CHAPTER NINETEEN

KNOX

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There are two of them. Three. I saw Knox’s younger brother the other day and I”m not going to lie; they are all absolutely gorgeous.

With Ward’s genes, I am not surprised.

I haven’t told Molly what happened last Friday. Even after an hour on the phone on the weekend debriefing the entire night, I still didn’t want to tell her about the erotic moment in the limo with him.

It feels like it should be our secret and not because it’s a risk to my job.

I’m still confused why he keeps asking me if I am okay. He didn’t hurt me. He didn’t disrespect me. It was incredible and I’ll never forget it.

So all Molly knows is that I think Knox is hot and I’m crushing on my client. One I am forbidden from getting involved with.

But still. I keep wondering if it’s weird that he didn’t touch me?

Is it a kink of his?

If he thinks we are going to repeat it, I’ll have to say no—like I have the willpower—because I’ve been so aroused and unable to get relief. Twice would kill me.

Atlas moves the clothes racks around and begins to show me the new season designs which I’ve only seen in digital format. He’s a happier, chirpier version of Knox.

Which is refreshing.

But there’s no spark like I have with his older brother.

“God this would look incredible on you. Have you ever considered modeling?” Atlas says, holding up a dress in front of me.

“Settle down,” Knox says, and we turn to find him leaning against the door.

Ugh, he’s so damn handsome.

Atlas grins and winks at me. “You’re not the CEO yet. Stop being bossy.”

Yet.

I heard the rumors about Ward resigning from his position but didn’t know Knox would be stepping into his job.

“Oh, congratulations,” I say.

Knox glares at me.

Oh shit. That was clearly the wrong response.

“Sensitive subject,” Atlas says, and holds up one of the pastel swimsuits.

“Sorry.” I bite my lip and glance away. “Oh, that is gorgeous.”

“Try it on,” Atlas encourages.

“Jesus.” Knox walks into the room. “We are here to see the collection, not dress Payton up like a Barbie doll.”

“Boo.” Atlas pouts.

I can’t help but giggle.

He’s so fun.

Both of these men are at least six-foot three with solid muscular frames and I feel towered over by their insane hotness. I wish Molly was here. I am sure she would love Atlas.

If I can’t have Knox, perhaps his brother would be a good match for my best friend.

But Atlas is right. Knox is bossy and I’m feeling a little rebellious.

“I can try it on,” I say, taking the swimsuit from Atlas. “Is there somewhere?”

Knox grinds his teeth and then nods his head as if I asked permission.

“Head out the door and down the corridor to the ladies” room,” Atlas says. “Here, take the coverall too. I want to see it together.”

With a skip, I drop my bag and take the two pieces with me.

“WHAT ARE YOU doing?” I frown at my brother.

“Having fun. You should try it.” Atlas plonks his ass on the edge of the table and smirks at me.

“I have fun.”

“When?”

“When I’m allowed to fuck women,” I say through gritted teeth, shooting a glance at the door.

He barks out a laugh.

“Dad just wants you to keep your mitts off the women we do business with.”

“And this is helping?” I ask, pointing at the door. “Dressing up my account manager in a skimpy bikini?”

He shrugs.

“No, but it”s damn entertaining watching you squirm, and she isn’t even half naked in front of us yet.”

That’s where you are wrong, brother. I have already seen all her delicious naked bits.

And I want to see more.

“Asshole.”

“Tada!” Payton steps into the room and I groan.

“Jesus,” Atlas declares, and I want to say I fucking told you.

She walks in further and does a spin. “I love it so much. The fabric is amazing.”

Then she tugs off the coverall, and both Atlas and I just stare at her.

Holy hell.

The pastel blue bikini is... whatever it is. I don’t care. Her C-cups are wrapped in the soft fabric, looking like two delectable globes. My mouth waters.

Literally waters.

“I’m sorry,” Atlas says quietly.

“You should be,” I grunt.

Payton’s face falls, and I don’t like it. Despite the fact my dick is growing inside my pants, and I want to kill my brother, I need that smile back on her face.

“We are taking those with us,” I say, and her eyes widen suddenly. “You look beautiful. I want you to have them.”

“These are the showroom stock. You can’t take them,” Atlas cries. “Jin will lose his mind.”

“Oh, that’s okay. Thank you, Knox,” Payton says, glancing down at the swimwear. She turns to the mirror, and seeing the yearning in her eyes, I know without a fucking doubt, I’m not walking out of here without it.

“Tell him to ring my boss and lay a complaint.” I smirk.

Atlas lifts his brows.

I never pull rank or do shit like this. I’m a rule follower... well, except for my sexual activities, I guess.

His eyes drift back to Payton and then back to me.

I shake my head.

“Wow. Okay.” He runs a hand over his face. “You need to call me later tonight. I’ll order another sample.”

Good.

Looks like I’m buying this woman an entire fucking wardrobe of Verity Co.

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PAYTON

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I GET CHANGED and walkback out into the hallway, standing back as Knox chats to more of the teams. He subtly moves in closer to me and I feel his hand on the small of my back.

Does he know he’s doing it?

The heat of his hand makes my eyes fall shut and when I open them, Atlas is standing in front of me with a Verity Co. bag.

“Thank you,” I say, dropping the bikini and coverall inside.

“I’m having a party this weekend. You should come,” Atlas says.

What?

“What?” Knox says beside me.

“Bring a friend,” he adds and my gaping mouth shuts. I immediately think about Molly, and I wonder if this is a sign.

I nod quickly. “I would love to.”

I give him my number while Knox stays deathly silent beside us. Atlas isn’t my client technically. He might be a Montgomery, but I can tell he’s not hitting on me.

Call me psychic, but I have a feeling he and Molly would hit it off. I know she’ll fancy him. She thinks Knox is a hottie, so it’s not a stretch. The two of them are almost identical.

“See you Saturday!” I say as Knox leads me out the door.

“Answer your phone when I call tonight,” he says to his brother.

“Can’t wait,” Atlas chirps.

Knox is quiet as he opens the car door and I climb in. Then again, when we pull out into the street.

“Thank you for the bikini,” I say, risking a glance in his direction. “I can pay for it if that helps.”

I can’t.

It would take three months for me to pay for the small item sitting at my feet.

His head snaps around. “I bought it for you. Don’t offend me.”

“Did you get me the dress, too?” I ask. He nods as he focuses back on the road. “Why?”

Knox doesn’t answer for a long time.

When he does, he simply says, “You know why.”