Pain And Pleasure 18+✓

Thirty-two

"I... guess I better go in. Am I welcome?' Josh asks me in a sarcastic tone of voice, his attention divided between Adrian and me.

My eyes roll. "Of course you're welcome. And stop fucking around; you're not a guest."

I steal his smile as he strolls in, leaving me in Adrian's nerve-wracking company. My eyes focus on my 'boyfriend' and it's impossible to smother my excitement at his presence alone—as alarming as he may be.

"Red alert, Sir?" I tease.

Dressed in black Levi's and a white V-neck shirt that's a bit loose on him, I watch his steps hauling up toward where I'm standing. He looks steamy hot and boyish, but flaming mad, and menacing. My heart skips a beat and gently he halts.

Is he angry? But why? I'm slightly wary.

"Um... what's wrong?" I take my chances, ignoring any implied protocol given the nature of our unconventional relationship. "You look very—" I pause, my chin held by his firm fingers.

He urges me to look up at him—at his face.

My breath hitches, sending a tingle in my stomach, and it's certainly not from concerns, but rather from a bit of relief.

"I see I'm not the only one invited here." His deep voice is still like a magnet no matter how many times I've heard it. It pulls me closer to him. "But that's okay," he mutters with a sadistic smile before taking my mouth in his ravenously.

Heat sears through me and my greedy hormones react profanely.

"I didn't know Josh would be here. He's a family friend so we never have rules or plans for our visits. I hope you don't mind him," I tell him while reclaiming my composure, feeling so hot on my cheeks.

"I know," he replies. I can no longer read his facial expression because he has none at the moment. "Am I allowed to go in?"

Same sarcasm as Josh's. Men!

"Of course, you are," I sneer.

Hazel-green eyes shine at me as a smile manipulates his face. He strokes a hand over my cheek, takes my sight from head to toe, and then laughs a bit.

I pucker my lips. "I look like an old wife, right?"

He leans over and whispers in my ear, "You're sexy in every way, Arabella. If you were in my possession in that kitchen, I swear we would be having a food delivery now. No cooking would've happened."

I bite my lip so hard. Horny, bitch!

"Then I'm glad you weren't," I reply with a blushing smile on my face. "Come on, let's go in." I try to lead the way but he stalls me with a hold of his large hand on mine. "Something wrong?" I ask automatically.

"I almost couldn't make it this evening. I think I may have only an hour or so to be here," he says. A frown settles on my face. "I'm sorry, Arabella. I was really looking forward to this dinner but I'm expecting some guests from Japan in two hours."

Disappointment washes over me but I choose to be mature about it. I wasn't expecting him to sleep here or anything so it should be okay. He's only here for three weeks. He'll be done with his deals and he'll be gone. I should never forget this detail.

"Okay," I breathe with a small smile. "Dinner is ready so I'll just take a quick shower and set the table. Come, let me introduce you to my sister." My hand encloses his wrist as I finally lead the way inside.

Carpe diem.

Isla is giggling high and loud as Josh twirls her around. She's seated at the back of his neck, her legs dangling down to his chest, doing the same stuff they always do. The sassy noise dies when Adrian steps in; his strong aura is naturally prevalent. Slowly Josh puts Isla off to her feet, his face unreadable, browns knitted.