Page 29 of Two days, One Pucking Night

“And you need to go?”

“Yes.” He is hesitant for a moment. He leans against the driver’s side of the car, reaches for my hand, and kisses my knuckles. “Come with me?”

Though his intent seems chivalrous, I can't help but sense there’s something else. Something I’m missing. A truth he wants hidden.

“How about you go to the meeting and meet up with me after? I wanted to check out St. Paul’s Cathedral but didn’t think we’d have time. This makes that possible.”

Xavier is hesitant at first, but with some convincing, he reluctantly agrees.

When he finally drops me off, I’m grateful for the respite. A moment to be alone and think without being consumed in him. A moment to recenter my thoughts and remind myself that this thing between us is simply for a good time, nothing else.

* * *

“This view is amazing!” I admire the nighttime view of London from the Gong, a bar on the fifty-second floor of the Shard.

“I agree,” Xavier replies, but his gaze is locked on me instead of the view behind. “She’s beautiful.”

My cheeks heat as my pulse echoes between my legs, the constant ache of lust never far away when he looks at me like that.

Xavier stretches his hand and reaches for my camera draped on the seat beside me. He slips the camera strap over his shoulder, and I watch him play around with the buttons, adjust the setting, and then bring it up to his face.

Since returning from his meeting, he’s been … intense. Constantly reassuring me with words, barely able to keep his hands off me for more than a few minutes at a time.

The camera shutters with each picture he takes. And for a minute, I’m still. Enraptured by his focus and concentration. He takes intermittent breaks, looking from the camera screen to me with intimate pride and satisfaction—the way a child does when they are given a gift that brings them joy and contentment.

My heart beats faster, and everywhere his gaze touches makes goosebumps appear on my skin.

“Turn around, princess,” he directs as he takes shots of me looking out into the landscape ahead. “Tilt your head back.”

I slant back seductively, tucking loose hair strands behind my ears.

“Beautiful,” he whispers, taking more shots of me.

I can feel some customers’ eyes turn toward us, and my cheeks heat. But Xavier is oblivious to everything and everyone around us. His eyes are dark, hungry, and needy, coupled with something else I can’t quite name.

I lose myself in his gaze, relishing how it makes me feel powerful. Wanted. Needed. Desired. No one has ever looked at me like Xavier is at this moment. His gaze mesmerizes me. His magic captivates me in the form of a passionate symphony charging the air that surrounds us. My pulse races, and my heart pounds in synchrony with the symphony.

“Here’s your drink,” a female waiter chirps, eye fucking him as she places our orders on the table.

He seems oblivious to the whole encounter, and I’m unsure whether to laugh or feel sorry for her. She returns to her colleagues behind the round bar that occupies the space, whispering. I can’t blame her; he looks good. He’s so assured, so confident, and just oozes masculinity. It would be impossible not to be drawn to him.

“What are you cooking up in that head of yours?” He picks up his drink, his brow furrowed.

I push my chair closer to the table separating us, and an idea springs to mind. I wiggle my butt on the seat and slowly pull down my underwear, looking around to ensure no one sees. My knees and calves are damp and sticky. My underwear caresses my legs with its cold, wet touch.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” I cock a brow. Using my free hand, I down my third cocktail for the evening to give myself the booster for what I’m about to do.

I place the glass down and rise to my feet. Xavier’s gaze follows my every movement.

“A gift to carry you through the next minute,” I whisper, lapping my tongue against his ears.

Xavier shivers, releasing a low grunt.

I drop the underwear discreetly on his thighs and head toward the restroom. There is a lightness in my chest, excitement in my steps, and an eagerness in my efforts. It’s only a matter of time before he catches up with me.

8

XAVIER

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