The Grand Pact (The Grand Men #1)(135)

I lean in, dusting her lips. “Sex. All the fucking time.”

“Keep going,” she utters.

“You’ll be my wife.”

She smiles. “I’ll be your wife,” she repeats with confidence.

My mouth slides over hers, a slow deep kiss that has my cock twitching. I pull away. “How long do we have this time? How long is our pact?”

She grasps my neck, pulling me back desperately. “I don’t know.”

“A year? Six months? Maybe nine if we’re smashing out kids.”

“Elliot?” She bites down on my bottom lip.

“Hmm,” I groan, knowing it’s time to shut the fuck up.

“I’m not hungry. I want it now. Number four.” Her nails drift over my forearm that’s lying in my lap and then over my thigh.

“Luce.”

She squeezes my erection, panting against my mouth. “Take me home, Elliot.”





CHAPTER THREE





THE HOUSE





Lucy





Four Months Later


“Everything’s off upstairs.” I round the bottom of the staircase and smile over at Jean, who’s behind the desk.

“I’d call that perfect timing,” she tells me, flicking her eyes to the front of the shop.

I spot Elliot’s dark-grey Aston Martin parked outside on double yellow lines.

“What’s he doing here?”

Jean chuckles under her breath, and I give her a look that tells her I don’t need her to answer the question.

“You’ll think about my proposal, yes? No rush, of course. Take Monday off if you like. Spend time with your family and really think it over.”

“I don’t need Monday off, Jean.”

“That’s up to you. I’m giving you a day off if you want it.”

“Thank you. And I appreciate it. You’re too good to me.”

Her lips twist as she looks out at Elliot. “You’ll get the boy a ticket.”

I sigh, pulling my bag onto my shoulder. “He’ll get himself a ticket. I’ll see you on Monday.”

She shakes her head as I walk out of the shop, and I smile, knowing she wants me to take the day off.

Elliot rolls down the window as I approach the car. “What’s that smile? Tell me immediately.”

I pull open the door and slide in, reaching to place my bag and coat on the back seat. “I have some news.”

“Yeah?” He gives me the most wholesome smile, and it makes my chest warm. He doesn’t even know what I’m going to tell him.

“Jean wants to make me a partner.”

He doesn’t flinch, his face knowing and sure as he leans in and kisses my forehead. “Of course, she does. You’re a powerhouse,” he mutters, brushing our lips.

“I’m going to accept,” I tell him. “I knew the moment she asked me, but I thought I’d look a little too eager and desperate if I jumped too quick. I need Charlie to look over the paperwork too.”

“Of course. You’re sure you don’t want to wait; go at it on your own one day?”

I shake my head before I can fully think about it, my gut answering for me. “We’re established. And it’s very much a we’re thing already. People call the shop and ask for me. They know me, know the brand we’ve built.”

“I think it’s perfect. Especially if you’re happy….”

“I am. I could carry on as it is now, and I’d be happy. It will be more work, but we plan to grow the team once we renovate next door. The potential is huge.”

“Sounds like you have it all worked out, princess.”

“I do.” I smile, watching him through heavy lids as he sits close. “What are you doing here anyway? I thought I was staying at home tonight.”

He tilts his head, giving me a bored look.

“What?”

“You haven’t been home since you got back from New York.”

“Exactly, and every time I try to have a night off, you talk me around. You’ve got me locked up in your house and won’t let me leave.”

“Well, I actually changed the locks today.”

“You did?” I ask, frowning as he pulls out into the traffic.

“Hmm. The security system wasn’t what I wanted it to be. And I agree, by the way…” He glances across at me. “You should go home tonight.”

Okay, I definitely didn’t want to go home. But he wants me to?

Did I piss him off?

I think back on the conversation.

I don’t think I said anything—

“Outta your head.” His hand slips under mine, and he lifts it, kissing the tips of my fingers. “I’ve got you.”



Elliot





I’m momentarily wounded that she could think for even a second that I wouldn’t want her in my bed tonight.

We pull up to my house, and I open the gates.

“I knew you wouldn’t take me home,” she admits, giving me a coy smile.

“I presumed you’d need your charger and things…. Run in and get them.”

Her face drops, and I have to bite the side of my cheek to keep myself from cracking.