CHAPTER TWENTY
EMILY
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I have weird butterflies fluttering around my tummy and I know it’s because of Sebastian. They don’t belong alongside the ache between my thighs and yet they won’t go away.
Sometimes, the way he looks at me, I wonder if he feels anything. Then in a blink it’s gone.
Honestly, wearing a man’s ring on your finger—especially one the size of Texas—is a little confusing.
Even if there’s a beast of a man shadowing me because I’m wearing it. Josh is cool though; we’ve chatted a few times.
It’s not just the ring.
I know that.
God, the way Sebastian kissed me today, I could fall in love with that man. I know none of this is real, but he’s so damn handsome. So smart. So delicious.
He looked angry when Amanda shared the non-profit organization was my idea. I don’t know why. I was hoping it would impress him, and he’d see some value in my staying with Remington Obsidian. Keeping this job is so important to me.
There’s no way I’m going to tell him my father thinks I’m a big fat loser. That would be embarrassing.
He might have heard them over the phone call this morning, but I’m not elaborating if he did.
All I need to do is keep my job.
This time next week, I’ll be back in my apartment with a bare finger and three months’ rent paid up. Perhaps I could work with Amanda in her team. Sebastian wouldn’t need to see me. I never see her junior crew in meetings.
Tonight, I’ll sleep in the guest room and start creating distance between us. Perhaps then he’ll see I’m more serious about my job...and less about his cock.
Is that true?
Ugh. It has to be, otherwise I’m proving my father right.
It’s my birthday next week, and Lexi is arriving in New York. I can’t wait to show her around and introduce her to Terri and Donna. I’m not telling Lexi about the fake engagement, as she’ll kick my ass.
It’s insane.
I know that.
Sebastian bullied me into it. I know that. But saying no to the three months’ rent and, well, him, was impossible.
Thankfully, Terri bought the lie about the ring and my ex, so she didn’t ask anything more about it over lunch. We’re on our way to get Sebastian’s sushi, with Josh trailing behind. She hasn’t noticed him.
I think.
“Christ, protesters.” Terri groans. “Let’s cross the road. There’s Mr. Remington’s Japanese place.”
“Wait. I want to see.” I push through the sidewalk traffic and stand to the side of the crowd gathering to hear what they have to say.
Stop Big Corporations
Save Our Park
Family Values First
Signs with messages turn away as the protesters circle around a man yelling.
“This corporate greed is taking away valuable green space from unborn children,” he yells.
“Dramatic much?” Terri groans and tugs me away.
I follow, biting my lip.
Why isn’t Sebastian’s team working with these people? I might be inexperienced, but surely sitting down with them and talking is the answer.
Josh follows.
This time Terri notices.
“Woah, dude, are you following us?” Terri nudges his chest. “Step back.”
Oh shit.
Josh gives me an unimpressed look.
“Did you hear—”
“It’s okay.” I shake my head. “Ignore him.”
“Is that your ex? Jesus, clearly, he didn’t get the message with the fake ring.” Terri glances behind us. “Loser! Get lost.”
I almost laugh, knowing the Navy SEAL would probably like to ring her neck, but I press my lips together and we run across the crosswalk to the Japanese restaurant.
I message Sebastian as I’m paying for the sushi.
E: You need to ask Josh to stay back, as it’s hard to explain who he is.
S: No can do. He comes with the ring.
Letting out a sigh, I stuff my phone into my handbag and glance at the enormous diamond. Forty-five million dollars. If someone mugged me, it would ruin my life.
And Sebastian’s.
Maybe.
I grab Terri. “Hey. So, Josh isn’t my ex. He’s a private security guy. Mr. Remington believes it's necessary right now, but I’m not allowed to share why.”
“Because of the protesters? Dude, I was ready to mace his pretty face.”
Terri and I step outside, and I hide my smirk. Josh is rather hot.
“Heard that. I’m a Navy SEAL, so give it your best shot, sweetheart.” Josh lifts his brow, and this time I laugh while Terri’s mouth falls open.
“Really?” She looks him up and down.
Josh rolls his eyes.
A FTER WORK, SEBASTIAN says goodbye to Josh when the elevator opens. I step out and head to the kitchen, dropping my bag on the counter.
I’m two steps on my way to the fridge when Sebastian’s arm loops around me and I’m tugged up against his chest.
“You’re so fucking lucky I didn’t bend you over my desk today.” He growls in my ear.
Lucky?
Or unfortunate?
He spins me, pushes me up against the counter and slams his mouth down on mine before I can draw in a breath. Seconds later, my panties are ripped off me.
Holy shit.
Sebastian lifts me up onto the countertop and spreads my legs while tugging off his tie.
Good god, this man!
My breaths are labored as I watch him fall to his knees and lean in to lick my pussy. “Christ. This is all I’ve thought about all day.” Another lick, then another, as his palms hold me open.
Then he stands, unzips, and presses his cock against my entrance.
“Condom!” I cry.
Sebastian leans over me and lets out a growl. “Are you on birth control?” I nod. “Then fucking hang on.”
Sebastian slams into me in one hard thrust.
“Oh my god oh fuck,” I cry.
Bang.
Bang.
Bang.
There’s nothing gentlemanly about the way he’s taking me. The veins of his arms popping as his fists clutch the counter and his dark, predatory eyes hold mine.
“All day, Emily.” He grunts. “I’ve wanted your hot little cunt all fucking day.”
Oh shit.
My pussy clenches, imagining his dirty thoughts as I’ve gone in and out of his office. The way he tugged me against his body earlier this morning.
“You’re such a good little assistant with a tight, sweet pussy.”
I explode, crying out as I feel his cock swell and then fill me with hot shoots of his come.
“Goddamn.” Sebastian grips my head, and our teeth and tongues slam and grind together roughly.
It’s raw, hard, and fast.
Panting, we stare at each other after, and he glances away.
It’s the second time Sebastian’s done that today, and I can’t help but think he’s ashamed or regretful for wanting me.
My chest constricts as hurt glances off me.
“Let me down.” I push him gently. “I need to clean up.”
After dinner, we curl up on the sofa and Sebastian tucks me into his side as he channel surfs through all the streaming services.
Exhausted after a long few days and embraced by his warmth, I close my eyes and drift off. The last thing I remember is feeling him lift me and then tuck me into his bed.
That’s a lie.
A few minutes later, Sebastian curls up around me and kisses my neck, and I hear him whisper, “Goodnight, sweet Emily.”