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He does. He will. It’s the one thing I can’t fault him for. Dean will wear himself into the ground trying to do what’s best for Ella.

I sigh and run my damp toe along his jaw. “You could be a little nicer to me though, couldn’t you?”

“You’re right. I’m sorry.”

“Stand up.”

The second he does, I reach out and twist his nipple hard enough to make his knees buckle. “Oh my G—” A hissing noise leaves his mouth. “Michael. Come on.”

“Too much? You give up?”

Anger flashes in his eyes. Dean Ness does not like to give up.

So I twist that same nipple again.

Footsteps patter down the hallway. “Daddy? Can you get me some water?”

“Shh,” he whispers.

Which one of us is he shushing?

Loosening my grip, I lean in and whisper into his ear, “Do you give up?”

A tiny fist knocks on the door.

His eyes flash again. “Yes. Fine. I give up.”

My smile stretches my cheeks. “Good. Now go get Ella some water.” I nod down to where his erection is bobbing between his legs. “Better put that thing away first.”

He gives me a glare as he pulls his shorts on and shifts things around, no doubt tempted to hurt me back. His guilt won’t allow him to, but I know he wants to.

While he stumbles into the hall, I settle back on his bed to relax. Once I hear their voices retreat down the hall, I slip out and return to my client.

All this sexual frustration won’t exactly help me sleep, but you know what they say about misery loving company. Something tells me Dean won’t be getting any more sleep tonight either.

CHAPTER FOUR

Dean

According to my client Tim, the private school I want to get Ella into likes to see the students come from a two-parent family. Something about stability contributing to academic success. Seems shady if you ask me, but I’m on a mission.

Since I have no idea what to do about the fact that I’m single, I start by sending a message to the group chat.

Dean: So…would anyone possibly be willing to pretend to be engaged to me for a couple of weeks?

And then, because this request sounds like it’s probably as appealing as licking asphalt, I add:

Dean: I’ll throw in a couple of free pizzas

Simon: Wait. What?

Dean: I’m trying to get Ella into this private school. Apparently they check things like job and home stability

Michael’s phone buzzes in the console of his Volvo. Every Sunday all the escorts who work for Brennan meet for brunch.

“Are you texting the group chat?”

I’m realizing now wasn’t the best time to do this.