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“I want to watch you come undone.” He brushes his thumb over my clit, and I whimper, my thighs trembling. I’m on the edge of release.

“Don’t stop,” I beg.

He growls, fingers pumping faster until I cry out. My orgasm crashes over me in waves, and his fingers continue their relentless pace, drawing out every ounce of pleasure. I’m a shaking and spent mess in his arms.

Slowly, he withdraws, bringing his slick fingers to his mouth. “Delicious as always.”

I flush, hiding my face in the crook of his neck.

“Did that answer your question?” he asks.

“Maybe.”

“You need another demonstration?” His teeth nip at my ear.

“No. Please. I want to talk with you.” I place my hand on his chest, pushing him back against the pillows. “It did answer one part.”

I reach for the bowl to get some of the popcorn, but I’m too far away. Elijah snatches some and holds his hand out.

“Thanks.” I pop a piece in my mouth. “So why did you?”

“Why did I what?”

“Esther.”

“Her father and mine are good friends. She’s always been after me.”

“Did you ever…”

“No. And I never had the intention of making her my fiancé.”

“But you did.”

Elijah hesitates for a moment, his gaze locked on mine. “I was going to propose to you.”

“What? Why?”

“We had an amazing night, so I could see myself with you, even if it was just sex. Bonus to presenting a picture-perfect family to my father before…” Emotion cracks in his voice, and he clears his throat. “But you didn’t show up that night. Esther was there, and time was running out...”

My chest constricts, and I lower my head. If only I hadn’t been afraid. If I’d gone to him as I wanted to. How different things might have been?

He tilts my head back up with his index finger under my chin, forcing my eyes to meet his. “I don’t expect anything from you. And I don’t want to rush you into another marriage so soon.”

I nod, throat too tight to speak. That’s not the problem here. I could have saved us from a lot of turmoil.

His hand moves around my waist, hugging me close to his body, and we stay like this for some time.

“I was there…” My eyelids shut close, exhaustion taking over.

“Hm?”

“I came to the restaurant.” I nestle closer to his body.

“I didn’t see you. Why didn’t you talk to me?”

Because I crawled out of there.

“I was running late, and then I saw you with Esther. You seemed… cozy.” My words are slurred, sleepiness dulling my senses. “That’s why I left without saying hi…”

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