Bittersweet Lies (Bittersweet-Series Book 1) Read online

  “That should cover it.”

  Her brown eyes widen slightly as she first glares at me and then the money.

  “Don’t worry, you don’t have to pay me back,” I say coolly as she makes no move to look away from the bills.

  “I honestly don’t know what you’re trying to accomplish,” her gaze is directed at my face again, “but it won’t work.”

  With a gently push I close the door behind me and stride toward her with slow, smooth steps.

  “Is that so?” I want to know softly and squat in front of her.

  My gaze wanders possessively over her bare, tanned skin, further to the arch of her slender back, memorizing each individual mole.

  With fingertips, I gently glide over her neck, work my way down to her shoulder, and from there down her side.

  There, my fingers brushed against the curvature of her soft, warm breast, which, if not lying on her stomach, would fit my hand perfectly.

  The delicate skin breaks out in goose bumps, the only reaction to my touches.

  She keeps her gaze stubbornly directed at my face, her full lips pressed together in anger.

  “Are you done then?”

  What happened since our conversation?

  “Is this because of what you walked in on?” I ask insistently.

  The expression in her eyes grows a little colder as she listens to my words.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she lies, straightens up a little bit, and pushes my hand aside.

  My lips curl into a smile. “You want to make me jealous.”

  “Whether you believe it or not, you’re not the center of the universe.” Her gaze briefly wanders to the guy leaning casually against the table with his arms crossed, watching the scene.

  “At least not mine,” she adds with a smile.

  I get up, shove my hands in the pockets of my dark blue jeans, and look down at her from above.

  “I know I’m right, Brooke.” My voice grows deeper, more evocative.

  “Keep denying it, keep running away from me, or heck, banish me from your mind for all I care.”

  The tendons in her slender neck move as she swallows.

  Oh yes, baby. You know what I said is true.

  “But in the end, you will admit you’ve been mine for long a time now,” I whisper.

  A vein in her neck throbs conspicuously and treacherously as she slowly lowers her gaze to keep from looking into my eyes.

  Her long black eyelashes throw thin shadows on her cheeks and although her lips are slightly parted, no sound comes out.

  The sight before me is irresistible.

  Her feminine curves, only covered by a ridiculous hand towel.

  The blonde mane is tamed into a messy ponytail, a few loose strands gently framing her face.

  Her finely chiseled features and those big, almost black Bambi eyes, with which she can wrap anyone around her little finger.

  The little button nose and these full pink lips, which I’ve imagined several times wrapped around my cock.

  Her body is only a few inches away, making it the perfect opportunity if it weren’t for that fucker staring at her as possessively as I am.

  “You should leave while you still can,” I growl in his direction, narrowing my eyes.

  “I’m staying,” he replies loud and clear. “Unless Brooke wants me to go.”

  “I don’t want to,” she remarks, covers her body with the skimpy towel lying next to her and sits up.

  “Are you finished now?”

  Does she really think I’m gonna let her get away that easy?

  That I’ll simply go and leave her alone with this guy?

  “You will cancel the date with Nathan,” I demand. My tone does not allow back talk.

  “Have you lost your mind?” Puzzled, she frowns, trying to make sense out of my words.

  “Why should I do that?”

  “Because I said so.” My expression darkens as I notice the defiance in her eyes.

  I grind with my jaw. “Don’t even try to double-cross me.”

  No matter how hard she tries to fights me, I will win this game, no matter the cost. She owes me that much.

  “If you think I’ll let you dictate who I go out with, then you’re even more arrogant than I imagined.” She crosses her arms in front of her chest, almost popping out her breasts from under the white towel.

  I overcome the short distance with only a few steps, support myself with both hands on either side of the massage table and trap her with my body.

  Her pure, unparalleled scent envelopes me as I gently nestle my cheek against her and nestle my lips against her ear.

  “I not only think so,” I whisper softly, “I know it. And do you know why?” I feel her hesitantly shaking her head.

  “Because I will destroy anyone who dares to come too close to you. Without exception.” My voice deepens a shade, more threatening.

  “And I don’t like it when someone tries to take from me what has long been mine.”

  I detach myself from her and look at her possessively.

  Her slightly flushed cheeks and pursed lips.

  The wild, rebellious expression in her eyes.

  The dainty hands clutching into the soft fabric of the towel.

  Her chest, which frantically heaves and at the small blue vein at her temple, which throbs with suppressed rage.

  One last time I absorb the vision of her deep into me, before I resolutely turn away and walk to the door.

  “Before I forget,” I say, turning around and eyeing his face icily.

  “I’ve seen how you look at her.” My expression darkens.

  “If I were you, I’d think long and hard about who I make an enemy of,” I add with a smile and leave the room.

  End of Volume 1

  NOTE OF THANKS

  This here will (probably) be the shortest acknowledgement I will ever write.

  Why?

  Because I don’t like to beat around the bush, only to end up boring you.

  Fact is, I wouldn’t be here without you. It’s also a fact that I love writing books.

  Thank you for reading my stories, loving them and leaving me such wonderful reviews, comments and messages! <3

  Thanks to my beta readers, my family & friends and my better half.

  Naturally, I would be happy about a review, but that’s entirely up to you.

  I think we understand each other. ;)

  Yours, Mel