Chapter 57

I walked into the bedroom and found Freya comfortably seated in the lounge chair, reading a book. Her hair was in a loose bun, a few strands framing her face. Hearing me enter, she looked up, her lips curving into a serene smile. Fuck, she was beautiful.

“Hey!” she mumbled, putting down her book. I stood at the door, gazing at her like a lovesick puppy.

“Hey,” I said, walking further into the room. “Carlos said you made dinner.”

“Yeah. Thought that would be a nice way to show my appreciation for the flowers.” She leaned into me, her arms wrapping around my neck. I wrapped mine around her waist and pulled her closer. Up close, her eyes looked even more enchanting, even greener.

“So you liked the flowers?” I asked, glancing at the flowers in a clear vase on the nightstand.

“Yes. I love peonies,” she said, her eyes twinkling with humor. “Although Reyna said a blowjob is the best thank you.”

My grip on her waist tightened involuntarily. Images of Freya on her knees, her soft pink lips wrapped around my cock, filled my mind. My eyes dropped to her lips, and I groaned.

“She sounds like a wise woman,” I muttered. I always knew I liked this girl. She was a good friend.

Freya ran her hands down my chest, smirking. “Yeah? Then let me show you how thankful I am.”

She knelt before me, maintaining eye contact. I swear, none of my dreams had ever come true so fast. Freya pulled down my zipper and took out my cock. She stroked it a few times before closing her lips around it.

I hissed at the warmth of her mouth. She took it as encouragement and went faster, puffing out her cheeks. It didn’t take long to push me over the edge. She was way too good at it, and soon I was shooting my cum inside her mouth. She swallowed every drop and smiled up at me, her eyes watery.

I grabbed her face and kissed her, tasting myself on her.

“Fuck, baby. That was… I might just have to buy every flower shop in the city.”

She let out a soft, satisfied chuckle. The sound did things to my heart. Weird things. A constant urge to touch her, to feel her skin… I was afraid this urge would kill me one day.

“I need to fuck you right now,” I muttered, stealing another kiss.

“Yes, please.” She wrapped her arms around me, and that was all the invitation I needed. I picked her up and headed straight for the bed, where we did unimaginable things to each other—dirty, dirty things.

When I walked through those doors, everything was set up. “Sips and Stories.” That was the new brand name for the Ink and Pages stores that would be remodeled—for now, just this one.

I was conducting a final inspection of the place I’d spent months envisioning. Due to various issues, the opening had been delayed. Work finally began last month, and it took the entire three and a half weeks before we were ready to open. Tonight. No kidding, I was fucking nervous just thinking about the guests arriving.

Connor had sent invitations to many important people—all business people. And the paparazzi were already here. I rubbed my sweaty hands on my dress and went straight to Avery, who was managing everything for me. She’d been here all day, on her feet since… well, since the beginning. Her being here actually helped. She refused to go home. To be honest, I was grateful she was here. I was a nervous wreck, and her presence calmed me.

“Avery—” I was cut off immediately.

“For the millionth time,” she said in one breath, like a well-rehearsed line. Well, I had been persistently burdening her with my anxiety all day, and maybe… this time, yes, a taste test was done on all the signature confectionaries, yes they tasted good, and yes, everything else was in place. “Millionth time” wasn’t much of an exaggeration.

I breathed out, trying to release some of that energy, and smiled at her. “I know I’ve been a wreck today.”

1:41 PM

Chapter 57 (continued)

She groaned, “Oh, lord!”

“You know I can’t thank you enough.”

“Shut up.”

She held up a finger with a look intended to be scary. In reality, this woman didn’t have a scary bone in her body. She was one of the most affectionate people ever.

“No, seriously. Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without you.” Even though she wasn’t a fan of accepting gratitude, I had to say it. Every word was sincere. She was the backbone of my business, and I always give credit where it’s due.

“I’m inclined to believe you get sick pleasure out of watching me cry because you damn well know this is going to make me cry,” Avery protested, and she wasn’t even lying. Her eyes were actually welling up. I chuckled before hugging her.

“I’m sorry.”

She lightly shoved me. “Go away!”

I was dismissed as she sauntered back into the kitchen. All the previous nervousness returned. God! It felt like the first time I’d presented my school in an interschool debate competition. I was reliving that day.

“Are you going to faint?” I was startled by the sudden voice. I hadn’t realized when Connor had walked up to me. He was cleaned up well, sharp yet approachable in semi-formal attire.

“What?” I mumbled, my brain lagging from stress.

“You seem nervous. So I’m asking if you’re going to faint. That won’t look good in front of the media.” He stared at me, amusement in his eyes. He was joking while I was a bundle of nerves. There was no trace of nervousness on his face.

“I hope not. It’s just… this is huge. Ink and Pages is a big brand, and it’s partnering with a small cafe. People will have high expectations.”

He went quiet for a few seconds. His eyes narrowed slightly as he gently shook his head, almost as if he were disappointed in me. “Give yourself some credit. And you should know I only do what’s good for my business. I’m an excellent businessman.”

“And a humble one,” I teased, knowing what he meant. He shrugged, not quite denying it.

“Knight’s coming to join your…”

“He is,” I confirmed before remembering to ask what I’d meant to: “Did you guys talk?”

I would have missed the slight grimace if I hadn’t been observing him carefully. These men and their egos.

“Figured,” I muttered. Just then, a woman approached us. She looked young, probably in her early twenties. Pin-straight chocolate-brown hair that barely touched her shoulders, dark hazel eyes, and curves in all the right places. In short, she was beautiful, runway material.

“Mr. Warren, Mr. Zhou sends his apologies. He can’t attend the launch due to personal problems.” Her eyes were fixed on Connor, and I had a feeling she was avoiding looking at me.

“Noted,” Connor’s clipped reply. They just stared, the awkwardness growing by the second. I took a step back, making a move to leave. The air had thickened with tension.

“I’ll just go over there.” Maybe I should have left without a word. Judging by the way they were staring each other down, I doubt my exit would have been noticed.

Connor put a hand on my back, returning me to my previous position. The woman’s gaze sharpened where Connor’s hand had been. “No, I’m worried. I should have introduced you. Freya is my business partner, and this is Nera, my personal assistant.”

Her eyes snapped back to his face, hostility burning in them. They were met with indifference in Connor’s gaze. I wasn’t stupid. I saw what was happening.

“Nice to meet you,” I smiled at her. She finally acknowledged me, directing her cold stare at my way. She didn’t like me, and although the reason would be settled later, I was amused given the situation.

“You too. If you’ll excuse me.” She stormed away to the back of the store. Connor didn’t say a word, his eyes following her until she was no longer visible. I turned to face him. His hand that had been touching me fell to his side as he followed her gaze.

Chapter 57 (continued)

“She’s really pretty,” I quipped, bringing his attention back.

“What?”

My lips curved into a teasing smile. “Nera. She’s very pretty. So you like them young?”

His lips were pursed, a displeased look on his face confirming my suspicion.

“Go back to biting your nails,” he muttered, which only made me grin wider.