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“I missed you too.” I tucked my head in the crook of his neck, his chest beneath my cheek. “How was your trip?”
“Everything went smoothly.” Neil nuzzled me. “What about you? How did you manage without me?”
As much as I’d missed having him near, a part of me still smarted from being left out of the loop about his clandestine dealings in Singapore. “I managed just fine. But tell me more about your trip. I want to know the details.” I levelled my gaze at him. I wasn’t going to let him deflect my question again.
For a beat, his expression went carefully neutral. Then his shoulders sagged. “Yes. I suppose I owe you that much.” He reached over and took my hand, his thumb tracing patterns across my knuckles. “Veronica recently gave birth to her son, Benjamin. My trip to Singapore was to facilitate a secret visit between Veronica, the chairman, and Ben.”
“Why secret? Can’t the chairman just meet his grandson normally? They’re family, after all.”
“Because Daniel doesn’t know Ben exists. Not yet. If he did, Ben could be in danger. You see, Daniel only has two legitimate children—both daughters. And his son from a past relationship has special needs that make him ill-suited to take over the reins of the company someday. With the arrival of Ben, the chairman has a new viable successor, one that could sway succession talks in Veronica’s favour.”
As the full extent of Neil’s intricate gambit became clear, my scepticism and hurt faded. “You could have told me all of this before you left.”
“Yes, I could have—but if someone were to get their hands on you because they think you have information…” Neil shook his head. “It’s over now, so I can tell you. But not a word of this to anyone.”
“Of course. I wouldn’t dream of it.”
“I’m sorry I can’t be more forthcoming with you.”
“It’s okay. I know you have your reasons. I’m just glad you’re back.” I glanced at his luggage. “How about I help you unpack?”
“It can wait. This is more important.” He traced the curve of my jaw to cup my face and kissed me.
I peered over the top of my book, admiring the view as Neil emerged from the ensuite in a plume of steam. His hair was damp, and his bathrobe gaped, clinging to the sharp lines of his collarbone and offering a tantalising peek of toned chest and stomach. An errant water droplet trickled down his forearm, catching the light as it traced a prominent vein before disappearing beneath his sleeve. I bit my lip, suppressing a smile. “Good shower?” I asked, trying to keep my voice even.
“Yes,” Neil said. “Much needed.”
With a satisfied exhale, he crossed the room to his side of the bed while towelling off his hair. He dropped onto the mattress, then immediately sprang up with a wince. He reached under the duvet and extracted a bubblegum-pink silicone object.
My vibrator.
“Well, well, well…” Gripping his discovery between thumb and forefinger, he lifted his eyebrows at me. “What do we have here? Don’t think this belongs to me.” He dangled the toy in front of me. I made a hapless grab for it, but he whisked it out of reach, chortling.
“I can explain,” I stammered.
“No need. The evidence speaks for itself.” He switched the toy on and off for an experimental buzz, eyebrows leaping even higher.
I covered my face behind my book. “I can’t believe I left that there.”
“Now, now.” Neil leaned in close enough for his warm breath to graze my earlobe. “Don’t be ashamed. I’m just glad you were able to take care of your needs in my absence.”
A fresh wave of heat suffused my body.
Neil trailed his hand down my side. “How many times did you use it?”
“I don’t know.”
“You must have some idea.”
“Maybe once a day. I can’t remember.”
The mattress dipped, and I uncovered my eyes to see Neil above me, an arm braced either side, caging me in. He plucked the book from my hands and set it aside. All my nerve endings sparked to attention.
I crossed my arms and shot him a venomous glare. “You’re loving this, aren’t you?”
“I can’t help it.” He grinned. “You’re just so fun to tease.”
“Enough.” I grasped the back of his neck and pulled him down. Our mouths met in a blistering kiss that obliterated conscious thought. Neil gathered me against his body, his skin still flushed and damp from the shower. I sank deeper into the kiss, feeling the wet-hot sensation of his lips and tongue exploring my mouth. Neil groaned as I squeezed my legs tighter around him. He pulled away to murmur, “Show me,” pressing the vibrator into my hand. “Show me how you pleasure yourself.”
