Page 105 of The Fallen Ones

I offered him a shaky smile, my face heating at his rude words.

“Two Steaks au Poivre and side salads,” the waiter spoke softly as he took our plates from his serving platter and set them down in front of us.

“Thank you, Miguel,” Brandon said.

“You know the waiter?” I asked curiously.

“Of course I do. It’s my uncle’s restaurant. Miguel is the Head waiter. He’s loyal and has worked here since I was a kid. He’s practically family.” Brandon gushed over the older waiter.

Seeing him do so relaxed me. He’d hurt my feelings by suggesting my artwork wasn’t good, but art was subjective. It didn’t mean someone else wouldn’t love it if he didn’t.

He offered me what seemed like a genuine smile. “Eat. You’ll love it.”

It set the tone for the rest of the date. He relaxed after the food arrive and conversation flowed easier. We both laughed and shared a few personal details with one another. I was surprised when Brandon told me how sorry he was about my mom passing away.

I quickly shut the conversation down. Talking about my mom and all the issues I had didn’t seem like good date conversation and I was already feeling emotional enough after Caleb’s seahorse gift.

The date was soon over. Brandon paid the bill and gave Miguel a generous tip. He even tipped the new greeter and apologized for his earlier attitude toward her.

Maybe he wasn’t the douchebag everyone told me he was.

We made our way back to his car. He still didn’t open the door for me but I overlooked it once more.

“You choose the music,” he said and directed me towards the touch screen.

I scrolled through until I found a song I actually knew. I was soon singing along.

Brandon drove fast– but not as fast as Damien had the time he forced me into his car.

No matter what I did one of those guys popped into my head. If it wasn’t Damien, it was Jace. If not Jace then Caleb. And if not any of them, it was the Fallen Ones.

I felt bad for Brandon since he was being so sweet now. I couldn’t shake the idea that he’d been rude earlier though. I hoped it was just a one time thing.

We pulled up outside my apartment, and as I made to unclip my seatbelt, Brandon leaned across and without uttering a single word he pushed his lips against mine.

I didn’t stop him as he cupped my face and slid his tongue over mine.

I found myself kissing him back.

His hand on my lap worked its way up my thigh.

I pulled away and pushed at his hand. “I’m sorry– I can’t.” I heaved a sigh, feeling as though I’d led him on.

“Of course you can,” he said and began to slide his hand up my dress.

“N-no, Brandon. I’m not ready for that.”

“It’s only a little touching. Come on. Let me show you how good it can feel.”

“I said no,” I bit out. I unlatched my seatbelt, my heart thrumming wildly.

“You’re a virgin. You shouldn’t be one at your age. Let me make you mine tonight. I promise I’ll be gentle.” He pushed his hand up my dress and rubbed hard against my panties.

I knew I’d enjoyed being forced, but not by Brandon. He didn’t have the same effect on me that the Fallen Ones did.

“I saidno. Not tonight. Please Brandon. Maybe next time.” I offered him some hope to buy me time to work through my feelings.

“Fine. But if you don’t put out next time, maybe this isn’t going to work.” He snapped at me in irritation. “I’m not Jace. I’m not going to sit around for nearly a year just to wait for you to spread your legs.”

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