Page 91 of Temporary Vows

My eyes go right back to her. Even through the T-shirt, her nipples are still visible. Still an invitation.

I want to go down there. Touch her. Strip her bare. Fuck her right there on the poolside on her hands and knees.

The image hits hard enough to spike my pulse.

This is a dangerous game. I know it.

I shouldn’t be standing here. I shouldn’t be watching.

But I give myself one more minute.

Then I push away.

Another second, and I won’t stop at watching.

Chapter 21

Dorian

“So, let’s hear it. How are things at home?” Knox gives me an eager smile.

"Fine." I gaze ahead at the New York skyline, taking in the last rays of the retreating sun.

From here on the yacht, the buildings bleed into the horizon.

Knox and I are near the bow, standing away from the crowd that has gathered for the party.

The party that was set up as a stage for Elodie and me to launch our relationship.

I haven’t seen her since that night by the pool. Albert prepped her with my instructions for the evening, but I should have done that myself.

I’ve been busy, but I could have called. I’m still playing it safe—for my own peace of mind.

Knox cuts me a hard stare and gives me a teasing smirk. "Fine? Is that all you can come up with?”

"There’s nothing more to say."

"Elodie has lived under your roof for days, and that’s all you’ve got?"

I look back at him. The two of us have been away for the last few days. He was in Chicago, and I was in L.A. I knew he’d have questions the moment he saw me.

“That’s all I’ve got.” I nod. “We haven’t really seen each other.”

Knox tilts his head. “Did you call her?”

I raise my brows. “Why would I do that?”

“You do know the wedding is in two weeks now, right?”

“And?”

“Come on, Dorian.” He rolls his eyes. “Jesus, what the hell is it with you? You run from hot to cold, then colder.”

I chuckle. “What do you want from me, bro?”

“Anything. You haven’t talked about her at all. Nothing. It’s like she doesn’t even exist.”

“Because there’s nothing to say. This is how you act when business is business. But I guessyouwouldn’t know that.”