Taking off my cotton robe, I pulled on my pants and buckled up the black, diamante stilettos. I was just sliding the bustier down and settling it in place when a tap came at the door.
“Just in time. I’m ready to go. Can you get the zipper?”
My hair was swept gently aside, baring my back. Warm, rough fingertips trailed gently down my spine, making me shiver. “You smell like honey, Slim,” came the hoarse voice in my ear.
I spun around, suddenly breathless. “Casey.” The hasty movement made my unzipped bustier slide down. I grappled with it, holding it in place with my hands, as he stood there and watched. “What are you doing in here?”
Casey gave an unconcerned shrug like he had all the time in the world, which was convenient, because right then I needed all the time in the world just to take him in.
He’d changed from his worn jeans into a suit—navy silk with a crisp white shirt. The fitted cut made it obvious the suit was tailored specifically for him, and the open collar gave a tantalising glimpse of tanned, muscled chest. He was … Good Lord, he was beautiful.
Breathe, Grace, I had to remind myself. This man is not your friend.
“Get out,” I snapped.
“And miss seeing you half dressed? I think not.” He tilted his head, cocky grin in place as I wrestled with the back of the zipper trying to do it up myself. “Can I do that for you?”
Nothing good could come out of him doing anything for me, or to me, for that matter. From the minute I’d set foot on Sydney soil, I’d lost all sense of emotional composure around the man. He was a menace to my mental health. “No.”
“No?” He leaned casually against the wall and folded his arms.
“Grace!” Henry shouted from downstairs. “The limo’s here!”
“Where’s Mac?” I called back.
“She’s already in the car. We’re waiting for you!”
Goddammit.
“Well,” Casey drawled, inspecting his fingernails calmly. “Looks like you’re in a bit of pickle there, Slim. Everyone’s waiting for you, but don’t worry, I’ve got an idea.” A smirk spread slowly across his face, and I felt the urge to slap it off. “How about asking me nicely to do your zipper? I think I’ll like hearing a please and thank you from those pretty lips of yours.”
Anger made my stomach churn, and the fact that I couldn’t remember the last time I ate only made it worse. “I’d rather eat dirt,” I hissed. Holding my bustier in place with one hand, I grabbed my bag with the other. Asshole! I’d just get Henry to do the damn zipper and be done with it. Straightening my shoulders, I made for the door, doing my best to escape with dignity and failing in a spectacular fashion.
Casey’s arm snapped out, grabbing my wrist. “Wait.”
I tugged, but his strength was superhuman, reminding me of his earlier assault at the airport. “Oh, okay. We’re doing this again.” I rolled my eyes as he dragged me unwillingly towards him.
The subtle scent of his aftershave hit me and I recognised the warm, woodsy tone of Bvlgari Man instantly. It suited him perfectly, and I wondered if it was something he’d purchased himself or was bought for him. Then I wondered why the hell I was wondering something like that.
I made a show of looking at my watch. “Make your lecture quick this time. Everyone’s waiting remember?”
Casey’s chuckle came deep from his chest, surprising me. I met his amused eyes, falling in love with the clear, pretty blue colour. “This is funny now?”
“Will you let me speak?”
“Grace!” Henry yelled.
“Be right there!” I yelled back.
“Slim,” Casey murmured, and his thumb started rubbing the inside of my wrist. The touch was both soothing and sensual. I repressed a visible shiver. “I’m sorry.”
“Sorry?”
He nodded. “For today. For jumping to conclusions. I have some stuff going on and it’s made me a bit …”
“Of a loose cannon? A Batman wannabe? An irrational vigilante?” I supplied.
Amusement returned to his eyes as his hand started sliding up my arm, the rough callouses of his palm scraping my skin. Reaching halfway, his thumb started rubbing again—this time the inside crease of my elbow. My breathing escalated along with the sensual touch.
“I was going to say a bit stressed.”
“That’s you a bit stressed?” I tugged my arm from his grip and this time he let go. “God help the universe then if you have a major meltdown. Planets will get thrown out of alignment. Stars will collide. Perhaps an asteroid will change trajectory towards Earth.” A look of mock horror crossed my face. “You would go down in infamy as the sole man responsible for Armageddon.”