Page 7 of The Casella King

“Not yet.” He brings his glass to his lips, and my eyes linger too long for my liking. Ripping my eyes away, I watch the bartender shaking drinks. “About that date.”

“There is no date,” I say, not believing a word that comes out of my mouth right now. Not trusting my body to hide my attraction towards him.

“Why not?” he asks.

“Because I’m not dating right now,” I confess, my heartbeat picking up speed at his closeness.

“That’s a shame. I could show you a great time.”

“I’m sure you can, but I’m not interested.”

“You should just give in now whilst you have the chance, before I truly turn on the charm.” He smirks as I feel my lips betray me and curve into a smile. I hate that he can charm me.

Noticing my smile, he chuckles.

“Fine. No date. Just an ‘I’m sorry I ripped your dress’ dinner?” He looks at me expectantly, waiting for an answer, and I debate shooting him down again, but I’m interested. His eyes drop to the hemline of my dress, and heat flushes my cheeks. I’ve only ever been with one man. He was my first for everything. I’ve never again allowed myself to let my guard down and trust someone to not break my heart. As I look at Ezra, the ice around the empty cavity in my chest begins to melt, and I have no idea how he’s doing this. Is it the charisma, is it the form-fitting suit, or is it the fact that no matter how many times I say no, he just will not relent?

“I’m free tomorrow night,” I say, taking another sip of my drink, my heart thumping loudly beneath my chest.

“I’ll pick you up at eight,” he says as he motions to the bartender to come over to us. “She doesn’t pay for anything, got it?” He nods in what seems like fast-forward speed.

He leans into my ear, sending a shiver through my spine. “I’ll see you tomorrow, sweetheart.” His husky voice vibrates through me.

The rest of the night goes by in a blur. Anytime I looked over to where Ezra was, I saw him surrounded by big, scary-looking men, almost like they were planning something or talking about something that came with heavy consequences if they got the answer wrong. As soon as the reception is wrapped up, I gather my things and begin heading to my car, ready to shower and getin bed as soon as I get home. Opening my car boot, I throw all my things inside, and it isn’t until I walk around to the driver’s side that I notice both tyres are flat.

You’ve got to be kidding me.

“Need a ride?” a familiar husky voice asks, and my head whips around behind me as I stare up into Ezra’s eyes, almost as dark as the night itself.

Did he pop my tyres?

“It’s fine. I can just call roadside assistance.” I grab my phone from my clutch bag.

“It’s pretty late. Generally they won’t arrive for another hour.” He smirks, and I’m almost certain he has fucked with my tyres. “I promise nothing shady. Just want to drop you off at home.”

I really shouldn’t go with him. I should call roadside assistance and wait for them to come.

“You’re lucky I’m exhausted and don’t have a strong will to argue right now.” I walk over to grab my things from the boot when his hand reaches out to stop me. Electricity buzzes from my fingertips all the way to my ears at his touch, unbalancing me.

“Henry will grab your things.” I watch as a large, bald man in a black suit, camouflaged by the night steps out from the darkness. “This way.” He motions as my eyes follow, landing on a sleek black Rolls Royce Phantom limousine. I stop my jaw from dropping and scraping on the ground as I enter a world of luxury. Possibly a small portion of the luxury this man is used to. I try to not make it obvious I’ve never been in a custom limo before, so I take my seat and begin writing email responses to clients in my inbox.

“Put your phone away,” he commands, as he slides in next to me.

“Why?” I smirk. “Does it bother you?” I almost want to glue my phone to my face in response to the annoyance on his.

“Because it’s one in the morning, and you shouldn’t be working right now.” He looks at my phone, irritated that it’s still in my hands.

“What if it makes me feel safe?” Henry has begun driving, taking us onto a freeway.

Ezra chuckles at my words, and a shiver rolls down the back of my arms.

“Sweetheart, if I wanted to hurt you, I wouldn’t be escorting you home, in a limo, with a bodyguard.” He flashes a panty-dropping smile, and slowly opens his blazer, revealing his double holster. My eyes go wide as they land on two gold pistols, tucked safely away inside the holsters.

Okay, now it definitely feels real.

“No one can hurt you, not whilst you’re with me,” he comments, like it’s supposed to make me feel safer.

I don’t know what to say so I just stare ahead, watching Henry drive through the small partition, a million and one thoughts floating through my head.

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