Page 80 of Wicked Praise

“Explain.” Bella frowned.

He let out a laugh. “I said clean. I’m not going to jump you at a family dinner. But I love kissing you. So I’m going to kiss you whenever and wherever I want. I love touching your gorgeous ass,” he said, sliding his hands over her curves. “I love my lips on your neck, feeling the curve of your shoulders. So expect kisses peppered there when I think no one is looking. But I know that they are.”

Bella’s breath hitched as he leaned in and let his lips caress her neck. She arched into his touch as he continued his path.

“I love your mouth around my cock and seeing you submit to me so beautifully.”

God, did he enjoy all of that but now he was taking it too far. This had nothing to do with what he was talking about and all about wanting to touch her.

His eyes traveled down her chest where her nipples were hardening. His thumb followed his gaze and pressed firmly.

“Blake,” she cried softly.

“We may not be in love, but our lust is real, Bella. Let’s use that,” he rasped. "Embrace it while we’re together these next two years. I want you to be happy and pleasured.”

“Pleasured,” she repeated, and a thrill ran along the shaft of his cock.

He lifted her chin, releasing her nipple. “I’ll make sure you want for nothing sexually.”

Bella smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. Then she blinked and moved out of his arms.

What the hell?

“I’m so grateful to you, Blake. When you see the contract, I’m sure you’ll be happy. Then, at the end, we will both have everything we want,” Bella said, a shutter going down over her eyes.

“Great,” he replied.

“Excellent.” She nodded.

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SAMANTHA DUFORT OPENEDthe door holding a glass of sherry, and Blake almost cringed. She only drank that stuff when she was stressed.

He hadn’t even announced their engagement yet.

“Mom, this is Bella Montgomery,” he introduced, his hand on the small of her back.

“Nice to meet you, M—”

“Come in, come in,” his mom said, waving her arm out. Then turned away and walked into the house.

What in the fuck?

Bella glanced up at him and his jaw stiffened.

“Is that Blake and Bella?” He heard Emma’s voice.

Jacob, Logan, and his wife were joining them. With Amelia in Washington and Aidan in Chicago with his pregnant wife, it was a smaller gathering than normal.

He led Bella into the house, and Emma pulled her into a hug.

“It’s so good to see you again. And to have another woman here,” Emma said.

“Hey,” his mom cried in mock offense.

“You know what I mean. There’re way too many men in this family.” Emma laughed.

“I know what you mean.” Bella laughed along with her. “I have three big brothers and a just-as-big father.”

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