His Only Hope: The Maison Chronicles, Book 2 Read Free Page B

height.
    “You’ve lost weight.” His voice sounded accusing. “I hope you’re taking care of yourself.”
    She shrugged, knowing he wouldn’t be content with her explanation. Knowing him, he’d take her to the nearest smoothie place and make her drink a protein shake. His controlling, caring ways had driven her nuts even as they made her feel cherished.
    Part of her knew this little interlude could tear through her hard-won centeredness, but that voice of responsibility was shouted down by her hormones. Though her relationship with Gabe had been a failure, the sex had always been spectacular.
    She ran a hand through the stubble on his scalp. “Why’d you cut your hair? And where have you been the past two years?”
    “I could ask you the same thing.”
    She nailed him with a glare and refused to answer.
    He rolled his eyes. “It kept falling into my face while I was working.”
    He ignored her second question. Alrighty then. His hands traveled up and down her thighs, sensitizing her flesh. Her fingers, with a mind of their own, continued their tactile exploration of his scalp.
    Having his strong hands touch her again calmed her soul. Oh fuck.
    Laughter in the hall made her jump back from his embrace just before Melina slinked in, pout on her bright red lips. Her hair was red this week and she wore her trademark white leather minidress and thigh-high gladiator heels.
    “Hope, my dear, I’m so sorry for those brutes. I keep telling my boy that we need better screening of clients, but he’s the business brains behind the operation, so when he says that it would be a bad idea, I listen. After this, maybe he’ll be singing another tune.” Her lively face shifted to glee. “Oh, maybe I can punish him for the decision, and then punish him for changing his mind and being fickle!”
    Her wicked laugh had Hope split between compassion and jealousy for Melina’s subbie boy.
    Melina shifted her gaze to Gabe, who had stood to face the door. “Well hello, Gabe. And why aren’t you at the booth you’re renting from me? Go, sell your wares! Your new shop won’t advertise itself. Oh hell, your creations are so divine they very well could.”
    “I didn’t get to congratulate you on your new business earlier,” Hope said, trying to keep her tone light.
    “Yeah, you and I hadn’t quite gotten to all the formalities.” His voice held a mocking edge. “Melina was kind enough to let me set up a small showcase in the main room.” He turned to Mel. “And I have my assistant running it. She’s completely capable, I assure you.”
    Hope wondered how much this bimbo assisted him with before she reminded herself that Gabe meant nothing to her anymore. Must be the hormones. And the stress. Even she didn’t believe herself on that one, which meant she stood in dangerous territory.
    “Well, Melina, are you available now to go over your design plans? It’ll be a welcome respite from tonight’s excitement.”
    “Oh, you poor thing. Now is just fine. The bouncers can keep those men on ice in the laundry room—cramped and hot is what they deserve, I’d say. I can’t tell you how excited I am to be your first client!” She turned to Gabe. “Darling, if you will escort Hope to my office, I’ll be right along. Thank you for watching after her for me.” She gave him a coy smile.
    “You know I live to serve, Mistress Melina,” Gabe deadpanned.
    “You, my dear, are ever the charmer. Now scoot along. And give my love to that beautiful assistant of yours.” With that, she breezed out, leaving things more awkward than they had been when she entered.
    The evening’s frustration, coupled with hearing about Gabe’s “beautiful” assistant, had Hope struggling to keep the ire from her voice. “So why don’t you just take your lovely assistant with you to Maison Domine? I’m sure you’d have a lovely weekend.”
    His smirk made her want to slap him—or kiss him. “Miffed, are we?”
    Hope couldn’t help but growling.