“Ella.”
Nick’s husky whisper pulled me out of my thoughts.
Our time was carved up by their working hours, but one of them was always with me. My role in the office was a joke—though the performance reviews were anything but.
I turned to face him. He didn’t look dangerous like this, half-asleep. The sharp edge was gone. His pale blue eyes were softer now, almost gentle, made brighter by the dark mess of hair and the shadow of stubble along his jaw. His mouth was unfairly shaped—too full, almost petulant.
“Are you sore from last night?” he asked, his finger tracing slowly down my cheek as one corner of his mouth curved upward.
I shook my head, and his smile widened until his teeth showed. I studied his handsome face and wondered how he’d ended up this way—broken.
Lower down, part of the skeleton peeked out from the ink along his ribs. It used to frighten me. Now I saw something else in it—the skull tilted upward, hollow-eyed, almost pleading.
“Can I ask you something?” I said, my hand moving slowly to rest over his heart.
“Sure,” he replied, magnanimous enough that I nearly rolled my eyes.
“Did you feel anything when…” I swallowed, faltered, then tried again.“When you hurt Sophie?”
The image stayed with me—his fingers pinching her eyelids before slicing them away.
“No,” he said, sliding his fingers beneath my chin and lifting my face until I had no choice but to meet his eyes.“In our line of work, betrayal isn’t tolerated. She nearly destroyed us.”
I wanted to ask how. I didn’t.
“We’ve been together for years,” he murmured.“There’s strength in numbers.”
His thumb brushed slowly across my lips.
“My father taught me not to feel,” he continued.“Just like yours taught you how to survive.”
My eyes widened—but he closed the distance before I could speak.
The kiss was gentle at first. Then firmer. His lips pressed in, his tongue tracing the seam of my mouth until I opened for him, my hand sliding up to his neck.
Hot.
Hungry.
He grabbed my thigh and drew my leg over his, leaving me open. His tongue pressed deeper as his fingers lingered, teasing the opening of my pussy.
Was I conditioned—or did I enjoy fucking them?
I didn’t know.
Either way.
I was wet.
???
Nick’s hand rested on my lower back as I walked into the office. Rowan sat behind his desk. The large screen behind him was idle.
“You two took your time,” he said with a smirk.
He wasn’t angry, just amused, as they exchanged a knowing glance. I’d surmised there was a camera in the bedroom. Alec’s“slip-up” when he played back a video hadn’t been subtle. I did what I was best at and remained silent.
Were they really as simple as they seemed?
