Page 174 of Pure Recklessness

‘Fuck.’ He pulled away slowly and I opened my eyes. ‘I’ve wanted to kiss you in public for so long. It’s nice not to have to worry my brothers catching us. Or Calista.’

‘Yeah.’ I smiled. ‘When she saw me last night, my heart was pounding so much, I thought I was going to collapse!’

‘That was too close for comfort. Come on. Let me take you to lunch before I start fucking you in public.’ Blake chuckled.

Hearing his laugh was the sweetest sound. We’d barely arrived, but I could already see how relaxed he was and I loved it.

We had lunch at a restaurant right on the beach and it was divine. Throughout the meal, Blake was very touchy-feely. He’d stroke my hand or my cheek or sometimes just stare at me in awe.

I wasn’t used to this kind of attention from a man. Least of all from one like him. He made me feel special. Like I was the most interesting person he’d ever met.

Once we’d polished off a divine carrot cake and ice cream, we left.

‘Thank you.’ I pressed my lips on his. ‘That was incredible.’

‘You’re welcome.’ He took my hand and kissed it. ‘Would you like to go shopping? Don’t think I haven’t noticed you staring at other women and fiddling with your jeans. You don’t feel comfortable. And apparently it doesn’t matter how many times I tell you how utterly irresistible you look, you don’t believe me. So if buying something new will make you more relaxed here, let’s do it.’

‘Thanks, but I can’t⁠—’

‘I’m paying,’ he jumped in.

‘No! You’ve already brought me here and paid for lunch and⁠—’

‘Ellie,’ he said sternly. ‘Before it was a question. Now it’s an order. I’m taking you shopping.’ I went to protest again, but he quickly pressed his lips on mine, before slowly pulling away. ‘Don’t argue. Otherwise, I’ll put you over my knee and spank that beautiful backside of yours.’

‘Promises, promises!’ I cocked my head.

‘Jesus Christ. I’ve created a sex-obsessed monster!’ He grinned, mischief dancing in his eyes.

‘Yep. When I came to Sated, I was just an innocent angel. Now I’ve been corrupted by the Devlin,’ I joked. ‘And I wouldn’t have it any other way.’

‘Good.’ He smiled, then led me into a designer boutique. ‘Choose whatever you want. And don’t look at the price,’ he commanded.

I opened my mouth to speak but he shot me a look that said don’t even bother arguing.

So I did as I was told.

A striking green dress caught my eye.

‘I’m going to try this on,’ I said to Blake.

‘Allow me.’ A shop assistant rushed over, plucking the dress from my hands. ‘This way please, miss.’

I followed her into what was more like a private suite than a changing room. There was even a sofa and a bottle of champagne beside it.

I stepped behind the fancy gold curtain. I knew Blake said not to look at the price, but I couldn’t resist.

‘Bloody hell!’ I shrieked. This dress was more than two months’ salary. Even if Blake was loaded, there was no way I could let him pay for this.

I pulled the curtain back and as I did, Blake was standing right there.

‘Try it on,’ he said. ‘And I’ve picked out some other things you might like.’ Blake pointed and I followed his finger.

There was a rail of at least half a dozen different dresses, skirts and tops.

‘You can’t!’

‘I can do whatever the fuck I want. Try them on. And whatever you like, you’ll have. End of story. Now hurry up. The sooner you find a new outfit to put on, the sooner I can take you home and rip it off,’ he growled.