Page 33 of Soul Food

“Every time I’ve helped you in the past is because it’s beneficial to me,” he abruptly said, tossing back his drink. Staring into the distance, he added, “People need a reason to do good things.”

Our conversation had taken a strange turn, but I was on board with it. I countered with, “No, they don’t. You don’t need a reason to do anything—good or bad.”

The alcohol made me brazen. Thoughts of Amit naked filled my mind as my gaze slid over his tight-fitting suit.

When the server arrived with more alcohol, Amit refused it while his gaze remained on me. I ran my fingers through my hair when he said. “There’s so much you don’t know, Ruth.” His voice was always so zealous and fierce, but right then, it was even more prominent.

I propped my elbow on the table and admired him scandalously. “Then tell me.”

He shook his head at me. “I left you alone to bloom, but it seems I’ve left you in the sun for too long. You’re beginning to wither.”

I scooted closer, closer, then my hands sought his chest where I slipped my hand underneath the suit. Even through his dress shirt, I could feel the ropey muscles hidden beneath. For someone so cold, his fevered skin was scorching my palm through the fabric. Swallowing hard and eyes feeling heavy, I slipped my index finger between the buttons of his shirt seeking his flesh. I almost needed to feel him in the same way I boldly chased after music—passionately and relentlessly. My stomach was a bottomless pit of hunger. He grabbed my hand and the force of his hold was bruising as he stopped me from moving it any further. I looked up. “If I’m a flower to you, Amit, then you should stop waiting and pluck me already.”

“I can’t pluck you not while you’re wilting away.” He dropped my hand into my lap. There was a slight, pained expression in his eyes as they crinkled at the corners. His lips were in an angry grimace like he was both remorseful and irritated. Then it warped into something much harsher.

His dark and impenetrable expression seared me, punishing me deeper than his cruel words did. Frowning, I pushed to my feet. “I should go.”

But instead of walking away, I staggered. Amit reached for me but I caught myself, making sure his hands didn’t touch me.

“Where are you going?”

Ignoring him, I headed toward the back entrance. I didn’t get far before his rough hand latched onto my wrist and whirled me around. His sigh fell over my head as I looked up. “You’re always getting angry,” he stated with noticeable agitation in his voice.

“Anyone would get offended when someone says you’re wilting,” I hissed, jerking free of him. “What does that even mean? Am I getting ugly or something?”

He paused, his silvery stare roaming over me briefly before he shook his head and replied contemptuously, “You know you’re not ugly.”

He took too long to answer. Something came unglued inside me. Years of confidence meant nothing in the face of Amit. His dismissive words stung. “That doesn’t make me feel better,” I muttered.

“You’re the brightest soul I’ve ever seen…” His penetrating gaze probed my face while an intense heat spread through me. “Very beautiful,” he whispered hoarsely as he took a step back as if he knew I needed to hear him say it while he required the space between us.

“Really?” Warmth flowed freely inside my chest, but it was the tingling sensation that formed in the pit of my stomach and dampened my panties that dominated everything else. I crossed my legs, almost daring myself to rub the needy place between my thighs but didn’t because that would only make it worse. Amit’s presence gave my body enough responses just being near.

He dragged his steely eyes over me once more with a sigh that sounded more like a moan. “Really.”

“Thank you,” I told him.

He nodded. “Come on, I’ll walk you to your vehicle.” He didn’t have to since Rupert was near the door waiting for me, but I didn’t say that.

“You’re not riding back with me?” Resting my head against his muscular chest, I studied this intense man. He possessed a scary energy in an attractive package.

He shook his head and said to Rupert, “She’s had too much to drink. Take her home.”

I peered into the darkening sky. When I glanced down, Amit was focused on me again and it had me tugging my bottom lip between my teeth. “I thought you were wanting to try new music?” he asked.

“I am,” I told him. “I’m working on it.” He nodded and started to walk away, but I grabbed his arm. “Amit.” I waited for him to face me. “I saved your number last week when you called and growled in my ear. Can I use it?”

Take the bait.

I was asking for permission to call the man I was shamefully attracted to, all the while still remembering I couldn’t get too close even if I wanted to.

He couldn’t hold my gaze. “If that’s what you want.”

My heart did this strange, very stupid thing because of his words.

And damn it, they weren’t even good ones.

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