‘Hills.’ Paisley grabs Hillary’s arm as he passes, almost making him spill clear liquid from the tumblers he holds in his hands. ‘Is that Stephen from the other day?’
‘I told you I’d recognised him from somewhere,’ he replies, his eyes widening dramatically. ‘She’s a drag performer over at Stella LaFella’s,’ Hills explains, flipping the pronoun. ‘It’s a new place in Shoreditch.’
‘What’s her stage name?’ Paisley asks.
‘Avery Goodsux.’ Hills gives a theatrical pout. ‘I’ll let you know later if she lives up to her name. If you’ll excuse me, I’m just going to go get as close to sex as humanly possible while keeping on my clothes.’
‘That man,’ Paisley says, giggling. ‘He should be in front of the camera, not behind.’
‘Only,his ego is bad enough now.’
‘Hey, you should definitely go,’ Paisley adds.
‘What? To the naughty museum on La Rambla?’ Been there, done that, bought the smutty souvenir. ‘No, I’ve decided I’m celebrating my birthday tonight. And, you know, I think this is the first birthday party I’ve had since I was six years old.’
‘No pass the parcel at this swanky shindig. Happy Birthday, babe.’ She clinks her glass against mine. ‘I think your thirtieth year is going to be a fantastic one.’
‘You know what? I think you’re right.’
‘Oh, honey, I know I am. Starting right now.’ I frown, not quite following her meaning. ‘I’ve been tasked with a message for you. There’s a man in your bedroom right now just dying to give you a birthday gift.’
Chapter 26
CHASTITY
My heart beats like a drum as I dash up the stairs, excited, and eager, and apprehensive. Yes, apprehensive. The kind that comes from feeling guilty for keeping him hanging.
When I reach the top of the stairs, I quickly check my reflection, my complexion flushing at the memory of Flynn holding me captive in this exact place to torture me.We’ve come so far since.I hope he feels the same.
I turn and make my way to my bedroom but don’t make it that far as a white shirted arm reaches out, pulling me into my home office.
‘Flynn.’ My hand rises as fall over my still rapidly beating heart as he closes the door. ‘You scared me.’ The room is dark; the light from the streetlamp outside the only light in the room.
‘Sorry, duchess. I couldn’t wait until they’ve all gone to get you alone.’
I inhale a deep breath and push it out through a slight pout. ‘I half expected to find you naked and spread out on my bed, a red ribbon tied around your dick. And where are your glasses?’
Flynn laughs, bringing me closer, his big hands on my hips. ‘You like those, yeah?’
I nod. ‘Hell, yeah.’
‘Maybe I’ll wear them for you next time.’ His gravelly chuckle shimmers down my spine. ‘But for now, I have another plan. No ribbon, but it does involve my dick.’
‘Oh, I’m intrigued.’
‘So I’ve got your attention?’ In an effort to restrain my smile, I bite my lip as I nod yes. ‘Good,’ he says with a nod, a nod that quickly turns to a shake of his head. ‘God, you look gorgeous.’ His gaze is dark, but his expression earnest as he devours me without touch.
‘You like my dress?’ I don’t mean to sound so coy, but his avid gaze is so brazen.
‘It’s almost a dress,’ he says, his eyes roaming before landing on the ragged lacy hem. ‘It looks like they forgot to put anything on under the belt.’
I laugh, and it feels so good. Time with Flynn is like stepping into a bath. The difference is, you never know what it’s going to be filled with.Warm sudsy water tonight. Familiar and sweetly scented and such a treat.
But as he drags his hand up my bare leg, the atmosphere changes.
‘I have missed you so much.’ His tone is deep and sincere.
‘I know. I’m sorry. I’ve missed you, too.’
