“Sure, that’s a fun part.” He scoops another huge mouthful and chews loudly. “Tell me, little princess, where did you disappear to while I was busy getting rid of Cruz tonight?”
I feel the blush rise over my chest and cheeks. “None of your business, Asher.” I look away, staring into my bowl so I don’t have to see the way he’s looking at me right now with a hunger I want to quench.
“You know I can see all the private suite bookings and who was in them.” His voice is playful, but I know he’s serious.
My eyes snap back up to him, my heart kicking up a beat. “Why do you care what I was doing?”
“I’m more curious, but I’m sure Cruz will care. He’s sensitive like that.”
Fuck, and now I know why I feel guilty. I was pissed with Cruz when I made the decision to test the waters of the private suites, but now that the excitement has faded, I feel kind of rotten about it. I know we’re not in a relationship or anything, but he’s kind of been good to me. And he was just trying to keep me safe, even if I’m not his to look after.
“Don’t I know it.” I sigh heavily, scooping the last mouthful in before I stand and place my bowl in the dishwasher. “I’m going tobed,” I throw over my shoulder. I think I need space away from him before I do anything else I’ll have to feel guilty for.
Asher hops up quickly and does the same, packing away his bowl and the box of cereal. “Can I come?” he asks, with that damn Labrador energy he has. If he were a dog, his tail would be thumping a happy rhythm against the floor, and his eyes would be pleading with me.
I stare back at him, my mouth popping open. “To my bed? Didn’t we already have this conversation? It was a big fat no, Ash.”
“Just to sleep, I promise. The couch gives me a kink in the neck.” He rubs his neck, his muscles bulging in his shirt. He knows what he’s doing, being irresistible.
“That’s because you’re huge.” I look him over, and there is something in his innocent puppy-dog eyes that makes me feel sorry for him. This is probably how he does it, sleeps with so many women, because he’s just so hard to resist. He wears you down. “You can sleep beside me, but you come over on my side of the bed or I feel anything poking me in the ass, you will be straight back on the sofa, kink in the neck or not.”
His grin widens, going all the way to his adorable dimples, and I have to wonder for a second why I’m so against screwing this man. He’s hot as hell and totally unattached, he should be the perfect one-night stand, but he’s also Sloane’s brother and she warned him off me, and I know she wouldn’t have done that for no reason. I also work with him, and his brother is all psycho over me. There are just way too many reasons to stay away.
Disappearing into the bathroom, I slip my silk pajamas on and then brush my teeth. When I get back into my room, Asher is already in bed, the sheets hardly covering him at all, his boxer-brief-wearing package and his bare chest on full display. All smooth skin, ink, and muscles, I don’t know where to look, and the sexy bastard laughs,knowing the chaos he’s causing in my brain. “Did you have to strip completely?”
“Not completely. I can take these off if you want. I don’t normally wear anything to bed, but I was trying to be a good bed buddy.”
“Keep them on, Asher, or you’re on the sofa. Last warning,” I snip as I pull back the covers on my side. I take the extra pillow and place it between us as a physical barrier.
“Is that necessary?” He chuckles, having way too much fun with this.
“Very.”
He chuckles again, and I know he’s trying to rile me up. This is all some wicked game to him.
I flick off the light and lie back, pulling the covers up, staring at the ceiling. I have no idea how I’m supposed to sleep. My brain is wired, and it’s not just from having Asher in bed beside me with practically nothing on. It’s everything from the last couple of nights. I sigh heavily, trying to relax.
“Can I hold your hand?” Asher asks, his voice soft and sleepy.
I glance over at him, not sure if he’s messing with me or not. But he looks serious, his hand outstretched for me.
I don’t know why, but there is just something about him that’s so hard to say no to, so I give him my hand. He interlaces our fingers and then closes his eyes, satisfied. The gesture is so sweet it’s almost jarring.
It’s not long before he’s asleep, the peaceful sound of his relaxed breathing making me feel sleepier already. But I don’t close my eyes; instead, I watch him sleep. He’s so gorgeous, with his long hair flopping over his eyes. It’s darker than Cruz’s but still has some of the sandy-blond highlights. His full lips are parted slightly, his chest rising and falling with every breath he takes. So gorgeous and so forbidden. What I wouldn’t give to run my tongue over his smooth muscles all theway down till I make it to his cock. I get a tingle running right through to my pussy at the thought. What would he taste like? Would he make me swallow his cum like my VIP date did tonight, or would he pull out and jizz all over my face? Damn, now I’m wet thinking about it. I have to stop watching him.
I close my eyes and pray for sleep. No idea how long I lie here trying to go to sleep, but when the front door bursts open with a loud bang, and Jagger shouts with urgency, I’m out of bed, running for the door in no time.
Asher is right behind me.
When Jagger sees us running out of my room together, he glares at us, like proper glares, but I don’t have time to consider his reaction. Because there, supported in his arms, is Cruz. He’s slumped over and looks out of it, blood seeping through his white T-shirt. Shit!
“What the fuck happened?” Asher calls as he shoves past me to help Jagger cradle Cruz.
They move him to the sofa and help him lie down. “I called Ricky. He will be here soon,” Jagger mutters.
“What went wrong?” Asher asks, looking between them.
Their eyes meet. “They were ready for us this time.”
