Page 48 of Promise of Punishment

“I have to go, but do me a favor.” It’s all I can do not to touch her silky strands, which carry a red tint under the cloudy sky. “Don’t leave the grounds until your Lord comes back next weekend. He’s leaving, as are all the Lords. If you need anything, ask one of the security team. We like knowing our staff are well cared for and safe.”

She’s slow to respond—because she’s skeptical. I get it. Then she does the worst thing of all. Her lips curl into another deceptively sweet smile. “I won’t.”

Fuck.

20

MY DICK ONLY WANTS ONE WOMAN

Wes

I greet Kris, my usual driver, and climb into the back of the waiting SUV.

“It’s an hour and eighteen minutes to Teterboro,” he says. “There’s a bit of traffic.”

“Thanks.” I nod and press the button to close the divider for privacy before calling Camila.

She answers on the first ring. “What’d you forget?”

“Nothing. This is about Fable.”

“Oh.” Her tone deepens. “What about her?”

“I want her on full-time, and I want her to stay on the property until I get back from London. She can’t leave for any reason.”

“That will be a problem.”

“Why?” I watch as we pass through the first gate.

“To start, I haven’t hired her full-time yet. But before you say anything, I can’t because she has other employment.”

I knew Fable was up to something when she flashed me that saccharine smile. “Tell her to quit.”

She scoffs with disbelief. “I know it’s not my place to say anything, but this girl⁠—”

“Woman,” I correct her.

“This woman has you behaving irrationally.”

“You’re right, it’s not your place.”

I don’t often talk to Camila like this. We’re usually on the same page when it comes to Hellfire. But then we’ve never clashed because I’ve never chosen someone over her. I’ve never acted out of character. I’m an incredibly consistent person. I eat the same thing, stick to the same routine, keep the same habits, the same women and friends. If business interferes with my schedule, I adapt, even though I don’t like it. Moving here with Lachlan a year ago was a hard adjustment, and I’m still out of sorts with a few things, but I’ve come a long way. If I could blame my irrational behavior on those things, I would, but none of that would cause this much chaos in me.

“With all due respect, Wes, I can’t hold her hostage. She is free to live her own life and make her own choices. She did say, however, if I offered her a full-time position, she’d put in her two weeks’ notice and start directly after or earlier should they dismiss her.”

They, as in Lachlan and Emery. As much as I’m not ready to have that conversation with Lachlan yet, it seems I have no choice. “I’ll handle her current employer. They won’t need her.”

She scoffs again. “Of course, you will. I have to say, this hero complex you have for Fable is incredibly sexy. My pussy is wet just thinking about it. If only you could postpone your flight a little longer and help me out with that. I’ll make it worth your while. You know I’m fine with sharing. We could even invite her into the mix if you want.”

A growl stirs in my chest. “Not this time.” Fable is mine and no one else’s.

I let Camila suck me off last night, desperate to drown out my desire for Fable. To her credit, she put on quite a show, kissing every inch of me except my mouth, and sucking my cock with Olympic skills, but I couldn’t bring myself to fuck her.

My dick only wants one woman. Once I have her, and I will, I wonder if the appeal will still be there. I’ve never needed anyone before. Why would that change now?

I owe Fable safety. I will deliver it and have my way with her until then. After that, I truly can’t say how I’ll feel. Maybe she won’t haunt me anymore, and I’ll be able to move on from that part of my past. I’ve cut ties with people for many reasons, but could I dismiss Fable the same way? I’ve only ever been loyal to Tessa and a few others I consider family. Fable falls into a category that’s new to me, and I’m not sure what it means. Telling Lachlan about her might give him the wrong idea. I’ll make sure to clear that up as well.

“Pity,” Camila sighs with obvious disappointment.