Page 25 of Wicked Praise

Bella groaned.

She knew who it was because she had a separate tone for her brothers, which meant Knox had finally replied to her message.

“I better go,” she said.

“Another man?” he teased, kissing her once more and Bella felt herself melting into a compliance she wanted much more of.

“Technically, yes,” she replied when he finally released her mouth.

Blake pulled back. “Tell me you’re joking.”

“I’m not married or in a relationship. I wouldn’t do that.” She frowned at him, then patted one of his pecs. Taking a moment to run her hands over the body she’d been wanting to touch for hours, she roamed them down his abs and up over his shoulders.

“Your skin is so soft,” she sighed.

“Bella”—Blake lifted her chin—“I really fucking enjoyed what we did tonight. You liked pleasing me, didn’t you.”

Not a question. A statement.

He was such a confident man.

It was true; she did like pleasing him, and despite being naked in his arms, she felt herself blushing and nodding.

“I’m not looking for a committed relationship but let’s keep the door open to doing this again,” he said, running his thumb over her bottom lip.

Bella didn’t like how he assumed she was a woman into casual sex, but then again, she had gone home with him and let him tie her up and put his mouth on every inch of her.

Then there was the small fact that his semi-hard cock was lying between them. It was like saying no to chocolate chip ice cream. You know you should. You might even do it. But could you stick with it for the rest of your life?

He would always be a temptation, but one she had to walk away from.

Her time was up.

Three months.

Bella had no choice.

“It was amazing. But no,” she said as his brows dipped.

From his expression, Bella figured Blake Dufort had never been rejected before.

“I have to go,” she said and went to move.

“Bella.” He tightened his hold on her. “Wait.”

“I don’t do this, Blake. And I can’t,” she said, shaking her head.

“I’m not asking you to marry me.” He growled, and it was almost laughable, given her circumstances.

One she never wanted a man like Blake to know about. How insanely embarrassing would that be?

“No, you aren’t. And trust me when I say, it’s best we part ways now,” she said as Blake flopped back on the pillow and let out a long sigh.

“Let me get my driver to take you home.”

Instead of climbing out of bed as she’d expected him to, Blake reached for her once more, pulled her down to his lips and kissed her harshly. “You were fucking incredible. Really, Bella.”

She felt a flush of joy rush through her.

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