Page 33 of The Replay

"I did. I stopped it."

"I told you from the beginning we're not going to fuck. I wouldn't have kept going. Even if you asked. Especially if you did."

She gazes to the floor and covers her mouth with a hand. Her hair curtains around her face. I dig my nails into my palms and gulp.

"I will never ask," she finally says.

My cock is still painfully hard. I do nothing to stop it or hide it.

"Fuck," I mutter.

"I think you should leave," she whispers. "Whatever game you're playing, we're done for today."

We lock eyes. Unashamed, I adjust my cock with a hand, tucking it flat against my body. I clench my jaw not to moan, and not to do what it so desperately wants. It'll have to do, until I find a bathroom to pour cold water on my face and wait out this boner.

I am not rubbing one out when I can still feel the ghost of Mariana against me. My pride wouldn't let me do that, especially not after what we just did.

I'll go down with this ship.

"I'll see you next week." I smirk. "Good luck to us."

She doesn't move. I turn around, and leave the door open behind me.

Chapter 11

Mariana

Maisie and Mariana's text chain

Maisie: It was great having dinner/lunch together with Cora over video last night. We should do it more often.

Mariana: Yes! And maybe next time it can be just a catch up meal. I love talking plans with you for when I'm back in London, but it's nice to reconnect just as sisters too.

Maisie: Agreed. It makes me sad for all the missed opportunities when you were still here, but life was different back then, I think.

Mariana: It was, and I wish I hadn't settled so hard into the Henry side ofthings.

Maisie: You were doing what you thought was best, I get it. And now you're working to get what you want. When you're back here, the whole board will be so happy to welcome you in, because they'll know about the work you've done. Your work is brilliant!

Mariana: Ha, thank you. Yeah, work-wise, things are going great. And before you ask, my single complaint is lacking time for good quality hookups. I'm so busy working on everything I need to do for the job, I'm barely going out!

Maisie: Cora said you're making friends. That's going out, right? You may still meet someone that way.

Mariana: I think I need to go out on my own, but to do that I need to find the time. First, to get my bearings in this new city, so I know where to go… then to actually go out. It was easier back in England, because I knew people. I knew the right places.

Maisie: You're a strong, independent woman. You can manage if you want. And if not, there's always London! What is it, six months until you're back more or less?

Mariana: Let's hope I can lastthat long…

Sinclair Montt Family Chat

Mom: I'm going to visit Maisie and Amira on Saturday. That way I'll vote in the general meeting with the charity board in-person. But Dad and I will be at the boys' game in New York the weekend after.

Dad: If anyone else can come to New York, let us know. We're due for family time.

Cam: We're still doing the Christmas trip, are we not?

Dad: We are. My assistant is looking into a place to host us.