Boss Me (Private Listing #3)

The sounds of her setting her glass down and picking up her clutch reach me. “Of course. Whatever you say.”

She stops beside me and waits until I meet her eyes. “Like always.”

Fuck that noise. Sure, she knows some of my sexual preferences, but not all of them. And I wouldn’t fuck her now if she were the only woman available. Moving to the door, I open it for her. She breezes past me and waits for me to close the door behind us.

“I really would like to get to know who you are now, Seth.” She blows out a breath. “I fucked things up royally in the past. I don’t expect us to pick up with how we were?—‍”

“That would never happen.” I offer her my arm.

She places her hand on my arm and grips it tight. “We had something good. And while we can’t have that back, maybe we can find something new? Maybe you can learn to trust me again?”

I grunt a noncommittal response as I lead her to the car and open the door for her. I never should have trusted her in the first place.

Chapter 84

Rivals

Blake

“Are we seriously the first ones here?” Kayla whispers loudly as we make our way into the museum. She holds my arm like she’s afraid to get lost in the crowds of people filling the massive room.

“I’m not sure why you’re surprised.” I glance at my phone and check the positions of the cars bringing the others. People in fancy dresses and tuxedos fill the museum’s foyer as everyone wants to be the first to see who’s here. The benefit proceeds go to a shelter for homeless children. But mostly, it’s somewhere to be seen by the rest of New York society.

“I kind of thought we’d all come together. At least Cooper.” When she sighs, I roll my eyes. She’s had a crush on Coop since she was twelve.

“He’s dating Madison.” Five times so far I’ve told her that tonight.

She frowns. “Yes, but he’s still really nice to look at. He’s just so pretty.”

“I’ll tell him you said that.”

She hits my arm. “No, you won’t.”

“Trust me. Coop knows he’s pretty already.” A tray of champagne goes by, and I raise my hand to stop the waiter. I grab two and hand one to my sister. “He’s serious about this one, so don’t make any problems.”

She arches her eyebrow and sips her champagne. “Is Coop serious about anything? Well, besides business, even then…” She sips again and peers up at me. “Is she pretty?”

“Gorgeous,” I acknowledge. I can’t wait to see Madison all dressed up. Or to help her undress when we get home. I want to strip her down to just the diamonds on her feet and neck. Fuck, just thinking about her makes my cock twitch.

“You sure you don’t have a crush on Coop’s woman?” Kayla chuckles like that would be hilarious. She had me buy her a new gown for tonight, a silver A-line dress that caught her eye when she went to dinner last night. Her heels bring her head to the height of my nose.

“I’m sure.” …that my cock will be inside Madison before this night is over. But until then, we’re all supposed to be on high alert. The stalker could be here, or even Val and Jeff. This is an open event. Not to mention Hunter. I can’t forget his rage at her telling his father about his misbehavior.

He may not be her stalker, but he’s definitely not a fan. The fucker thinks she owes him something.

“Stay close to Madison tonight. If she goes to the bathroom, you go with her.” There’s just too many factors we can’t control in an environment like this.

“Do you want me to hold her hand while she pees too?” Kayla finishes her champagne and sets the flute on a tray. “I understand my duties, big brother. She’s had threats and you take that shit seriously. I won’t let you down.”

Kayla had a stalker in high school. It never escalated because we smoked the stalker out. The girl got in a lot of trouble for it. But with all the shit that girl put her through, Kayla takes stalking seriously. It made her wary and cautious.

“Thank you.” I glance into her green eyes, so similar to mine. “I really appreciate you doing this for us.”

“Mmm. I’m mostly doing it to see Coop in a tuxedo. Have you checked out his ass? He’s fine, with a long I.”

“Fuck, Kayla.” I shake my head, but she just laughs at me. The energy in the room shifts, and there’s an electric buzz rippling through the crowd. “Speaking of the ass.”

Coop strides in looking distinguished in his tuxedo, but he’s not the one that draws my gaze. Madison is divine. Gold from head to toe with glittering diamonds accenting her natural sparkle.