Stealing the Heart of Mr. Steele

Chapter 121 Chapter 121

Tilly stumbles out of Clark's apartment wearing one of his t-shirts and a lopsided grin. Her clothing is gathered in her arms. Hands reach past the door, grabbing her back inside and a stylish ankle boot tumbles out of her hands forgotten as the door closes with a slam followed by sounds that cannot be mistaken for anything other than passion.

If Clark were my real fiance, I'd be heartbroken by this display.

But since Clark and I have never been a couple, and Tilly is my best friend in the world, I couldn't be happier. Maybe, if things go right, Tilly and I might be sisters.

Visions of double weddings flutter through my head and I laugh quietly, so as not to draw their attention, as I pass by the door.

Grinning devilishly I scoop up her boot. I wonder how long it will take for her to realize it is missing. What will she say when I tell her I found it?

Normally I would have left it there for her to find. I'm not a tricky person by nature, but I'm feeling a bit mischievous this morning.

Taking a shower as soon as I enter our apartment, I am dressed and a fresh pot of coffee is brewing before she makes her way back into the door. Her hair is pressed and she is wearing a fresh outfit. Hmmm. How long has this been going on if she and Clark are sharing closet space?

"Oh you're back," she smiles as soon as she sees me. "And in a much brighter mood, I see."

I hand her a cup of coffee just the way she likes it, black and sweet. "Oh yes, Atlas and I were able to get everything sorted," I tell her a bit about my evening, leaving out the juicy parts. "How about you, I've noticed you've been spending a lot of time in Malibu. Is your new line close to being ready?"

"Oh yes," she doesn't bat an eye as she scrolls through her phone, looking online for the latest news. "It should be ready to launch next week. I'm having some photos taken by..."

"Clark?" I interrupt.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

She looks up from her phone blinking. "Um, yes. How did you know?"

"1

"Well he did such a good job with my line, I assumed you'd go with someone you know," I lie. I know exactly why she's using Clark for this line. It's probably easier to excuse their escapades if they are working" together.

"So you and Atlas," she gives me a very pointed stare. "I see you've made up."

Playing coy I answer, "We've come to a better understanding, yes."

"Much better," she teases her eyes pointing down to my neck. There is a ring of lip-shaped bruises along my collarbone like a necklace of passion. He must have done that when he was dropping me off. What is he thinking? Does he want everyone to know? Yes, yes I think he does.

Blushing, I pull my collar up around my neck but it is no use. I'm going to be wearing turtlenecks from now until Christmas.

It is such a possessive move, leaving marks in visible areas, and another way he is asserting his need for our relationship to be out in the open. If I weren't so worried about what others might think, I might be a bit more flattered and a bit less upset.

I'll have to pay him back later. It doesn't seem fair considering that most women's fashion doesn't cover a lot of skin, even professional business attire. Atlas, on the other hand, can wear a three piece suit and nobody would be the wiser.

From now on I'm going to have to keep his mouth on hidden places. I'm sure that together we can think of better places for his love bites.

Growing wet at the thought of his mouth in very particular places I cross my legs and adjust myself to release a bit of the building pressure. Watching me patiently, Tilly sips her coffee, clearly amused by my discomfort.

Well, two can play that game.

Reaching out from underneath the counter I pull out her ankle boot and place it in the space between us.

"So," I smirk. "Got something you want to tell me?"