Page 77 of Bad Influence
You’re going to be the perfect wife and being a good husband means I have to protect you from the animalistic nature of sex.
He’d phrased it in a way that would make it seem sweet, but really he’d meant that I did nothing for him sexually. He always told me that he didn’t have sex with me because he respects my father too much and he wouldn’t like it. I should have known then something was wrong because Beckett isn’t that conservative, clearly.
Now, a different worry niggles in the back of my mind. What if I’m not enough for Killian? What if he’s expecting something I can’t give him?
Lilith sets her hand on top of mine, drawing my attention to her. “Don’t think about it too much. This isn’t something you can perfect or do on a timeline.”
We sit for a moment, listening to the birds and Brooklyn waking up around us. Even though it’s sunny, there’s a nice warm breeze close to the water. It’s a great spot for a picnic.
“Did you ever end up calling Aiden?” Lilith asks suddenly.
“From your party?” I look at her in question. “Why would I call him?”
I still have his card in the back of my phone case. I suppose if Beckett does end up suing me, I’ll need a lawyer.
“If you’re planning on staying here, I assume you might want a job?” Lilith asks. “That’s why I introduced you to him.”
“I didn’t know that! Besides, I practiced corporate law. I haven’t even seen the inside of a court room. Doesn’t Aiden practice family law? How do you even know I have the license?”
“I thought you have to clear the bar once and you’re done,” Lilith says.
“Nope, different states, different laws.”
She raises her eyebrows. “But you have a license to work here?”
“I do.”
“Great! I’ll reach out to Aiden and set up an interview for you.”
My mouth drops open at her casual tone. Admittedly, I don’t know her that well so I didn’t realize she has that kind of pull.
“How can you do that?”
“Our parents are friends. I’ve known him for a long time,” Lilith says with a shrug.
A part of me wants to earn the chance on my own. On the other hand, Aiden works for a top law firm and if I can nepo friend my way in, why not? It’s not like I’m going to get the job because again, I know nothing about family law.
On our way back home, we stop by the corner bodega and I buy a pint of ice cream because I finished the last carton yesterday. I stick it in the freezer as soon as I get home and then make a beeline for the stairs.
I want to see if Killian has finished my painting. He’s been very secretive about it and he hasn’t asked me to sit for him since. Except yesterday when he told me he wants to paint me on top of him. I hate these insecurities which pop up unexpectedly when the man cannot be more clear about his intentions.
The hallway is quiet when I get to the second flood, except for the sound of the shower running. The bathroom door is partially open and it piques my curiosity, causing my cheeks to heat up. Killian is naked and wet on the other side of this door. I’d never invade his privacy, though a part of me wonders what he will do if I walk in there and get in the shower with him?
Don’t think that, Caroline!
My pulse pounds between my legs, imagining him pushing me against the shower wall, the water beating down his back and sluicing over his body.
Killian makes a rough sound which is enough to clear the haze of sexual desire from my mind.
I turn to leave and as soon as I take a step, he says my name.
“Caroline.”
Shit, did he catch me?
It’s followed by a low groan which sends a shiver through my body. My nipples pebble inside my top as I squeeze my thighs together.
“That’s it, butterfly. Take me in slowly, just like that,” Killian says, his voice rough.
