Filthy Rich Single Daddies (Filthy Rich Harems #2)

12. Austin

Chapter 12

Austin

I can't tear my eyes away from her. Skylar glides through the water, her movements fluid and graceful, like some kind of siren luring me to my doom. I've retreated to a hidden alcove off the main living area, peering through a gap in the curtains like some kind of voyeur. I just can't help myself.

The memory of her earlier taunt echoes in my mind. "I could give you a repeat performance of the other day."

Her voice had been low, teasing, full of promise. It had sent a jolt of electricity through my body, hardening me instantly. I'd gripped the door frame so tightly I'm surprised I didn't shatter the glass.

And, when she slid that thin little strap down her shoulder, fuuuuuuuck.

Now, as I watch her standing in the pool— my pool, water cascading down her curves, I feel that same surge of desire. My cock strains against my zipper, begging for relief. I grit my teeth, willing my body to calm down.

"Get it together, Austin," I mutter to myself. "She's nothing but trouble."

But even as I say the words, I know they're a lie. Skylar Deveraux is far more than just trouble. She's a force of nature, wild and unpredictable. And God help me, I want her more than I've ever wanted anything in my life.

She tosses her wet hair over her shoulder, droplets sparkling in the sunlight. My fingers itch to run through those damp strands, to pull her close and taste the salt on her skin. I imagine her sharp tongue, usually so quick with a biting retort, put to much better use.

"Fuck," I breathe, adjusting myself discreetly. This woman is going to be the death of me.

I watch as she stretches languidly by the pool's edge, every movement a deliberate tease. Does she know I'm watching? Is this all for my benefit? The thought both thrills and infuriates me.

I should walk away. I should focus on work, on my son, on anything but the maddening creature before me. But I remain rooted to the spot, unable to look away from the tempest that is Skylar Deveraux.

The sound of childish laughter breaks through my lust-filled haze. I blink, refocusing as the kids come skipping through the gate. Birdie follows close behind.

"Skylar!" Birdie calls out, her voice warm and full of affection. "Your little ones are back. I’m going to head back inside, dear. Thank you both for spending some time with a boring old lady."

“Bye, Birdie,” the kids call out. “Thank you.”

I watch as Skylar turns, her face softening in a way I've never seen before. It's like a mask slipping, revealing a glimpse of something tender beneath her usual icy exterior.

"Thanks, Birdie," Skylar calls back, her voice light. "I'll be in soon."

The exchange hits me like a punch to the gut. This softer side of Skylar, so at odds with the sharp-tongued woman I've come to know, stirs something uncomfortable within me. It's a reminder that there's more to her than the facade she presents, more than the trouble she represents in my carefully ordered world.

I lean against the wall, closing my eyes briefly. "This is insane," I mutter to myself. "She's nothing to you. Nothing. Just the kids’ nanny."

But even as I say the words, I know they're hollow. My body's reaction to her, the way my heart races at the mere sight of her, tells a different story. One I'm not ready to face.

I open my eyes, my gaze drawn back to the pool like a magnet. Cohen's there now, his shaggy hair damp from the water, guiding the kids toward the house. He moves with that easy grace he's always had, despite the weariness etched in the lines around his eyes.

"Come on, munchkins," he calls out, his voice carrying a hint of forced cheerfulness. "Let's get you all dried off and fed."

I watch as Skylar glides through the water, her movements fluid and graceful. She reaches the edge of the pool where Cohen stands, and for a moment, their eyes meet. There's a flicker of...something. Understanding? Longing? It's gone before I can name it, but it leaves an acrid taste in my mouth.

My fists clench at my sides. "What the hell is going on here?" I mutter under my breath.

Before I can dwell on it further, Theo strides out onto the patio, all casual confidence and easy smiles. He approaches the pool's edge, extending a hand to Skylar.

"Need a hand, gorgeous?" he asks, his voice carrying that infuriating hint of charm.

Skylar looks up, a smirk playing on her lips. "Such a gentleman," she teases, reaching for his outstretched hand.

As Theo helps her from the pool, his hand slides down her back, coming to rest firmly on her ass. It's a blatant, possessive gesture that sets my blood boiling.

"Motherfucker," I growl, my vision clouding with red. The urge to storm out there and rip his hand away is overwhelming.

I force myself to take a deep breath, trying to regain control. But the sight of Theo's hand on Skylar, the way she leans into him ever so slightly, it's like a knife twisting in my gut.

"This isn't your problem," I remind myself harshly. "She's nothing to you. Nothing."

Lies. Lies. Lies. The jealousy coursing through me is all too real, and I'm powerless to stop it.

I turn away from the window, my jaw clenched tight enough to crack teeth. As I stalk through the house, searching for a better vantage point, my eyes land on a neatly folded pile of clothes in one of the downstairs bedrooms. Skylar's clothes. The sight of her delicate lace bra peeking out from beneath a silky blouse sends a jolt of heat through me.

"Fuck," I mutter, running a hand through my hair. I know I should walk away, but my feet remain rooted to the spot. The urge to touch, to inhale her scent, is overwhelming.

A noise in the hallway snaps me back to reality. I pivot, striding out of the room just as Skylar rounds the corner. She's wrapped in a towel, water still beading on her bronzed skin. Her eyes widen as she sees me, a small gasp escaping her lips.

"Austin," she breathes, clutching the towel tighter. "What are you doing down here?"

I drink in the sight of her, my body thrumming with barely contained desire. "I live here, remember?" I reply, my voice low and rough. "Unlike some people who seem to think they can just waltz in and make themselves at home."

Skylar's eyes narrow, that familiar defiance flashing in their hazel depths. "If you have a problem with me being here, maybe don’t have me nanny your children. Weren’t you the one that invited me to live here too? Or, am I imagining that?"

I say nothing.

“Besides, Theo and the kids want me here.”

The mention of Theo's name sends a fresh wave of anger through me. I take a step closer, crowding her against the wall. "Oh, I'm well aware of how...welcoming Theo's been."

I clench my jaw, fighting the urge to close the remaining distance between us. "You're a distraction, Skylar. A complication we don't need right now."

Her lips curl into a sardonic smile. "A distraction?" She tilts her chin up, defiant. "Seems like a personal problem, Austin. Maybe you should work on your focus."

God, she infuriates me. And yet, I can't look away from the curve of her neck, the soft swell of her breasts barely concealed by the towel. I want to taste her, to feel her skin against mine. The thought alone makes my body tighten with need.

"My focus is just fine," I growl, leaning in closer. Her scent—a mix of chlorine and something uniquely her—fills my senses. "It's you who needs to remember your place here."

Skylar's eyes flash dangerously. "My place? And where exactly is that, Austin? Under your thumb? I don't think so."

She moves to push past me, her shoulder brushing against my chest. My arm snaps out, blocking her path.

“Where are you going?” I can't let her walk away, not like this. The tension between us is a live wire, crackling with electricity.

"The guest room," she snaps, jerking away from my touch. "I need to change."

I crowd her against the wall, our chests mere inches apart. Her breath hitches, and I feel the warmth radiating off her skin.

"You're trouble," I growl, my voice low and intense. "I can't have you bringing chaos into my life, into my home."

Skylar tilts her chin up defiantly, her eyes blazing with a mixture of anger and a desire she can’t even begin to hide. "It's not my fault you can't stop thinking about me naked, Austin," she retorts, her words sharp enough to cut.

She tries to push past me, but my hand moves of its own accord, gripping her hip. My thigh wedges between her legs, and I can feel the wet heat of her core even through my suit pants. The sensation sends a jolt of electricity through my body, and I have to stifle a groan.

"What are you doing?" she gasps, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

I lean in closer, my lips barely grazing her ear. "Proving a point," I murmur, my voice husky with need. "You're not as immune to this as you pretend to be."

Her body trembles against mine, and I can feel her pulse racing. God, I want her. The need to taste her, to claim her, is overwhelming. But I can't. I won't. I've worked too hard to build this life, to create order out of chaos. I can't let her destroy everything I've built.

"Let me go, Austin," she whispers, but there's a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

I pull back slightly, meeting her gaze. "Is that really what you want?"

Skylar's hazel eyes flash with defiance, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "What I want?" she purrs, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "I think this is more about what you want. A more private show. Isn't that what you're after?"

Before I can react, she drops the towel, leaving her clad only in that sinfully small bikini. My erection strains against my zipper, the metal teeth digging into my flesh. I grit my teeth, fighting for control.

"Careful, trouble," I warn, my voice low and dangerous. "You're playing with fire."

She laughs, a sound that's both mocking and alluring. "Oh, I think you're the one who's burning up, Rhodes."

My hands clench as Skylar's fingers dance along the edge of her bikini top. She's teasing me, testing my limits, and God help me, I'm falling for it.

"Don't," I growl, but it's weak, unconvincing even to my own ears.

She ignores me, of course. Slowly, torturously, she peels back the fabric, revealing a dusky pink nipple. The sight of it, pebbled and perfect, sends a rush of heat through my body. I want to touch her, to taste her, to lose myself in her softness.

But I can't. I won't.

I clench my fist so hard my nails dig into my palm, the pain a welcome distraction from the ache in my groin. "You think this is a game?" I hiss, struggling to maintain my composure.

"Isn't it?" Skylar challenges, her eyes never leaving mine. "You're the one who can't seem to decide what he wants."

I watch, transfixed, as Skylar's nimble fingers move to the other side of her bikini top. With agonizing slowness, she peels it back, baring both breasts to my hungry gaze. Her defiant stare burns through me, igniting something primal in my core.

"You think you're teasing me," I grit out, my voice rough with barely contained desire. "But we both know you’re teasing yourself. We both know you're dripping wet."

A flicker of surprise crosses her face before she schools her features. "Well, I was just in the pool," she retorts, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

I lean in closer, my lips nearly brushing her ear. "Oh, trouble, we both know I'm talking about that tight little pussy."

The sharp intake of breath tells me I've hit a nerve. Good. I'm tired of being the only one affected by this maddening attraction.

"Should I test my theory?" I ask, pressing my body closer to hers. The heat radiating from her skin is intoxicating, and I have to fight the urge to claim her lips with mine.

Skylar says nothing, just clenches her jaw and holds my gaze. The challenge in her eyes is unmistakable. She thinks she has the upper hand, but two can play this game.

I pull my hand from her hip, trailing it slowly across her collarbone. Her skin is impossibly soft, still damp from the pool. As my fingers trace a path down between her breasts, I feel her pulse quicken beneath my touch.

This is dangerous territory, but I can't seem to stop myself. My hand continues its journey, sliding under the curve of her left breast. I circle her nipple with my thumb, relishing the way it hardens under my touch.

Skylar lets out a moan, and the sound goes straight to my groin. My dick weeps in my pants, straining painfully against the confines of my zipper. God, what this woman does to me.

"Austin," she breathes, and for a moment, I see a flicker of vulnerability in those hazel eyes.

I should stop this. I should walk away before we both do something we can't take back. But as I stare into Skylar's eyes, I realize I'm already in too deep.

I trail my hand lower, savoring the softness of her skin as I trace a path down her stomach. Her muscles quiver beneath my touch, betraying her arousal despite her defiant expression. My fingers ghost over her thigh, teasing, exploring.

"Last chance to stop me, trouble," I murmur, my voice husky with desire.

Skylar's eyes narrow, but she remains silent. Her chest rises and falls rapidly, and I can feel the heat radiating from her body. I reach the edge of her bikini bottoms, letting my fingers play with the hem.

"No objections?" I ask, searching her face for any sign of hesitation.

When she doesn't protest, I slip my fingers inside. The moment I make contact, I have to stifle a groan. She's so wet, so warm, practically dripping with need. It takes every ounce of self-control not to take her right here against the wall.

"Fuck, Skylar," I breathe, teasing her lips with feather-light touches.

Her hips jerk forward, seeking more pressure, more friction. The power I feel in this moment is intoxicating. I could make her come undone with just a few well-placed strokes, but I hold back, never quite touching that sensitive bundle of nerves.

"Is this what you wanted?" I ask, my voice low and gravelly.

I slowly withdraw my fingers, savoring the slick heat one last time. Skylar huffs, a mix of frustration and arousal flashing in her eyes. My dick twitches at the sound.

"What's wrong, trouble? Didn't get what you were hoping for?" I taunt, bringing my fingers to my lips.

Her gaze follows the movement, molten with desire. I lock eyes with her as I suck my fingers into my mouth, groaning at the taste of her. Fuck, she's delicious. Tangy and sweet, like forbidden fruit.

"You're playing a dangerous game," I warn, my voice rough with need.

Skylar's lips curl into a defiant smirk. "You're the one playing games, Austin."

I lean in, drawn by an irresistible magnetism. My body screams to taste more, to devour her completely. Our breath mingles, hot and heavy between us.

"You have no idea what I'm capable of," I growl, my lips a whisper away from hers.

Suddenly, the patter of small feet and high-pitched giggles echo down the hallway. Reality crashes back like a bucket of ice water. Skylar and I spring apart, the spell broken.

"Fuck," I mutter, running a hand through my hair.

Skylar's eyes dart toward the sound, then back to me. For a moment, I see a flicker of vulnerability in her expression before her walls slam back into place.

"Looks like playtime's over," she says, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Better luck next time, big shot."

With a final challenging look, Skylar slips into the guest room, the door clicking shut behind her. I'm left alone in the hallway, my body thrumming with unfulfilled desire and my mind a chaotic mess of conflicting emotions.

"Damn it," I hiss, slamming my palm against the wall. The sharp sting does little to quell the inferno raging inside me.

I pace the hallway, my thoughts a jumbled whirlwind. How does she do this to me? One minute, I'm in control, the next, I'm coming apart at the seams. It's maddening.

"Dad!" Lucas's voice calls from down the hall. "Can we have ice cream?"

I take a deep breath, trying to compose myself. "Just a minute, buddy," I call back, my voice strained.

Leaning my forehead against the cool wall, I close my eyes. I need to get it together. I'm Austin Rhodes, for fuck's sake. I run a multi-billion-dollar company. I don't lose control over a woman in a bikini.

But Skylar isn't just any woman, is she? A traitorous voice whispers in my mind.

"Stop it," I mutter to myself. "She's trouble. Nothing but a distraction."

Yet even as I think it, I know it's a lie. The taste of her lingers on my tongue, a reminder of how close I came to giving in to temptation.

I straighten up, adjusting my suit and willing my body to calm down. I have to focus. There are kids to care for, a company to run, a life to keep in order. I can't let Skylar Deveraux derail everything I've worked for.

But as I descend the stairs, my resolve already feels shaky. How long can I keep resisting the pull between us? And more importantly, do I even want to?