezed her internal muscles and showed me what she meant.

I extracted myself, smearing my cum on her thong and inner thighs like a signature.

I placed my pheromones on her so every man knew she belonged to me. I removed her underwear and swung it in front of her. “It has me and you on it. I’m keeping it.”

Her mouth dropped open as she stared at her soaked thong. “That’s one of my favorite pairs of underwear.”

I straightened out her dress. “I’ll buy you as many as you want.”

That night, after Natalie fell asleep, I went to my office and gave the PI more assignments. Even though I’d threatened Rafael, I knew he’d retaliate sooner or later. A man like him wouldn’t let the embarrassment from the museum slide.

I had to ensure I was steps ahead of him.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-NINE

NATALIE

I spent the morning speaking to my mom, maneuvering my way by asking her about the plane crash without giving her details. I didn’t know if there was any truth to Rafael’s claim, so I’d save her the heartache. The last thing she needed was a rumor dredging up all the old hurts. Mom only knew Dad had gone on a business trip, and that was it. From our conversation, Mom didn’t remember anything out of the ordinary.

I’d stop by RISD or call them to inquire about my dad soon. Maybe they’d remember something that could help me solve his case.

Noon came, and I prepared the sweaters that had arrived yesterday, placed them in a large shopping bag, and prepared to meet up with the girls. I had to tell them the truth about my identity. What if they hated me for lying?

Audri had reserved a table inside the Krazee Tavern. As Remington’s girlfriend, she got the best services and ate for free. As her friends, we got similar treatment.

I placed the shopping bag at my feet, waiting for all the girls to take their seats. Vivian was at another seminar, so she couldn’t make this luncheon. I’d give her the sweater later.

Glancing at my friends, I crossed my arms, giving Audri and Kiera—who sat next to me—the evil eye. “You guys knew.”

“Knew what?” Audri bit the sweet potato fry, chewed, swallowed, and flicked an innocent look at Kiera. “Do you know what she’s talking about?”

“Color me confused. I have no clue.” Kiera finished a tortilla chip.

I rolled my eyes.

Michelle furrowed her eyebrows. “Did I miss a memo?”

Audri elbowed her. “You know that ‘retreat’ I told you about?”

Michelle twisted her lips, thinking. “Oh . . .OH. . .” Her eyes sparkled. “How was it? I wanted to text you so bad, but decided you needed time alone.”

Audri leaned into the table. “Did you like the tree house? It’s one of a kind, isn’t it?”

Kiera wiggled her eyebrows. “How’s thewood?”

Audri’s mouth dropped open. “Oh my God, Kiera! That’s my brother.”

“What? I’m referring to the quality of the wood he chose to build the magnificent tree house.” She sipped her iced tea as though it wasn’t obvious what she was truly aiming at.

I bit my bottom lip, stifling a laugh.

Michelle’s shoulders shook from laughing. “Kiera’s head is always full of sexual innuendos.”

“Hey, I’m a wealth of information, and you should consider yourself lucky I’m sharing this knowledge with you. It’s not my fault I have high sexuality.” She turned to me. “By the way, is ‘penisse’ pronounced like ‘finesse’ in French? Your language has a way of making things sound elegant.”

“No.” I shook my head, never having heard anyone pronounce the English word like that. I placed a hand on Kiera’s forehead. “Did you catch a virus? Are you in need of a ‘penisse’ fix?”

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