Chapter 21 #2
“Yes.” She nods excitedly. “One million percent, yes.”
“I’ll let her know.”
“So.” She flops down next to me. “I hit twenty thousand words on my manuscript,” she says softly.
I roll on my side, my elbow sinking into the duvet as I prop my head up. “That’s amazing, you feeling it?”
She nods. “The main male character is cocky and sure of himself.” She blinks towards me.
“Are you writing about me?” I laugh.
“No.” She chuckles but her cheeks give her away.
“Lucky,” I say as I lean closer to her, “I hope you’re not telling all my secrets.”
“What secrets?” she whispers.
“My bedroom secrets.”
She giggles, scrunching her nose up. “Not yet, but it’s getting there,” she admits.
“Can I read it?” I ask, and I mean it. I wasn’t a reader until her, and now I have found I’m obsessed with losing myself in her worlds, because in my head, I’m the male lead and she is herself in every single one.
“Maybe, when it’s ready.” She sighs, drumming her fingers against her stomach.
“I’m really proud of you,” I whisper to the room.
Slowly, she turns her head towards me. “Royce,” she chokes, her voice cracking.
“Honestly, I am. When I first met you, you were full of doubt and told me you didn’t even think you would write the book. Look how excited you are. Fuck, Athena, you’ve been asked to sign some books. Your socials are taking off and your sales have spiked…”
She furrows her brows.
“I eavesdropped, I’m sorry but...” I wince, but I’m not sorry.
“Thank you.” Her bottom lip wobbles, amber eyes mist over, and I want to kiss her.
I want to lose myself in her again and again. But we promised all those weeks ago it was just a one-time thing. We had a contract to honour. It was getting more and more apparent, though, that I need her like the air I breathe.
“You’re smashing it,” I hold my fist out to her which she pumps, sniffling as she does.
“What books did you pick up?”
“Come, I’ll show you.” I push from the bed, holding my hand out for her to take.
She does, and I feel the tingles all the way to my toes. But I ignore it, pulling her into the main area of the suite.
“Coffee good?” I ask as I look over at it on the coffee table. Its got sauce, whipped creams, toppings… I have no idea what it is, but it can’t be good for her.
“So good,” she admits, scooping it from the table and taking a sip.
“I bought us croissants too.” I hold the bag up as I walk over to her with my book bag.
“Yum.” She licks her lips, falling onto the sofa and tucking her legs beneath her.
I drag the books out and slowly unwrap them, holding them out to her.
“Oh, wow,” she whispers, placing her coffee down and then looking at me as if she needs permission to take them.
I nod, amused. She delicately unwraps them, then a slight scoff hits the back of her throat.
“These were my favourite to write,” she admits.
“I love that,” I say as I take my seat next to her.
“How many of my books have you actually read?” Her eyes flick to mine, her brow raising.
“These were the last two on my list,” I admit, her arms falling as I take the book from her and glance at it.
“Royce,” she whispers.
“What can I say? I’m a sucker for a naughty romance book… and the author isn’t too bad either.” That has her laughing. “They could definitely be spicier, though.”
“I’m trying.” She rolls her lips.
“Hopefully our night helped.”
She glances down, teeth sinking into her bottom lip as if she’s replaying the memories in her head.
“If you need any refreshers… you know.”
She sighs into her lap. “If only it was that simple, huh,”
I nod, because what the hell was I meant to say?
I can’t stop thinking about you. Your smell. Your taste. I am addicted and there is nothing I can do about it.
“Yeah.” I run my hand around the back of my neck. “If only,” I mutter.
“What are your plans today?” she asks, dragging her laptop on her lap.
“I’ve got to work out with Dane, then got lunch with my dad and the team.”
“Do you want me there?”
“Up to you, maybe see what Ana?s is doing? You can grab a bite to eat, perhaps.”
“Okay,” she replies, her voice small.
“You’re welcome,” I back track, “but it’ll probably be boring and I think we need to focus more on race research. You need to be able to hit the nail on the head with details.”
She nods, her fingers tapping her keyboard.
“Be nice for you to see a bit of Monaco too, so maybe this evening… well, how about I take you to dinner?”
Her eyes light up. “That would be lovely.” She sighs and there’s that fucking smile I have come to love.
“I would have suggested we go on my dad’s yacht, but he lost it in some bet.”
“Oh.” Her brows furrow.
“He isn’t a gambler. Some shit about him and Ana?s.” I swallow. “But I can have a chat with Luke, and I can see if I can use his.”
“That would be awesome. Maybe I can write a spicy scene on a boat.”
“Maybe.” I chuckle and my cock stirs. “I’m erm, I’m going to hit the shower.”
“But you’re working out?” She looks at me confused as I back away.
“Yeah, I know, but I’ve not showered since last night and well, you know.” I don’t wait around for her to respond, just kick the bedroom door shut and strip myself down.
Padding into the bathroom, I turn the shower on and let the hot water kick in before stepping under the stream. My cock is hard, and I know I need to relieve myself. This is becoming a problem. My dick is sore from how much I wank over her.
I shouldn’t have touched her. Now, I know how it feels like. Before, I fantasised and it was enough… but to know exactly how she feels…
It’s a cheap thrill, just enough to appease my appetite.
Not enough to stop the craving. After a wank or two, I am dressed in my shorts and vest. I sigh, swiping my phone from the bed and see too many messages from Rue.
I ignore them. Clicking on Dane’s name, I call him and check that he is ready for me.
Walking into where she is sitting, I spot she is lost in her work, and I just stare at for a moment.
“I’ll be back in an hour or so,” I call out.
She waves me off and I fear we have fallen into the friend zone. She is too comfortable with me. Maybe I needed to put some distance between us.
Closing the door, I find Dane and let him work me hard. I need distraction. Athena is consuming me whole. Once I’m finished, my chest aches, my arms are tired, and I’m sweating. Dane gives me a ten-minute break before we moved onto neck exercises.
Grabbing my phone, I text Nora.
Me
Hey, I think for next race weekend, book me and Athena separate rooms x
She reads it straight away.
Nora
What have you done?
I scoff.
Me
Nothing. She is busy with writing and I find myself getting… distracted.
She types, and I wait for the reply. It doesn’t take long.
Nora
Dick-stracted? Royce, I swear if you’ve broke the contract.
I roll my eyes.
Me
I haven’t broken the fucking contract. I just need some space. My mind is chaotic and having her close to me is proving… difficult.
I send it and don’t give her a chance to reply.
Me
Put it this way, if you do not get us separate rooms, I can promise you that the contract will be broken.
I hit send.
Me
More than once.
Locking my phone, I feel it buzz a few times, but I don’t reply.
“Ready?” Dane asks as I toss my phone and towel in the locker.
“As I’ll ever be,” I mutter and follow him into the gym.
She will think something is wrong, but the truth is, it’s complete the opposite. I don’t trust myself around her. I’m playing with fire, and I know I’m close to burning to ash. So, I’m stopping it before it’s too late.
But of course, she won’t see it like that.