Page 130 of Tempt Her

It’s my money and life now.

I bought a three-story, historic Charleston Single House with its charming, long, narrow side porch, “piazzas,” as they call them.

I converted the home’s interior into an elegant shop with a discreet, ivy-laced, iron front gate entrance off the street in the French Quarter. It gives my future customers privacy as they swish across the coral-colored piazza, overlooking the narrow, blooming courtyard as they enter.

Years ago, I never would’ve imagined I’d be preparing for my sex store, Delta’s, opening party in a week. It’s an exclusive, invitation-only event. One that will surely be a naughty night.

I never felt so free until this year, walking around my new shop in samples of the luxurious lingerie I’ll sell, admiring the sleek, custom-built ebony and ivory decor, all thanks to Ford and Mateo’s skills.

I never would’ve believed I’d need to hire two beefy bodyguards—Grant and Jace—to guard me and my shop.

I would’ve been proud to hear how I’ve trained my new shop manager, a spit-fire pixie named Vale.

But this still shocks me the most—the thrilling giggle from my lips as Mateo wraps his arms around me, dragging me down from the step ladder.

He warns, “Woman, you either get dressed or you get fucked.”

“Again,” Ford adds while he picks up empty shipping boxes.

I nuzzle Mateo’s nose. “I just need to make sure everything’s ready.”

He gives me a deep kiss before setting me down. His gaze combs my body, admiring my see-through, black lace fitted mini dress. “Whydo you have to walk around like this?”

“Because I can.” His dark eyebrow points. “What? At least I’m wearing a thong today.”

Trick #WantToBeConstantlyHorny:Walk around in lingerie all day.

“You keep our cocks hard.” He presses into me, proving it. “And you’re driving your new bodyguards insane.”

“They’ll get used to it. I told them what to expect, and they signed right up.”

Ford scoffs, “Ibetthey did.”

“They’re professionals, and they’re brothers, and I trust them.” I remind my men, “With all the shit going on, Cade said I needed them. That y’all can’t guard me twenty-four-seven, so she sent them over from some fancy security company—HGR.”

As much as I hate to admit it, I do need bodyguards. Who knows if Gentry’s wicked associates have all been caught?

His trial is underway in Columbia, South Carolina. That’s an hour away and not far enough.

Gentry’s lawyers are dragging out the trial, but they couldn’t fight our divorce. It was official six months ago, but still, I’m waiting until he’s sentenced to a lifetime behind bars before I waltz in there and shove my new life in his face.

His mother was indicted on charges. She’s fighting them too. But I know just where I’m going to ambush her soon.

Hell, I’m tempted to do it in this see-through dress.

The press hasn’t found me in Charleston yet, but they will. I’ll use it to my advantage to publicize my exclusive sex store, all while shocking Gentry’s former country club friends.

That’s why I’m keeping Gentry’s last name for now.

I’m still “Stacey Evans” because I still will get revenge.

A year ago, I left Gentry’s Hilton Head house and didn’t look back. No, I’m looking forward to my plans.

“Well, then,”—Mateo takes his phone from his back pocket, aiming its camera at my daily naughty outfit—“if you keep dressing like that, smile for Luke.”

My eyes light up for the camera, my lips lifting high.“Dicckkkkkkk,”I croon because it’s way more fun than saying “cheese.”

And it makes Mateo laugh as he takes the shot.

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