Page 56 of Taken In Trade
Like Angel.
She has a brand-new baby, wasn’t wearing any makeup, and she’s still beautiful.
I’m not one of those women.
My skin is uneven, I have dark circles under my eyes, no matter if I get a full night’s sleep or not, and my nose has a bump on one side that can only be camouflaged with the right combination of concealer, bronzer, and highlighter.
It’s not that I think I’m hideous when I’m fresh-faced, but I use makeup like an added shield. I always feel more confident when I’ve had time to perfect my look.
Moretti can take a five-minute shower, run his fingers through his hair, and climb into his suit that fits like a glove in less time than it takes me to dry my hair.
I have no idea why it makes me want to punch him in the throat, but here we are.
The man in question brushes the backs of his tattooed fingers over my cheek and tucks an out-of-control wave behind my ear, grinning down at me.
My eyes narrow.
He looks far too pleased, and I wish he would speak.
“Are you going to say whatever you brought me out here to say?” I ask, smiling back.
“A night filled with orgasms should have left you more relaxed,” he says, stepping closer.
“Yes, well, I woke up to Hawk pointing a gun at Magnum’s head, which ruined the relaxed vibes. My cortisol is probably through the roof.” I edge backward, and my ass bumps the wall.
He tsks and follows me forward. “The biker needs to up his game.” His forearm lands against the wall above my head. “I expected a much warmer welcome this morning. I’ve gone out of my way to make this transition as easy as possible for you.”
My head tilts.
I don’t think I can deny that, but I’m also wondering what else he has in store for me. Moretti is fond of mind games, and I’m left waiting for the other shoe to drop. There’s no guarantee that he isn’t just trying to lull me into a false sense of security.
His suit coat hangs open, and I slide my hands up his button-down. It’s dangerous being this close to him when his scent affects me on a foundational level, but I’m not above playing the cards I was dealt.
“Give me your word that you won’t hurt Magnum.” I stretch up onto my tiptoes, wishing I had strapped myself into a pair of heels before leaving the pack bedroom. “Promise that he’ll be safe here and none of your men will give him any trouble, and I’ll be as sweet as pie.”
“Is that right?” he purrs, and his pointy canines press into his lower lip.
My fingers dig into his chest to keep from doing something asinine, like grabbing his tie and yanking his mouth to mine.
“Yes—within reason.” I bat my lashes, smiling sweetly. “I’ll blow you away with my stellar attitude, for at least a day or two.”
“Deal.” He chuckles ominously, and it makes me wonder if I made a bad call. “I have a meeting tonight with several associates. It’s what I brought you out here to discuss. Now that I have a wife, I’ll be expected to bring you as my date.”
His head dips lower, and he brings his hand to my hip. With the way his forearm still rests above my head and the wall at my back, I’m well and truly trapped.
Not that I want to get away.
My instincts scream that it’s risky to have this alpha completely focused on me, but my body buzzes, waiting to see what comes next.
It’s probably a sign that I lack self-preservation skills.
Moretti brushes his lips over mine and pulls away again all too quickly. “Wear something short and flirty. I want them green with envy when they see you on my arm.”
I swallow thickly, offering a shaky nod. “G-Got it.”
Holy shit.
Did I stutter?
