“My turn, Angel,” he rasped as with a few movements of his hands, she was flat on her back and her legs were over his shoulders. She was sputtering out a protest when he licked her slit and sucked her clit into his mouth. After that, she was unable to form any more coherent thoughts as he devoured her through another couple of orgasms before rolling on a condom and pulling her on top of him, impaling her down onto his hard cock. Once again, she screamed and moved against him in ways that would do a porn star proud. If Mark DeSanto was a bad boy, then she’d never want a good guy again. He’d ruined her for all other men.

Now that she knew what was possible between a man and woman, she never wanted it to end. The problem was that everyone knew Mark didn’t do serious relationships. She surprised herself with what she was capable of in his bed. Was she strong enough to smile and wish him well when he walked away? Because he would, right? He always did.

Chapter Eleven

Monday morning seemed to arrive in the blink of an eye. Both she and Mark had fallen asleep after their last round of acrobatic sex, and she’d been surprised to open her eyes and see the morning light streaming through his bedroom windows. He’d insisted they save time and water by bathing together, where she’d experienced another first—against-the-wall shower sex.

When she walked into the kitchen in search of Mark after getting dressed, she found him there, sipping a cup of coffee with Denny. She’d wanted to back down the hallway and hide from the knowing smile on the other man’s face, but Mark had spotted her. “Coffee, Angel?” he asked, already pouring her a cup.

“Thanks,” she replied softly as she used the cream and sugar sitting nearby. In the light of day, she felt awkward and unsure of how to act around Mark after the previous night. When he pulled her against his chest and dropped a kiss on her temple, it shocked her. From the look on Denny’s face, he felt the same way. It was obvious he wasn’t used to seeing this side of his boss. As she was enjoying the closeness between them, a phone chimed. Both Denny and Mark checked theirs before looking at her. She shrugged and pulled her iPhone from her purse to find a text from her mother.

Mandatory family dinner. Seven tonight, don’t be late.

“Well, shit,” she grumbled.

Mark raised a brow in amusement, asking, “What’s wrong, baby?” She turned her phone to let him read the message and saw his expression darken.

“Tell her where she can put that order,” he advised.

Sighing, she shook her head. “It’s easier to just go and get it over with. Otherwise, I’d have to hear about what a lousy daughter I am for weeks.”

Mark put his hand under her chin, lifting it to study her. “Don’t let her do that to you. You’re playing right into her hands.”

Forgetting all about Denny, she snuggled closer, saying glumly, “I know, but it’s a hard habit to break. She’s my mother, after all. I’ll just head straight there from work and get it over with. Then I’ll go home and stare at the walls for eight hours or so until I’ve recovered.”

“Come here afterward,” Mark said against her ear. “I’ll give you something to take your mind off things for the night.”

She grinned against his chest, feeling suddenly giddy, while Denny made a gagging sound. “I hate to break up this lovefest that you two have going on, but if we don’t hit the road, we’ll be late for your first meeting, cousin.”

Mark glanced down at his watch and grimaced. “You ready, Angel?” he asked as he gently released her from his hold.

Trying to sound far more enthusiastic than she felt, she said a bright “Yep, let’s get this Monday started.” She refrained from adding that her mother had ruined any chance of this being a good day. Mark, sensing her somber mood, simply tucked her into his side on the ride across town—letting her know that he was there, but also giving her time with her thoughts before he dropped her at home.

He stepped out with her when they reached her apartment and insisted on walking her to the door. “I’ve got several meetings today, so I’ll probably be tied up until this evening. Call me when you’re leaving your parents’ house and we’ll go from there.”

Despite being depressed over her evening plans, she felt the urge to do some kind of crazy victory dance at his casual mention of an evening together. She was going to see Mark again, and it wasn’t even a weekend night. God, she felt like such a rebel. A new and improved model of herself, thanks to DeStudo. A giggle escaped her throat before she could hold it back. He gave her an inquiring look, to which she just shrugged her shoulders. “Trust me, it’s a woman thing. You don’t want to know.”

Pulling her into his arms, he kissed the side of her neck and purred, “Oh, but I do, since I know it involves me. We’re both going to be late though, so I’ll let it go—for now.” Dropping a kiss on her lips, he added, “Have a good day, Angel. Drive safely.” As he was turning away, he suddenly swung back around. “Why don’t I have Denny circle back after he drops me at the office? He can pick you up so that you can relax on the drive this morning.”

Going to him, she curled her arms around his stomach and gave him a squeeze. “I’m leaving from work for my parents’. I’ll be fine. It’s sweet that you care, though.”

“Sweet?” he repeated as if the word felt foreign on his tongue. Considering his reputation with women, it probably wasn’t one used to describe him often. He kissed the top of her head and pulled away. “Talk to you tonight,” he murmured before walking toward his car. Maybe she should have left that last part off. It might not have been smart to bring that to his attention. She didn’t want to scare him off, but she loved that he was concerned enough about her well-being to want to send Denny for her. Whether he wanted to acknowledge it or not, Mark DeSanto was a good guy. She only hoped he could accept that before he pushed her away.