Hired Love

Green orbs disappeared under his eyelids for a few seconds and then reappeared. So he was a humanitarian. The man was full of surprises. She longed to know everything, long to slowly peel away his layers like an onion to unravel the man that was Roman Reynolds. What made him tick?

"What about you, though? You talked about working in a firm."

"I'm a lawyer." She told him. "A solicitor."

He looked surprised. "Really?"

She felt unsure of herself under his scrutiny. "Yeah. Why do you look so surprised?"

He didn't move for a moment. When he finally did, it was to shake his head. "Nothing. It's just... I don't know much about lawyers, but I always imagined them to be outspoken and quick to act."

"And I'm not?"

"Well, not exactly."

Was he right? Stacy wouldn't say she was talkative or impulsive, but she figured she was pretty good at what she did. "What makes you say that?"

She thought he wasn't going to answer judging by how long he took before he opened his mouth. "Claire took someone important from you. I'd think you'd want to get them back and not by hiring another man to act as your fiancé." So he was assessing by what had happened. She wasn't surprised anyway. Sure, she was a pretty good lawyer if she said so herself but other than work, confrontations didn't sit well with her. She preferred to ignore the problem until it was gone. "Claire's my sister." She reminded him.

"All the more reason to make her understand that she can't treat you like shit."

Stacy could see some truth in what he was saying. Claire had never cared about anyone but herself. The fact that she had showed up with a man was either because she wanted it to hurt Stacy or she actually gave a fuck about their mother's happiness. Somehow, she concluded it was the former.

"Our relationship has been somewhat strained even since we were kids. She had her own friends, her own life and I had mine. I think it was because she's three years older and probably didn't see the need to hang out with her little sister." His lashes were flickering now under the dim light. Stacy realized he'd turned off the lights and put on the lamp on the nightstand. It felt strangely utopian, lying on a bed with a beautiful man and pillow-talking.

"I can assure you, love, three years isn't a very long time."

"You realize she was hitting on you at dinner?"

His smile told her he knew. "I liked that you didn't let her win."

The compliment warmed her. "It's not a competition."

"Not to you, maybe."

"You don't think she's beautiful?" She wanted to know what he thought of Claire. Did he think she was beautiful? More beautiful than her?

"I'd be lying if I said she wasn't." At least he was honest. Nevertheless, it didn't stop the feeling of disappointment that flooded her.

If you're loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!

Did Claire see her as competition? It was outrageous to even think about. Her sister was beautiful and sexy with a smile that could light up a small village. There was nothing to be insecure about. Right?

It didn't matter. They were where they were because it was what it was. Though Stacy would be the first to admit that it had felt good to stand up to her at dinner. Pass the salad? Who said that anymore? "Thank you for doing this." She meant the words. He could easily pack up his bag and leave and there would be nothing she could do about it. But he'd chosen to stay and help her.

Roman smirked, licking his lower lip. "If I can get you shaking and trembling again the way you did today, it'd be worth it."

She rolled her eyes. "I see the few remaining brain cells you have just died."

"Don't be sour," He teased. "It doesn't become you."

"You're ridiculous."

"And you make the most melodic sound I've ever heard." He squinted his eyes and sighed dreamily, his lips pointing into a small pout. "And annoying too, apparently."

If you're loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!

Roman laughed and he was close enough that a small blast of air from his mouth hit her face. Stacy noticed that when he laughed, the sides of his eyes wrinkled just a little bit. She wanted to smooth it out. Something must have propelled her because a finger reached out to touch that spot.

He froze at her touch, his gaze holding hers. Without thinking, she ran her index finger around the area. Whatever it was propelling her must have been having a field day because when she opened her mouth, the words that came out were, "I liked it. I liked it very much."

His green orbs gripped her at a standstill and Stacy didn't know how long she held her breath for. She hoped to God he didn't think she sounded desperate. Why had she said that?

"I want to kiss you again and not just on the lips." He murmured, watching her, gauging her reaction. "I want to taste you again, like a secret or a sin."

Her finger moved again, this time towards his lips. She ran a line across his lower lip, wishing she had the morale to lean in and take it within hers. At the back of her mind, a bell rang loudly. She was aware of how dangerous this man was to her health. But the thought of him tasting her, licking her there was probably the most appealing thing to ever cross her mind. And God help her, she wanted it.

His upper body was above her now, nuzzling her neck. He placed small kisses on her sensitive skin, leaving a burning trail as he went. "I swear picturing you naked is the most productive thing I've done today."

Oh, Jesus. Did he have to be so.....verbally gifted?

"Roman," She whispered, angling her neck to give him more access.

"Yes baby," He breathed. "Say my name. Say my fucking name."

"Roman." Her legs were beginning to feel like butter.

Then he lifted his body, so he was face to face with her. His eyes trailed from her eyes, "I'm going to fuck you soon, baby." To her nose, "I'm going to fuck you so hard until you're screaming loud enough to bring down this house," And then her lips. "And then there'll really be no doubt that I'm crazy about you."