How can she be so calm about this?
“But what if his message spreads? What if he has connections?”
“Then we’ll deal with whatever happens, but at the moment, nothing has.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “I’m so sorry, Cami. This is all my fault.”
“No, it’s not.” She gently removes my hand from my face so she can look at me. “It’s Karson’s fault. He’s the one who made both of us look dirty. This isn’t on you.”
I press my lips together, knowing she’s technically correct, but in my soul, I feel responsible. I knew we had the potential to damage each other’s reputations. I just figured her connection to Karson would end up impacting mine, and I was prepared to take the risk. I didn’t expect it to happen the other way around.
“Why didn’t you mention it?” I ask.
“Because I knew you’d react this way.” She waves a hand up and down my body as if to say “case in point.” “But it’s not a big deal, and making it one just gives that loser more credit than he deserves. Don’t let it get to you.”
I clench my teeth. All the well-meaning platitudes in the world won’t undo the damage he might have already done. But we can get out in front of it and do damage control. “Would it help if we made a public announcement that I’m not affiliated with your fashion line? Maybe I need to keep a low profile so people realize you’re more than just an extension of Karson or me. Whatever we need to do, tell me.” I hate feeling helpless. “Even if it means I can’t come to the show. I’ll stay away to protect you.”
Camile flinches and her eyes shine with reproach. Damn, I’m already hurting her and all I’m trying to do is make it better.
Camile
I can’t believe Leo would even consider not coming to my first fashion show. Especially when he’s the reason it’s happening. Without him, I can’t be certain I’d have had the guts to approach investors in the first place.
“You’re coming,” I tell him, not allowing a smidgen of uncertainty into my voice. “I’ve had a lifetime of people overlooking me or not being there for me, and I refuse to let you be one of them.”
His face falls. “Baby, I promise, that’s not what it’s about.”
I raise my chin and fight really hard not to waver. “I want you to come. My parents are never going to be as supportive as I’d like, but having you on my team for the past few weeks has meant everything.” I rub my chest, feeling an ache deep within it. “I’m falling for you, Leo, and that’s more important than whether a handful of people boycott my event out of some misguided sense of justice.” When something dark flickers across his expression, I add an entreaty. “Isn’t it?”
He softens. “Of course.” His arm wraps around my shoulders and he draws me close. I lean into his strong chest and enjoy how protected he makes me feel. He’s so big. So solid. And so very sexy. “It’s just not right. People shouldn’t be able to act as judge, jury, and executioner with no proof.”
I sigh. Honestly, the influencer’s crusade bothers me too, but Lena has already promised to balance it out with some positive articles, and other than that, there’s nothing we can do, so there’s no point in stressing. “That’s how the court of public opinion works.”
He kisses my forehead. “It sucks.”
I giggle because he’s not wrong. “I know. But please don’t let it keep you away from the show. I need your support.”
“Okay,” he murmurs, but his brow is furrowed, and I know he’s still mulling it over. I’m getting better at figuring out when his brain is stuck on a hamster wheel because he gets this annoyed, faraway look. “Whatever you need, baby.”
I smooth my thumb over his forehead. “Everything will be okay.”
The crinkle forms again almost immediately. “I guess we’ll have to wait and see.”
Sensing that’s the best I’m going to get out of him for now, I press my lips to his and tease my tongue along the seam of his mouth. He groans and grasps my face so he can deepen the kiss.
“I want you so bad,” I murmur. Over the past few weeks with Leo, I’ve grown more comfortable with my sexuality. He’s proven he likes me as I am in every way that matters.
“Same.” He groans as I reach between us and cup his cock. “God, yes. More.”
I rub the growing bulge his shorts don’t do much to contain. When his breathing becomes ragged, I slip my hand beneath the waistband and into his briefs. I fist his cock and stroke it slowly enough that his hips jerk, seeking more.
His eyes find mine. They’re dark with desperation. “Please, Cami. Need you.”
Yes.I love the way this man makes me feel. I’m already wet for him, and desire soaks my panties as I watch him struggle to take what I’m giving without overpowering me. He’s riding the edge of control. My favorite place for him to be. I release his cock and it thumps against his belly, smearing precum on his shirt. He throws his head back and curses. But before he has time to make demands, I lift my skirt, shove my ruined panties to the side, and straddle him.
“Fuck.” He grips my thighs and shifts me into place above his throbbing dick. I encircle it with my fingers and guide myself, sinking onto him inch by inch as he fills me. We’ve been going without condoms for a few days now because we’re both free of STIs and I’m taking protection, but the sensation still overwhelms me. A shudder racks my body. He’s so hard and hot. I can feel each pulse as he fights to hold on to control.
I whimper. “I’m so full of you.”
