Own Me (The Wolf Hotel, #5)

“Yes, of course I trust you.” His nostrils flare. “Fine, go to the party capital of Europe, where everyone’s high and groping everyone else. I can’t wait to see what they plan for me.” He nods toward the bar. “But don’t worry, I’m sure it’ll be tame.”

I feel my face pale as I think about what kind of trouble Merrick, Warner, and Preston will concoct for Henry’s bachelor party. While I trust him, I don’t trust them, and I definitely don’t trust the fifty naked women they’ll bring in to hump his lap. “On second thought, I’d like to be placed in a coma for that weekend,” I mutter.

Henry smirks. “Thought so.”

Merrick returns with two crystal glasses, wedging himself in the space on the couch next to me as if we’re old friends and this is completely normal. He passes Henry his drink. “Just how you like it … Daddy.”

I stifle my giggle.

Merrick winks at me before shifting his focus to Margo. “That is one smooth-talking Frenchman up there. The blond is about to hand him her panties.”

The same Frenchman who sucked your cock last night? I watch Merrick for any sign that he feels at all awkward or jealous about Joel’s conquest, but there’s nothing at all. It’s like they’re just people who helped each other out.

Margo sighs heavily. “I hope so. He’s been whining that he doesn’t have anyone new to photograph lately. I’m tired of listening to it.”

“For his art?” Preston’s eyes light up, finished with his call. “I’d fucking love to be there for that.”

“We will see if they’re amiable.” Margo reaches over to fix his collar before patting his shoulder with her palm. It’s so innocent and yet something about the simple touch makes me wonder if Merrick isn’t the only of Henry’s friends she’s hooked up with.

“And how are plans for turning your chateau into a Wolf?” Preston asks as they fall into casual, friendly conversation.

She pouts, her focus now on Henry. “Slow. Someone is dragging his feet.”

“Don’t be too hard on him.” Merrick throws a brawny arm across the back of the couch, giving the space between Henry’s shoulder and neck an affectionate squeeze. “Daddy’s been busy.”

Henry’s molars grind as he sips his drink, ignoring his friend’s taunts.

Meanwhile, the deep, gravelly sound of Merrick’s voice in my ear and being sandwiched between these two again after what transpired last night sparks heat between my thighs.

God, I’ve had too much to drink.

Merrick has let go of Henry, but his arm is still stretched out against the back of the couch. “By the way, here you go.” He sets his drink down. Slipping his hand into his jacket, he pulls out my black bottoms from my costume.

“Uh … Thanks?” I grab them and stuff them into my purse, my face reddening.

Henry leans over me. “You mean you’ve been walking around with those in your pocket all afternoon?”

Merrick grins. “I’m impressed with the laundry service here.”

Henry shakes his head. “Prick.” They’re both so at ease with each other. It’s a relief to see after what happened last night.

“You want me to be a prick?” With a sly grin, Merrick leans in and whispers in my ear, “You’re perfect for him. We’re all happy to see him marrying you.”

Warmth floods my chest with his endorsement, even as his lips graze my earlobe.

“Watch it, Mer,” Henry warns as Merrick pulls away.

The golden boy winks at me.

Warner returns and, after handing Preston his drink, fills the seat on the other side of Margo. “That restaurant was excellent. What was the name of it again?” He pats his taut belly. “I need to remember it for next time.”

“I think it was Daddy’s Place?” Preston cocks his head at Henry.

“Secret Daddy,” Merrick counters without missing a beat.

Warner layers on, “Secret Wolf Daddy?” They all laugh. Even I’m having a hard time keeping a straight face.

“You’re all idiots. How the fuck are you guys in your thirties?” Henry snaps, giving them the rise they’re fishing for.

“Look at him, thinking he’s more mature than us because he’s a father now,” Warner throws back, earning another round of laughter.

Margo’s jaw drops as she stares at Henry and then spouts something in French.

Finally, something that shocks her.





CHAPTER 15





I wake to the sound of Henry’s throaty chuckle.

“What’s so funny?” I roll over to find him staring at his phone.

Instead of explaining, he hands it to me.

Henry: Hi, Violet, it’s Henry Wolf. Your grandparents agreed to fix up the house to sell through my agent. You’ll get a much better price for it. I’ll deal with Barbara.

It’s the message he sent to Violet last night after I pushed him. Short and simple and lacking any affection whatsoever, but I remind myself that Henry is still learning to crawl when it comes to her.

I caught Henry checking his phone a dozen times last night and while he always had something work-related waiting for him, I don’t think that’s what he was looking for.

Violet finally responded this morning, likely after weighing her answer all night, and it seems they’ve been chatting while I blissfully snored beside him.

Violet: Hello, Henry Wolf. My grandparents told me. What is that saying? Oh yeah … I told you so.

Henry: What is that other saying? Oh yeah … You’re welcome.

Violet: If I give your invisible robotic eye the finger, will you see it?

Henry: Yes. Stop giving your grandparents a hard time.

Violet answered with a saluting emoji.

I knew she would resist thanking Henry. She likely harbors a lot of confused feelings where he and her mother are concerned. “She knows what you did for her, even if she didn’t say it,” I promise him, handing his phone back.

I hug my pillow and watch him stand and stretch, his firm ass on display. “You should take the day off.” It’s seven thirty a.m. and normally Henry’s already almost out the door, but this weekend was exhausting in the best way.

“Can’t. Some of us have to work.” He rounds the bed, leaning down to kiss my lips. “I’ve got interviews for the new team to head the metals divisions.”

“Hey! I have interviews this week too.” Just saying that out loud sounds so foreign, but Zaheera insists I need an assistant to help with the administrative things. Her team has already vetted a pile of résumés and selected the best three candidates for me to choose from.

I assume she’ll also tell me which one I should hire.

“You should get up, then.”

I burrow back under the covers, planning on sleeping until my hangover headache—the second day in a row—fades.

The duvet flies away with a yank. I howl as Henry slaps my bare ass. “Shower. Now.” Henry’s giddy. He’s never giddy in the morning, especially not on a Monday.

I watch his perfect, naked body move toward the en suite. Seeing his friends this weekend definitely lifted his spirits, but I think this mood has more to do with a certain sassy blue-eyed girl.