Page 30 of Hateful Lies

Bryce takes a bite of his pastry, but I can barely choke down my scrumptious pie. He knows things, but is it worth it, setting myself up to do as he says? Can I back out if things get out of hand? Bryce’s eyes are judgmental as he watches the waiter behind the counter stack plates.

He glances over at me and scowls. Every man wants the same thing, and I want some control of this situation. I check the room, and only one other table inside is occupied.

“You want more than a follower.” I brush my leg against his knee under the table. “I told you what I really want, but what do you really want?”

A startled look passes over his face but slips off quickly. Bryce glances at the waiter and then sits closer to me. His hand slips under the tablecloth, and his fingertips touch my bare knee. But instead of a savage pinch, he strokes my skin lightly. I relax my leg, giving him a little more access. But I can’t distract him too much. I need Bryce to keep talking.

“Why would someone like me attract you?” I whisper, “Do you crave things you can’t have?”

I stretch my leg under his smooth touch, and dammit, his fingertips send a thrill through my body that’s unexpected. I suck in air and close my eyes. When I open them, Bryce is staring at me with wide eyes as if he can’t believe he’s having this effect on a girl.

“Aren’t you afraid of being bad in public?” I tease, “Right now, you don’t seem to care.”

I part my legs, and his eyelids lower as his hand caresses my upper thigh. Oh fuck, his strokes are making me vibrate off the seat. I didn’t expect him to move his hand this far up my skirt, not a person who cares what he does in public.

“I dare you,” I whisper.

The tips of his fingers touch my panties, and they’re wet with want. He looks into my eyes as his warm breath moves my hair. His fingers slip under the elastic, and then into me. He watches my expression as I roll my head back along my shoulders. I think I’m going to scream.

“You need anything else?” the waiter calls out from behind the counter.

“We’re good.” Bryce’s voice is raspy as he tries to conceal his need, but beads of sweat are rising from his forehead.

“Take your time.” The waiter goes back to stacking plates.

“Do you like that?” I eye him, fluttering my lashes. “The thrill of getting caught doing something dirty.”

“Take them off.” He growls next to my ear, “You want to learn, then show me you can obey orders. Take them off.”

Smoothly, I push his hand away and wiggle until my panties are by my ankles. I dip down quickly and place them on the table. Bryce snatches them, giving me an evil look as if anyone is paying attention to us in a place that serves fatty carbs and tons of sugar.

He shoves my panties into his pant pocket and tugs down his shirt. I reach for his hand, and he frowns but lets me take it. I place his finger in my mouth and suck on it. My tongue circles in a slow swirl, tasting my juices, as his eyes bug out of his head.

“All clean,” I smile, giving him back his hand. “Aren’t you afraid your daddy’s going to find out on social?”

He looks away sharply. “I don’t care what he finds out. And I don’t plan to work for him after I graduate.”

“You have to work?” I ask as he scowls. “I’m just shocked that anyone in your family works.”

Well, my mouth assassinated the sexy mood. Bryce holds up his hand for the check and throws down a couple of bills. At least he’s a decent tipper.

Bryce opens the car door for me, but instead of closing it, he leans in until our noses are practically touching. “You lack proper decorum and breeding to be seen with me in my crowd.”

He shuts the door, and I watch him march around the car. The bluntness is harsh as I hug my arms to my sides. I never expected Bryce to help me get anywhere unless it also helps him. He’s too rich to give a damn about anyone that’s not him.

“You’re going to be a major project,” he says, getting into the car, “but you can fit in at Stonehaven with my help.”

“And besides.” He turns to me, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. “I like a challenge.”