Page 48 of Straight to Me

Jesus. “That’s a long way. Why so far?”

“Club business.”

Why would he have to go so far for club business? “I didn’t think you could travel with a criminal record?”Fuck. I’m thinking aloud, but as soon as I say it, he glares at me. I’ve assumed he has one because of the nature of his club.

“Who says I have a criminal record?”

“You don’t?” He semi laughs suddenly, rubbing his stubble with his hand. My fingers still stroke through his hair.

“I have one, for a crime I committed over 10 years ago. I also have a dual passport, babe.”

So, he does have a record.

“Why you? Why not someone else?” I shuffle closer to him, my arm resting on the back of the sofa.

“Because I’m the vice president. It’s my responsibility. Plus, I’m the only one who can get a visa quickly.” Because the rest have worse criminal records than him no doubt.

The top of his forehead wrinkles, his eyes suddenly appear troubled. Is it the leaving me or the actual business that’s troubling him? I’m not sure where it comes from, but seeing him so, lost, gives me a crazy idea. A way to prove how much he means to me.

“I could get a visa quickly too.” My eyes don’t move from his.

His mouth opens slightly, his eyes searching my face, he can’t believe what he’s hearing. “Mads, what are you talking about?”

Shit. What was I thinking? I just got a job and a new flat. What am I saying? He might not even want me there around his club business. But he needs to know I need him too. But it’s too soon.

I dart off the sofa, grabbing my top and throwing it over my head. I said I wouldn’t worry but self-confidence flees my body on a few short words. VP stands, naked, watching me put on my clothes.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have suggested that. It’s a stupid idea.” Spying my jeans, I grab them, stepping into them quickly.

“Mads, stop.”

I don’t hear him as I pull them up.Why did I ruin it?We both like each other, more than friends, but even Rocco said it himself, don’t mix business with pleasure.

No matter how much you like the pleasure.

“MADS!” Grabbing my arms as he shouts, my body jerks with dread.

“I don’t want to cause trouble, VP. I shouldn’t have suggested it, I’m sorry.” My voice is frantic getting the words out. “Rocco said no business with pleasure.”

“Rocco?” His hands move to settle on mine. My eyes stare at his touch.

“VP, I...”

My heart starts racing, my blood pressure rising. I shut my eyes. “Your president scares the shit out of me. He said no business with pleasure. I like you, like you like me. But I shouldn’t have suggested travelling with you. It was ridiculous, I’m sorry.” I don’t look up to him but can feel his eyes wildly scanning over me.

“Mads,” I don’t move, “look at me.” His tone is soft. “Please.” He’s not angry or mad. It makes me soften under his touch.

My eyes then venture to his. “I spent all afternoon shitting myself about telling you we wouldn’t be seeing each other for one week. Do you know how ridiculous that is? I’ve never felt this way about any other woman, Mads. It’s fucking terrifying. I can’t believe I’m saying this.”

He pauses, until those lost words are suddenly found.

Looking up to the ceiling, he lets out a breath, before looking back at me. “In the short time we’ve known each other, do you know how many times I’ve wanted to tell you I love you, but thought better of it for fear of frightening you off?”

He lets go of my hands to begin pacing around the lounge, hands on top of his head. “Fuck,” he says to himself.

“You, love me?” I ask calmly, almost to myself.

He stops in his tracks. Gradually, turning on the spot. My eyes find his and he takes a step towards me, then stops. For someone so manly and god-like, he smiles quite bashfully.

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