Page 104 of Explosive Prejudice

“I’m going to text someone I know. Maybe he can… Hey!” I whined when he stole my phone and placed it beside him. “What the fuck?”

“I appreciate the offer and will keep it in mind, but not tonight. Okay?”

Pouting my lips, I nodded. “Fine.”

“Good.”

“So this is your first date?” I asked, moving the subject forward. My voice couldn’t have been more self-satisfied.

“How about you tell me five things about yourself now?”

I shook my head, took a sip from my drink, and cleared my throat. “Nah, I’d much rather hear about how your first date is going. Ouch!” I yelped and laughed as he stepped on my foot. “You’re so violent. Save some of that for later, will ya?”

He groaned, but at the same time, his smile slipped. He just couldn’t resist me. Smitten, I placed my hand over his and twisted our fingers together. “Let’s see, five things about me. I hate cilantro. I’m terrified of reptiles, like, absolutely petrified.”

“Really?” he jumped in. “Why?”

I shrugged. “Because they’re all slippery and cold.” I poked my tongue out while a shiver ran through me. “What else? I’d love to continue playing football, and if not, I’d like to do something in fashion.”

Just then, our food arrived. We said nothing until our server left. Taking my chopsticks, I checked out the dishes. Everything looked absolutely amazing.

“How do you know this place?” I asked while stuffing my mouth with a dumpling that was to die for. I closed my eyes and moaned like I’d just got my dick sucked.

“Easy there, kitten, or you’ll make people jealous,” Camilo said.

“Fuck people. Those dumplings are orgasmic.”

“Orgasmic, huh?”

I opened my eyes to Camilo giving me a knowing look. I had no doubt he had naughty thoughts in that gorgeous head of his.

“So, football is not a promising career?” he asked.

I shook my head as I placed some tempura rolls on my plate. “My dad isn’t a fan, so probably not.”

“Does he want you to take over his business?”

I snorted. “No way in hell. He doesn’t want me anywhere near his business. My dad would rather die before giving me the tiniest shred of control. He’s probably planning to create some fake title for me just for the sake of it and to keep me away from his dynasty.” Realizing what I’d just said, I looked up to find Camilo staring at me with pinched brows and a tensed jaw.

Shit.

“It’s not like I’m interested in it, anyway, so it’s fine,” I muttered. “Here, taste this. It’s seaweed salad.” I held my chopsticks to his lips, waiting for him to take a bite. Once he did, I smiled at him like a complete idiot. “Good, right?” I asked as he swallowed.

Irritation crossed his eyes for a split second before he nodded. “Okay, fifth fact. What’s the last thing I need to know about you?”

Pressing my lips together, I took a moment to think. What could I share with him that I hadn’t so far? A lot would be the answer. There were still so many things I couldn’t bring myself to say out loud. Shame was my prison, and fear was my chains. But tonight wasn’t about that. Tonight was about Camilo and me, and I wanted him to know that.

“My last fact would be… that I don’t want tonight to end.”

Camilo’s eyes softened as he gave me a small smile that he reserved only for me. “Good, because it’s not about to,” he said, then bumped his knee with mine.

It was unbelievable how he always knew what to say. I could thrive on his affection and survive decades in his comfort.

“I’ll be back in five minutes, then we’ll drive to Kai’s.”

“Take your time,” I told Camilo right before he got out of the car and closed the door. I watched as he ran up the stairs leading to the club’s back entrance and entered it. Since he’d forgotten his phone, we quickly stopped here so he could pick it up.

Grabbing my own phone, I opened the first app that popped on my screen and scrolled, brainlessly passing the time while waiting. Before I knew it, the door opened and shut.

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