I even had a backup plan. If the board voted me out, with my dad’s and Dennis’s influence, then I’d need to start somewhere else. I’d learned a ton in my CEO role, and starting my own gig wouldn’t be too hard. Sure, long hours, but I could control them.
“I don’t like that Petra hinted at me keeping something from you.”
“No, it wasn’t like that.” Laney stopped at the edge of the counter, eyeing all the papers. “She actually told me you refused her help to win me back.”
I tried to see if there was a tone hidden in there or a worry or concern wedged deep. Scanning her face, I saw no signs of worry. I kissed her wrist, noting the way her lips parted at the gesture.
“You gave me a month to prove to you that I can be the spouse you need, and there was no way I was doing that with anyone’s help. If I couldn’t earn your trust back on my own, then I don’t deserve you.”
Laney swallowed as her gaze drifted from me to the papers. My words moved her. I could tell, but her quiet response had me shifting my weight.
“She also asked me to get coffee with her once a month.”
Okay, that surprised me. “What did you say?”
“Yes.” She laughed, meeting my gaze as her fingers ran over the counter. “She is a lot like you. She apologized for any role she played in our troubles, explained why she is so driven. I like her and can see why she’d be a huge asset. I just didn’t like feeling replaced.”
“You’d never be replaced.” I spun her around, pressing her back into the counter. Her eyes widened as I gripped her waist. “You are my wife, the best part of my life.”
“Connor,” she whispered, her heart in her eyes, “I know that, truly. I just—”
I kissed her neck, tugging her ear before sliding my hands under the plaid shirt. Her skin was so damn warm.
“I’m not done showing you how you are everything. Let me walk you through something.”
“With your mouth on me?”
“Mm-hmm.” I slowly dragged my hands over her ribs, cupping the underside of her breasts and groaning. She squirmed on the counter, the movement rubbing against my erection, and I leaned into her.
“Fuck, I’ve missed your body. You’re so sexy,” I said.
Her breathing picked up, and I grazed my palms over her hardened nipples, damn well knowing she’d like that. She jumped, and I pushed her bra out of the way and tugged on her pebbled tips. She had the best tits, and I loved to play with them.
“Take off your shirt for me, baby,” I murmured, watching the way her chest heaved. She whipped off the plaid shirt and bra and lay on the counter with her breasts bare.
“Goddamn.” I licked my lips, the only warning before I sucked one tip into my mouth. Laney arched her back and grabbed my hair, holding me tightly against her.
“Yes, oh yes.”
I smiled, flicking her nipple with my tongue before soothing it. I alternated between each breast, hoping she realized she was my queen.
“You are my wife. You come for me with my business plans all around us.”
She shuddered as I met her eyes. They were filled with lust. All dilated. Red splotches on her cheeks.
“How are you… talking and doing this?”
“I’m dedicated.” I winked before unbuttoning the top of her pants. “Can I make you feel good, baby? Please?”
“When you ask like that…” Her throaty voice went straight to my cock. It swelled, and I wanted nothing more than to sink into her. She stared at me with so much love and want that it threatened my self-control.
“I want you to read the paper to your left.” I untied her shoes, setting them to the side, then I slid her pants down. “The one with the dark header at the top.”
“W-what?” She frowned.
“You’re going to read that while my mouth is on you.” I grinned up at her. “Your challenge is to not come until you’ve read every word.”
“Connor!” she scolded, but she had a huge smile on her face. “This is a lot of words.”
