Page 78 of Sweet Everythings

His masseuse was the last to leave the room. “Take your time getting up,” he said, then paused. “I trust you’ll find your way out in a few minutes. Don’t forget about the security cameras.”

I knew what he was getting at, and I chuckled. “Don’t worry. We’re friends without benefits. He’s got me on layaway.”

“For fuck’s sake.” Ares laughed then addressed his masseuse. “No worries. We’ll be out shortly.”

From the sound of his voice, I knew he’d sat up, but boneless and weak as a newborn kitten, I could not move.

His bed creaked as he swung off and stepped over to mine.

Placing his palm firmly on the centre of my back over the sheet, he sent heat coursing through my veins.

I took a deep breath.

Slowly, he smoothed his palm down my spine, taking the sheet with him.

I sank deeper into the mattress, my entire body pliant and willing.

“Hope,” he whispered reverently. “You’re so very beautiful.”

I moved to sit but he pressed me back down. “Don’t get up. Cameras or not, a man can only be tempted so far.”

Dancing his fingers back up my spine, he added his other hand and smoothed both up and down my ribs, his long fingers brushing the sides of my breasts.

“Ares,” I begged, my voice strangled.

The sheet came back up over me. One finger traced the length of my spine to my tailbone then skittered off to the side, smoothing over my ass and down my leg to encircle my ankle through the sheet. He pulled gently, as if to spread me open.

I swallowed a moan.

What this man could do to me with barely a glance. The whisper of a touch.

“I’ll wait for you outside,” he muttered gruffly, releasing my ankle.

A moment passed and the door snicked shut behind him.

I lay quietly. Breathing deeply. Willing my heart rate to go back to normal.

Sitting up, I caught sight of my face in the mirror. My mouth dropped open in shock. I looked positively wanton. It’s a good thing he didn’t see my face. I snickered. Even I wanted to fuck myself.

By the time I met him outside, I looked normal. Or so I thought.

Ares’s eyes widened as he took me in. He crossed to me in two long strides. “Holy shit. Look at you. Is that what a massage does to you?”

We walked out to the lobby of the hotel, his hand a gentle guide at my back.

“Massages make me sleepy. If you’re seeing what I think you’re seeing, that’s all you.”

His eyes wandered over my face. “I need to put down more money on my layaway plan. Can I take you out for dinner after Sia falls asleep?”

I smiled and pulled in a deep breath, releasing it on a hum as I leaned against his side. His arm encircled my shoulders as he continued to take me in. There was nothing quite like being wanted.

“I’d love that. Let me just check in with Lucky and Minty to make sure Brayleigh is okay.”

Unlocking my phone, I jolted with surprise.

Four missed phone calls.

Three from Lucky.

---