Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 91286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
“You’re always famished,” Ronan says.
“You should be happy I’m so predictable.” He aims for a lengthy hallway.
I smile at their easy banter. Maybe Connor’s invitation was innocent and I’m imagining things. I shouldn’t assume he’s attracted to me, even though he’s an incessant flirt and as smooth as butter on a hot day.
Cody joked a few times about inviting Rebel or Skye into our bed. I should have caught the red flags, but that’s beside the point. My answer was always an abrupt no, followed by a fight. No, I wasn’t willing to share him.
He never suggested bringing another man in—to share me. I can’t even wrap my head around that.
How many of the women Ronan and Connor end up with have never considered the possibility until they find themselves facing these two? They’re charming and easygoing, the vibe around them warm and inviting. Add in a few drinks, and how many would decline?
Would I, honestly?
A mental picture hits me then as my imagination takes off in sordid directions of where this night could end, and a furious flush heats my cheeks.
“You good?” Ronan settles a hand at the small of my bare back, the heat of his touch sending a warm shiver along my spine.
“Yeah. Great.” Though I’m beginning to wish I were completely clueless about these two and their extracurricular activities.
We fall into step with Connor, me sandwiched between the two tall pillars of easy confidence as we stroll. I take in the arched ceilings with tropical plant leaves painted in murals over them, and the marble floors, and the stone water fountain that spouts water from a mermaid’s mouth. The décor is rich and lush; every detail appears painstakingly considered. Even the air smells expensive—of Japanese cherry blossoms.
“Not bad, right?” Ronan asks as if reading my mind.
I shrug it off with an “It’s all right.” No way will I be caught dead admiring this place. I will admit to myself, though, I may have cursed every day of this build and prayed for spontaneous fires, termites, even a hurricane to tear it down, but as I walk along the corridor, it would be a luxurious hotel to stay in.
Up ahead, two female staff members tend to a lush living wall. When they note us coming, they pause their task to watch us approach with rapt interest. Or rather, watch the two men who bank my sides. I can’t fault them for that. Ronan and Connor were both granted divine gifts in the physical department. They could grace magazines. Hell, Ronan basically did for the Wolf wedding.
Clearly, they appeal to the staff of the hotel. But do people around here know exactly how good of friends these two are?
“Hey, Con,” the dirty blond calls out, pulling off her gloves to smooth a crease in her botanical green uniform.
“Lily.” Connor flashes a million-watt smile in greeting as his pace slows a touch.
“You having people over this weekend?” she asks, toying with her ponytail.
The brunette pretends to be focused on a succulent while stealing frequent glances at Ronan.
It sounds like these girls have been to their house. They’re both young and attractive. Did they all hook up? Am I going to be looking at every woman and wondering this?
“Nope. Sorry, got out-of-town guests,” Ronan answers for him.
“Next week, for sure,” Connor promises.
“We’ll see.” Ronan spears him with a warning glare.
Lily shrugs. “Okay, sounds good.”
I get a cursory glance from both women then, just enough for them to assess my dress, my face, perhaps Ronan’s outstretched arm and their level of competition, before they offer a chorus of “laters”.
“Stop inviting women that work in my department home, man,” Ronan scolds as soon as they’re out of earshot. “You’re gonna get me into shit with HR.”
“Why? You’re not fucking them.”
But by his tone, it’s clear that Connor is.
“I can’t remember the brunette’s name,” he continues. “Mary? Marie? No …” He pauses, scratching his chin in thought, before he suddenly snaps his fingers. “Marni. That’s it. Damn, she was something. She does this thing with her tongue—”
“Dude.”
“What, I can’t even talk about it now?” Connor scoffs. “Just ’cause you’re the big kahuna around here, the top dog, the grand pooh-bah—”
“Shut up,” Ronan mutters.
Connor leans in to mock whisper, “He used to be way more fun.”
“I can only imagine.” But the ill feeling that started to build in my stomach has vanished instantly.
“You know, he got kicked out of a bar in Miami once for getting a blow job in the middle of—oof!” His words cut off as Ronan’s hand leaves my back to reach around and shove him.
My mouth gapes.
That seems to egg Connor on. “And you wouldn’t believe what he ordered me to do tonight. His boss, Belinda, needs—”
“I swear to fucking God, Con,” Ronan warns with a growl.
They exchange looks, and a silent conversation seems to pass over my head—literally and figuratively.