“Hey, Lily,” Jack whispered.
She didn’t even stir and just kept breathing peacefully. She was completely content, and seeing her deep asleep made me want to protect everything that was dear to her.
Jack sighed, running a hand through his hair as he looked around the nursery again. I saw some flicker of emotion flash across his face.
My hand tightened on Paige’s, and Jack’s eyes caught the movement and his face shifted to something darker before he turned and left the room.
We followed him back to the living room, where he grabbed his coat without a word and headed for the door.
“Jack,” I said, and he paused. “Don’t come back here without calling first.”
He looked at me for a long moment, his eyes narrowed and considering some sort of retort. But he left, the door closing with a soft click behind him.
Silence filled the penthouse until my mother spoke.
“Well. That was awkward.”
“It was,” I said, exhaling sharply. “I’m glad you called us, Mom.”
“Now I feel terrible for calling you away from your friends.” She yawned. “But I’m exhausted. I’m going to bed.”
She headed to the guest room, leaving Paige and me alone in the living room.
I lifted Paige’s hand to my lips, kissing her palm gently. “Don’t overthink it.”
“But he was acting weird,” she said, her brow furrowed. “Very weird.”
He was. I knew it. The whole thing felt off. The timing, the casual demeanor, the way he looked around the nursery like he was cataloging everything.
And he knew I wasn’t home. He must have noticed one of my cars missing from the parking garage which meant this wasn’t spontaneous.
This is calculated. Shit.
“It’s okay,” I said, pulling her into my arms. “I’ll figure it out.”
31
BE READY FOR ME
PAIGE
I woke up feeling wetness between my legs. I stirred and sighed dreamily at the sight of Derek buttoning his crisp white shirt and the fabric stretching taut over his broad shoulders as he moved.
How the hell did that man make getting dressed look obscene?
The sight of him made a warm pool of desire ache between my thighs.
“Oh, you’re awake,” he said with a smile, his voice warm and smoky. “Good morning, Paige-bear.”
“Good morning, indeed,” I said under my breath.
I ogled at my fake-fiancé for a few more minutes, thinking about last night and how hard and fast he had made me cum. And he didn’t stop until he was satisfied.
“Derek,” I said, my voice sultry. “Go in a little later today.”
“I’ve got an eight-thirty partner meeting, Paige,” he said, glancing over, one brow arched. “Why? What happened? Do you need something?”
Yes, your glorious dick.
