August wants something, and it’ll cost me. Until I’ve figured it out, I can’t relax. 

He invited you to his hotel room. What do you think he’s after, genius? 

I’m not blind, but I doubt he flew to California for sex. 

During the ride, I maintain a white-knuckled grip on my H&M purse. The brown leather is wrinkled from years of use. I bought it during a moment of weakness after fishing it out of a bargain bin. Just this once, I thought.

I just wanted something nice. A purse made from real leather. It seems like I’ve been in pursuit of real things my whole life, but what I’ve mustered is a joke. I can’t complain too much. Every choice I made brought me to closer to August.

He gazes out the window. I study him, finding little details that hint toward power and wealth—the golden ring on his thumb, the necklace buried in his shirt, his shoes. He’s not the type to brag about money, but it’s obvious he’s got it. 

How? I have so many questions, but the one burning like a brand against my skull is—Why me?

August clears his throat and rolls up his sleeves, revealing deeply tanned muscle. “It looks so different. A lot more grungy.”

West Oakland has always been a cesspool. “You’ve been here before?” 

“Yes.”

That’s news. “When?”

“A while ago. I’ve been dying to visit for ages.” He turns back with a wistful smile. “You were just an excuse to come here.”

Same old August. “Funny.”

“Seriously, though. I wanted to visit Disneyland, but there’s no time. I’ve never been.”

“Me neither. Maybe we’ll go together.” I grin at the image. “Most people want to visit Napa for wine tastings. Or they go to Monterey. San Francisco. Lake Tahoe.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I’d like that too, but I spent most of my childhood dreaming of that castle.”

Interesting. “Who’s your favorite princess?”

“Jasmine,” he blurts. “No contest. She doesn’t take shit from no one.”

I laugh, relieved that we’re cracking jokes. “I’ve never really been a fan. Those movies never gelled with me. I tried staying outside the house as much as possible.”

“Me too.” August faces me, dimples carving into his cheek. “The pics don’t do you justice.”

“Which are you talking about?”

He grins. “The ones that didn’t smoke my screen.”

“Smooth.”

“I’m trying to pay you a compliment.” 

I laugh. “Whatever.”

“Plus, I don’t have X-ray vision. I can’t comment on your tits yet.”

Even if he did, I’d probably love the attention. “You’ve seen them already.” I gave him pictures of me wearing a ribbon, and nothing else. “You know what I can’t work out? Why haven’t you sent me a dick pic?”

“Because there’s a huge stigma attached to them.”

“Oh, come on. I’ve asked you plenty of times.” 

The leather squeaks as he leans across the seats and takes my hand, folding it in his. “Would you like a preview?”

He puts my hand on his thigh, guiding me north. My fingers roll over a massive bulge. I can feel him through the thick jersey. He keeps moving until I’ve palmed his length. I grope him with light touches. The air from my chest vanishes with a thrill of this intimacy.

“There,” he says. “Satisfied?” 

No. 

“You don’t look happy.” He grips my jaw. “Want more?”

A knock on the window pane startles me. I notice the parking lot, my face burning when I see the guards waiting for us. 

Flames engulf me as his smile grows. I turn away, eaten alive by his soft chuckle. 

We exit the car, August looking unflappable. I try to cool my body on the step into the hotel. His men follow us like shadows as we wait for the elevator. It chimes. August nudges me, and we pack inside. The doors shut, sentencing me to an awkward silence. 

Five minutes ago I was stroking his cock.

I can’t take this. “How was the flight?”

That’s what you’re asking him?

August tears his gaze from the blinking red numbers, shrugging. “Uneventful.”

“Good.” 

You’re a master conversationalist. Bravo, Lily.

I don’t care. This is nerve-wracking, and it shouldn’t be. I’m still flustered from what happened in the car. 

It’s ridiculous. How many times have I touched myself with him on the other line? I ought to wrap my arm around his waist, but touching August sends a dart of panic through my heart. He’s much more intimidating in the flesh.

“We’re here,” he says.

Fuck. I’m ready, but I’m terrified. 

August ushers me into the hall. After he swipes his keycard, his bodyguards stroll through, performing a cursory search before leaving. 

August urges me into a suite filled with two queen beds.

Two beds. Not one. So we’re not sleeping together.

August shuts the door and drops my bag. “I asked them to bring another bed. Sorry, it was all I could do on such short notice.”

Now I feel like an asshole. “That’s thoughtful. Thanks.”

“I would’ve booked you a separate room, but they were full.”

“That’s fine. I’m not disappointed.”

“Sure you aren’t.” August approaches me, the hunger in his eyes growing like jumping flames. “Relax.”

“I’m not sure I can.”

“I won’t push your boundaries. Not today.”

“We’ve talked about it. Over and over. I thought I’d jump into your arms, but—”

“Don’t overthink this, Lily.”

I sigh. “All right.”

“This is our first time meeting each other. I don’t want you scared.”

“I’m not. It’s just…overwhelming. You’re here.”

He has such a nice smile. “I’m here.”

It’s hard to believe this isn’t an absurd dream. 

“You are everything I imagined,” he blurts. “Unassuming, sweet, gentle.”

My cheeks flush with pleasure. “I’m quiet because I’m nervous. That’ll change soon.”

“Yeah. I know how loud you can be.”

Warmth gathers between my thighs. “I was wondering when you’d leap to sex.”

“Oh, this isn’t foreplay. It’s flirting.”

Right. “What about when you put my hand on your cock?”

A wicked grin staggers across August’s face. “Like I said. Preview.”

The air vanishes around me. August blinks and steps back, as though to center himself. He dives into his pocket, the attraction between us searing-hot, like flesh on flame. 

His fist opens, producing a small box. “This is yours.”

Just like that? I touch the black felt. “Oh my God.”

“I guessed the size. We’ll adjust it later.”

I open it, dazzled by the princess-cut diamond set on a white band. He takes the ring, sliding it onto my shaking finger. 

Perfect fit. The ring gleams and sparkles with dozens of facets. “Beautiful.”

He was serious. 

He wants to marry me. 

August admires it before releasing me. “It’s been a long day. I’m going to shower.” He jerks his thumb toward the bathroom. “Do you need anything?”

I haven’t eaten since that warm cup of coffee, but my stomach is in knots. “I’m good.”

“Okay,” he says, removing his blazer to hang on a chair. “Ask my guards if you change your mind.”

Then he disappears. The door snaps behind him but doesn’t quite close. Light flares from the ceiling, illuminating an undressing figure.

Wow. 

My pulse races as a muscled back slides into view. He removes his briefs, his ass as hard and lean as the rest of him. 

Damn.

I shouldn’t watch. It’s not appropriate.

Hold the phone. I’m his fiancée. If anyone has the right to ogle his body, it’s me. Besides, I’ve memorized how he described his cock. He’s whispered things that made every inch of me burn. I have his permission. Hell, he probably left it open on purpose. It’s such an August thing to do. He knows I will peek. That’s his plan.

And it’s working. I wish I could stroke that wall of muscle. My gaze wanders to the firm bubble of his ass, and to his thick, athletic thighs. Between them hangs a long, dark shape.

That’s his penis. Jesus Christ.

I avert my eyes as the door swings wide. 

Bare-chested, August leans out of the bathroom. He points toward his bag. “Can you get me something?”

I know what he’s doing. “Sure.”

“I forgot my soap.”

I walk to the suitcase and fish out a Ziploc filled with travel-sized lotions. “They don’t have that in the shower caddy?”

“My skin is sensitive.”

I dangle the plastic. “Is this what you want?”

“Yes.” He stretches, nearly falling out. “Give it.”

“No.”

A grin staggers across his handsome face. “Is your goal to see me naked?”

“No.” 

“I’ll chase you if I have to…or you can just join me.”

My heart pounds. “Why are you here?”

“For you.” He says it without hesitation. “I want you. Come here, and I’ll show you how much.”

That tone makes me throb with anticipation, but I hand him the bag.

Giving up, August slicks his hair and disappears, not bothering to close the door.

I could do this. 

I’m at the edge of my self-control. He’s August—not some stranger. He’s not a sloppy one-night stand. I love him, and I won’t have our first time in a hotel.

But he’s there. Naked. Ready.

My spine hits the wall as I release a lengthy sigh. Waiting will be worth it.

Fifteen minutes later, he shuts the water and towels himself. I listen to him dress inside the bathroom, and then he emerges in sweatpants and a T-shirt. 

He is silent for a moment. 

“What?”

“You’re still wearing my ring.”

“Yeah.” I’ll never take it off.

“I’m so glad you’re with me.” He pulls me into his arms. “I’ve wanted to meet you for so long.”

Don’t fucking cry. “Me too.”

His breath stings my lips, but he moves away as though thinking better of it. “We’ll have the rest of our lives to know each other.”

Tears cling to my eyelashes. 

“You can change your mind anytime.”

I nod. We discussed this at length.

Shadows darken his face. “Let’s focus on your other problem. Once that’s done, we’re out of here. For good.”

Life with him will be beautiful. I would relax if it weren’t for the voice in my head repeating the same warning.

Don’t trust him.