Page 19 of Exquisite Temptation

I spot him talking with another couple near the seating area. When I approach them, my father’s hazel eyes lock with mine, and he curves his mouth into a warm smile. His friends make hasty excuses and stroll off.

"It’s good you could make it, son." He pulls me into an unexpected hug. We tap each other's backs and step back.

"I wouldn't have missed it. Happy Birthday, Dad." I raise my glass. "To many more happy returns." We clink our glasses, drinking deeply. He wasn't the best father, but, in my heart, I mean every word I said.

"Thank you, boy." He straightens his silk tie, gazing at me with a steady look. "Everything okay? How is your business going?"

"All good. My company got permission to luxury a five-story Eco apartment complex. We are hoping to put the foundation next week."

"Well done, son. I know I don't say this often, but I'm proud of you." He claps me on the shoulder, his eyes misting up. His validation makes my heart lurch in my chest. If it wasn’t for my evil stepmother, I’d have worked on maintaining a close relationship with him.

Speaking of evil stepmothers, Brianna sashays in our direction, her sheer, scandalous black dress with belly cutouts and a plunging neckline swishing around her legs. Crap. Thank him, make an excuse, and get the hell out of here.

"Thank you, Dad. I appreciate it."

She edges closer, stretching her arms to hug me. I step backwards, creating a distance between us. There is no way I'd let her touch me. For a split second, she gives me a death stare but rearranges her heavily made-up face with a fake grin, linking her arm with my dad’s.

"Topher, darling. It’s so good to see you," her saccharine voice makes bile rise to my throat.

"Hello,Mother. I love what you have done to the entertainment room," my voice drips with sarcasm, but judging by her vacant expression, she can’t catch it.

"My husband deserves the best." She giggles, flicking her bleach blonde coiffed hair with a seductive smile, going on and on and droning about how much time she spent in planning the birthday party.

"You have done a splendid job, my love." He gazes at her with adoration in his eyes, telling me she still holds him under her spell.

I drain my glass, grabbing another one from the tray of the passing waiter. Someone please save me. I don’t know how much I can take. As if the universe has heard my plea, another middle-aged couple I don’t recognize amble in our direction.

"Excuse me. I need to use the restroom." My father smiles and nods, shifting his attention to his guests.

Leaving my glass on a nearby table, I glide through the room, heading straight to the guest bathroom. I open the door to enter, but someone shoves me inside and slams it shut. Wheeling around, my gaze lands on Brianna. She seizes my momentary shock to lock the door behind her and lunges towards me, wrapping her arms tightly around my neck. I crinkle my nose in disgust as her heavy, cloying perfume and alcohol breath assaults my senses.

"Remove your hands from me. Now," I order, my low voice rings with command. She flinches but continues hanging onto my neck as if her life depends on it.

"I had a very naughty dream last night about you and me naked in the shower," she purrs in my ear, rubbing her hips against my crotch. I draw a sharp breath and grip her wrists, extricating myself from her boa constrictor grip.

"Have you no shame?" I growl, glaring at her. She tips her head, a shrill laughter exploding from her silicone lips, grating on my nerves.

"Oh, you can deny it all you want, but we both know you want me, Topher. You only married Amelia because you couldn’t have me." Her accusatory voice stabs the air. She licks her lower lip, batting her eyelashes. "We belong together. Let me remind you how good your cock felt inside my mouth." This lives in a fantasy world and needs psychiatric help.

"You are delusional. I’d rather cut off my cock than have it anywhere near you," I bark, not caring if I hurt her or not. A swift shadow of anger sweeps across her face, coloring her cheeks beetroot red.

"I’ll tell your father that you followed me to the bathroom and tried to fuck me. He will cut you off from his will, and you will end up with nothing." She twists her face into an ugly grimace.

That’s it. I’ve had enough of this nonsense.

"This conversation is over." Pushing past her, I unlock the door and march out, desperate to put an end to this nightmare.

She follows hot on my heel, muttering something under her breath about Amelia, but it’s too low for me to catch it.Walk away.It’s a ploy to elicit a response and reel you back into her net,my mind warns me. I make a straight line for my car and get the fuck out of there.

Chapter 13

Heidi

Christopher’sgriptightensaroundmy body, his warm breath brushes against my cheek, sending my heart into overdrive. An hour ago, we finished an intense Florentine flogging session. A pleasurable shudder runs down my body when I remember the way he trailed the long leather tails across my arms, back, and bottom, caressing my skin like a lover. He warmed up with several light strikes, ramping the impact up and down in intensity and speed, creating a rollercoaster ride with no let-outs. The constant rhythmic and thudding sensations sent me flying straight into subspace bliss.

I give him a side glance through my lowered lashes, shoving my secret longing six feet under. For the past few weeks, we have continued playing the same old game. We meet and greet each other. When Katie works behind the bar or plays with Dan, I make laps around the club and observe public scenes, painfully aware of his watchful eyes following me. There is no chance in hell for me to scene with another Dom because he swoops in and scares them away.

He traces his fingers up and down my naked thigh absentmindedly. Every inch of my body tingles and lights up with a need to turn around, straddle him, and ride his cock until he shoots his cum inside me.Stop torturing yourself with wishful thinking, Heidi. He will never give you what you want. Walk away, now.

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