I’ve wanted men before. But I’ve never wanted to be ruined by one like I do now.
Knock, knock, knock.
Three sharp raps.
“Ms. Prince.” Bishop’s muffled voice carries through the door.
I stiffen, sucking in a sharp breath. Bennett freezes too—then his lips twitch, like he’s enjoying my pain.
“Yes?” I attempt calm and controlled, but my voice comes out much higher than intended.
“Everything all right?”
“Shit…” I hiss, pulling my shirt back on and fumbling with the buttons as I hurry to the door.
Bennett stays right where he is, leaning casually on the kitchen island. Like he belongs there, halfway undressed in my immaculate condo.
I crack the door. “Bishop?—”
“Checking in. You asked us to verify Mr. Steele was in for the night.”
“Right.” I say the word quickly. “Confirmed.”
“We’re all good here, Bishop.” Bennett’s voice drifts from behind me, calm and smug, and my face flames. “Everything’s under control.”
Of course he says it.
“Very good.” Bishop nods. “Do you need anything?”
“No,” I snap, too sharply. “Thank you, Bishop.”
He steps back, professional as ever. “Good night, ma’am.”
I click the door shut and lean my forehead against the wood, one hand braced on the panel to hold me upright.
“Really? Did you have to chime in?” I glare over my shoulder at Bennett and his annoyingly sexy smirk. Aggravation swirls and mixes with desire, a confusing cocktail in my gut.
I’ve built my entire life on being unshakable. One man shouldn’t be able to undo me so fast, so completely.
Bennett pushes off the island, slow and steady. Like he’s a hunter, his eyes dark.
“You opened the door. I was just helping out.”
“I did not ask for help.”
His gaze drops to my half-buttoned blouse, back up again. “Could’ve fooled me, Sunshine.”
I’m torn between kissing or punching him.
“Don’t mistake consent for surrender.” Then I lift up on tiptoe, brushing my lips against his. Soft and warm. Wanting.
“Not tonight. We can’t afford reckless,” I whisper, already regretting my life choices.
Because of course I want this gorgeous man in my bed, tangled up in my sheets.
But we can’t take the risk. Not with Bishop standing right outside. The league and my father watching.
This could blow up in both of our faces.
