Page 39 of Captivated

“So? I made the decision the moment you got in your car and drove away last month that if I was put back in your path, then I wouldn’t let you walk right past me.”

“What if I turn and go back in the other direction?” I challenge.

“Then I’ll follow you.”

“You’d stalk me?”

“Stalking implies a stealthy operation. I’m telling you right now that I’m going to follow you, and will continue to do so, until you either turn around or I chase you down.”

I don’t know why, but my lips turn up in a small smile that has Nico’s eyes darting between my mouth and eyes. “Okay,” I finally say, and he raises his brows.

“Okay?”

“Yes. Okay.”

“Okay, then.” Nico and I eat in a comfortable silence for a minute, just basking in the notion that he will be here whether I try and push him away or tell him I don’t want him.

He’s simply going to be here.

For me.

Waiting.

No one’s ever said anything anywhere remotely as beautifully crazy before, and he declared it as a simple matter-of-fact statement. As if it was such a normal thing to tell someone.

“Should I risk it and ask you to go for a drive with me tomorrow morning? I’ll bring the coffee and breakfast.”

“I have classes tomorrow. But not on Wednesday, if you don’t mind waiting a day?”

“Of course not. So, Wednesday morning’s breakfast is lined up.” He winks. “But tonight’s dessert?” – he rubs his jaw and wets his bottom lip with his tongue – “I can think of only one thing on the menu.”

He says it while I’m taking a sip of wine and I cough into the glass, not expecting him to go there so brazenly.

“Oh,” I say, feeling my cheeks heat.

I’m not a shy person by any means, but the intimacy of the night mixed with him wanting to eat me for dessert, has me blushing.

“My brother is upstairs,” is all I say to deter him.

“So? I can be quiet. But wait…” He smirks, his eyes dancing with a gleam of a challenge. “I know how loud you get when my tongue is licking your pussy, so…” Nico leans back and drinks his wine like he just won something.

“I can be quiet if you have something to gag me with.”

It’s his turn to choke on his wine, and I just smile sweetly and flutter my eyelashes while he regains his composure.

“La mia rossa piccante,” he rumbles low and sexy. My God, when he speaks Italian, he could literally get me to do anything for him.

“My brother is probably back to playing video games now,” I add. “He wears headphones.”

“Stand up,” Nico commands, but I just prop my elbow on the table and place my chin in the palm of my hand while I pop a piece of gnocchi into my mouth.

His eyes narrow at my defiance, but he should’ve expected it.

“Stand up,” he repeats, his voice carrying the authoritative undertones I’d normally cave to. I want to give in, but I also want him to know that I’m not always going to listen to him. In fact, I rarely will.

“How about you get on your knees since you’re the one who wants dessert so badly.”

Nico flashes me a predatory grin. It’s pretty fitting considering I’ve felt like I’m being hunted by him. And while he’s already had me at his mercy, he hasn’t gone in for the kill yet.

---