Page 11 of Ditching the Dragon (Fated Dates)

“It’s a Purosangue.”

“Sure, that sounds like a word.”

He chuckles, and it calms some of the anxiety brewing.

Wickham releases my hand to tip up my chin with his pointer finger.

Our eyes meet, and the gold flecks seem to multiply as he focuses wholly on me.

Wickham leans forward to murmur, “Don’t worry about the car. I walked on the lot and asked for the best they had, and this is what they delivered. It’s only a way to get from one place to the next.”

“Those also sound like words, yet none of them explain how a Ferrari is merely ‘a way to get from one place to the next.’ ”

His grin blooms.

Wickham fully smiling is something to behold. It’s pleased and eager, with an undercurrent of mischief that I can’t help but find exciting.

Sure, he’s a bit domineering, but I kind of like it. It’s perfect for a single night of fun—all the relaxation and release, none of the ongoing baggage that comes with controlling men.

Wick’s body presses against mine as he leans into the car. His mouth hovers only an inch away as he examines my lips with hooded eyes.

“Would you prefer to pick the hotel? I want you to feel safe,” he says.

Kiss me first.

Instead of that particular ask, I bite my lip to keep from begging for it and nod.

“Then pick your poison, gorgeous,” he replies. “Anywhere you want to go. Name it, and it’s yours.”

A dozen options flip through my mind, all of them places I’m already familiar and comfortable with, but then I recognize I’ve called this all wrong.

Investment banking.The expensive car. I should pick the nicest hotel in the city, because there is zero chance I’ll ever get to stay there again.

“The Botanical,” I tell him.

His eyebrows lift, and he drops centimeters lower until his lips brush over mine as he speaks. “Whatever you want, Grace. Other requests?”

“I’m a little hungry.”

“Food’s a good idea. Soak up some of the alcohol. I’ll take care of it. Anything else for my girl?”

He runs his bottom lip over mine, and I remain fixed and frozen in time.

My heart pounds, and time slows to a crawl while I wait for him to kiss me.

Quick breaths come out as pants in the endless pause that leaves fireworks bursting in my chest.

My fingers tingle, itching to touch him.

But it’s like my body refuses to move so I don’t screw it up and miss a chance.

Becausebut damndo I want him to kiss me.

He pecks a gentle kiss on the corner of my mouth. “No? Nothing else you’d like to ask for?” he teases.

Instead of giving in to his gentle prodding, I find my courage and raise my chin to initiate the kiss. I graze my lips over his before pressing firmly against him.

Wick gives a satisfied hum and leans fully into the kiss. The finger propping up my chin circles my ear to tuck my hair behind it and keep it out of my face. He cups my jaw and takes control.

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