Page 82 of Crimson Love

He slams into me two more times until his entire body tenses. He holds me tight and buries his face into the side of my head. One more squeeze, and he rolls to the side without pulling out and takes me with him.

His hand strokes me from my hair, down my spine, all the way to my ass, and back again. It’s so relaxing, I might go back to sleep since I’m apparently taking my first day off in years.

I press my lips to his neck. “Are you okay?”

He leans back far enough to frown at me. “I just took your virginity, and you’re asking me if I’m okay? I was going to ask you but I’m enjoying the post-sex haze. The last thing I want to do is pull out.”

I trace the dip of his neck with the tip of my finger. “You’re the one with the new kidney. I doubt you’re cleared for sex.”

“My kidney was the last thing on my mind. I haven’t felt this good in years. Hell, I feel better than I did before I knew about the PKD.” He leans in to press his lips to my forehead before pulling me to his chest again. This time his hand lands directly on my ass and stays there. “I need to know if you’re okay.”

I sink onto him farther. “I’m more than okay. I don’t remember when I was this happy.”

He’s about to say something, but his cell on the nightstand vibrates with a phone call. He hesitates before he pulls out, slowly and methodically and like it pains him to leave me.

“Hold that thought, baby.” He tosses the covers over us and rolls to get his cell. When he sees who the caller is, he flops to his back and drags a hand down his face. “Shit. I’ve got to answer this.”

I’m about to get up and go to the bathroom to give him some privacy, but he puts a hand to my ass to keep me where I am as he answers the phone on speaker. “Hello, Patrick.”

Oh wow. His father.

“Jett.” That was his only greeting before an awkward pause. “How are you?”

Jett squeezes my ass and smirks. “I’m great. Feeling the best I have in years.”

He exhales. “That’s great news. I’m relieved to hear that. Unfortunately, I have some news that isn’t so good.”

Jett loses the smirk. “What is it?”

Jett’s father switches from semi-paternal to all business. “We have an issue with the board.”

“You do?” Jett asks.

“This isn’t just a me issue. It’s an us issue. And by us, I mean Harlow, you, and me. There are some on the board who don’t like the recent additions of you and Harlow. In fact, they’re downright pissed. I own a majority of the shares—fifty seven percent to be exact. When I took Stonebridge public, it was written into the bylaws that I can appoint members at my discretion up to the percentage of stock that I retain. A few of the board members have turned on me when they found out my so-called health problems were hidden from shareholders. And they really don’t like that the newest member is my son.”

Holy shit.

Jett is on the board of directors for Stonebridge Capitol? I just had sex with him, gave him my virginity, and he never told me that?

Jett rolls to his back, squeezes his eyes shut, and pinches the bridge of his nose. “Look, I didn’t ask to be on the board. I’m more than happy to step aside and let —”

“No,” Patrick bites. “We’re moving forward. I need you and Harlow. When the attorneys delivered the new arrangements to the board, there were rumblings.”

Jett pulls in a deep breath. “Great. Moving forward.”

“The opposing board members have called an emergency meeting. I’ve done everything I can do to put it off, but they’re pressing their hand. That meeting is happening tomorrow morning.”

Jett’s gaze jumps to me, and his expression turns to stone. “There is no way I can be in New York tomorrow, Patrick. That’s a hard no for me.”

“Don’t worry. I put my foot down and told them that both my children have had major surgery recently. If they insist on pulling this shit, they’ll have to do it on my terms. The board will come to Winslet. I spoke to Harlow right before I called you. She’s less happy than you sound. I’m sorry, but this is a necessary evil when you’re a Madison.”

Jett drags a hand down his face. “You forget, I’m not a Madison.”

“Your trust fund disagrees with that,” Patrick counters.

My eyes widen. Trust fund?

Jett rolls his eyes.