Bastard Boss

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

Bella

Tyler and I shower together, and I finish what I started last night on my knees, with him against the wall and his fingers twined in my hair. When it's over, he returns the favor, and leaves me trembling, my knees weak.

"You are better than any fantasy, baby," he tells me, kissing me all slow and sultry before we slip out of the now-cold water.

Fantasy.

I plant that word in my mind with a purpose. All of this is between me and him, is that and nothing more. I vow to spend the weekend enjoying the fantasy, and living in the moment, not my dread of what happens when we go home. Once we've dried off, our meeting time is creeping up on us and we quickly dress. In LA, business attire is on the casual side, and I opt for a sleeveless, emerald, form-fitting dress, with black heels.

Tyler dresses in a fitted, expensive gray suit that fits every defined muscle of his body to perfection. I don't miss that he has an extra edge of arrogance this morning, and I wonder if he packs a bit in a pocket to pull out when meeting with a possible opponent, as is the studio head. But I like this no-nonsense, make money and success, and take no names, Tyler. But he reminds me of all that awaits back home, just by existing. A realization I shake off. Right now is about Dash and his deal and nothing more.

Tyler's cellphone rings and he grabs it from the bathroom counter, where he's been tending his tie. "It's the hotel," he announces and then answers, "Tyler Hawk," and listens a moment, before he says, "We're on our way." He disconnects. "The conference room is ready. They'll bring him to us when he arrives. Ready, baby?"

The endearment does funny things to my insides and feels weird while we're in business mode, but I still like it. How can I not like it? "Let's go make this happen for my brother," I say.

He steps in front of me and kisses me. "Yes," he agrees. "Let's make it happen, Bella." His voice is a soft, sultry tone, and it's almost as if he's talking about us, not the meeting.

But then, I have fantasies of my own.