"How do you feel?"
I stretched, checking for damage. He'd straight up worked over my body last night, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't sore. In addition, my hamstrings felt super tight. Still, it was not something I'd complain about. "Good," I lied.
The look he gave me told me he didn't believe me, but instead of calling me out for my lie, he brushed back my hair and kissed me on the forehead. "I know just the thing to help you."
Before I could insist I was fine and didn't need his help, he jumped out of bed. Still naked as the day he was born, he tiptoed over to the door separating us from his and Bones's suite, and pushed it closed.
He must have opened our side last night. I wasn't surprised, but it did make me wonder again if something was going on that they were hiding from me. Confident that the two of them could handle it--whatever it was--I pushed the thought out of my mind and focused on watching his muscular, perfect backside head into the bathroom.
Water started running.
Grinning, he returned and offered me his hand. Still naked I looked around for his discarded robe, wondering if I could get to it before he saw everything.
"I've already seen you naked," he reminded me. "And I fuckin' love your body. Don't even think about covering it up."
Well then. I guess that solved that. I accepted his hand and let him pull me to my feet. He kept hold of my hand, intertwining our fingers, as he led me to the bathroom and into the tub. As I relaxed, he soaped up a washcloth and had me lean forward so he could wash my back. He scrubbed down my back, my shoulders, my arms, and my front before tossing the washcloth in the tub and massaging my shoulders.
I was really getting into it when his phone rang.
Angel swore and hurried into the other room.
"It's work," he said a few seconds later. "I'm gonna take it next door."
Unconcerned and now relaxed, I dunked myself under the water.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Angel
THE DEAL WAS off. I heard the words, even understood their meaning, but they didn't make sense. How could the deal be off? Had I done something wrong? Overlooked some important negotiation tactic? Replaying the meeting in my mind, I was certain I'd done everything the old man had told me to do. Still, I'd been sent to purchase the product--product he already had a buyer for--and I'd failed.
"We were able to secure a better offer," the voice on the phone told me.
A better offer? What sort of dumbass would bid against my father?
"You're making a big mistake." I replied.
"We're aware this decision might strain our relationship with your family, but we are first and foremost businessmen. I'm certain your father will understand our position."
They sure as hell didn't know my old man. "If you say so."
"We do look forward to the prospect of dealing with your family on future ventures. Please give my regards to your father."
The call disconnected and I stared at my phone, knowing what my next move should be.
"Another buyer?" Bones asked.
I'd grabbed my robe from the floor of Markie's suite. Sliding my phone into the pocket, I nodded. "That's what he said."
"Who the fuck would be stupid enough to do that?"
"They didn't say."
He frowned. "You gonna call the boss?"
I glanced at the door separating our suite from Markie's knowing I should. "What time did you set up her surprise for?"
"Three p.m."
