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“Just need to check something. Won’t take long.”

She stands her ground, chin tilted up. “I’m sorry, but I can’t give you my phone.”

Well, well. It looks like my princess has some fire in her, after all. I knew she wasn’t a timid little mouse. I step closer, towering over her. “It wasn’t a request.”

She doesn’t back down, meeting my gaze head-on. “And I wasn’t asking for permission.”

Fuck, the way she challenges me. It’s taking every ounce of my self-control not to take what I want.

I lean in, my voice low and gravelly. “You’re playing a dangerous game, princess.”

“I’m not playing any games, Sebastian.”

The way my name rolls off her tongue. Fuck. I want to hear her scream it as I make her come undone beneath me.

I reach out, tucking that stray lock I love so much behind her ear. She flinches at my touch but doesn’t move away. “You sure about that?”

Her eyes flicker to my lips, then back up. “I’m sure.”

I could take her phone. Take what I want. But where’s the fun in that?

No, I want her to give it to me willingly. To submit to me. Willingly. Fine. A few nudges here and there to coax her out of her shell.

Let’s take baby steps.

I turn to the guy sitting behind us. “Hey, you got a pen I can borrow?”

“Sure, man.” He nods, handing me one. “Here you go.”

Lil regards me. “What are you doing?”

I don’t answer. Instead, I encircle the delicate skin of her wrist with my fingers and write my number on her arm.

Her breath hitches, and her pulse quickens beneath my fingertips. Fuck. Even the slightest touch has an effect on her. I take my time, making sure each digit is clear and legible, relishing the warmth and the softness of her skin.

When I’m done, I lift her wrist to my lips, placing a gentle kiss on the ink. Her skin tastes sweet, and it’s addictive. Like Chocolate. I can’t wait to taste her.

“Text me.”

Face burning, Lil snatches her hand back and cradles it to her chest as if trying to protect herself from me. From the way I make her feel. “Sebastian, I…”

“Text me, princess. That’s all I’m asking.” For now, at least.

Her eyes dart between mine. She wants me, but she’s scared, and I get it. I’m not exactly boyfriend material, according to everyone. But fuck, I want her.

“I-I need to go.” She walks past me.

Time for the next step in my seduction.

“Walk you to your next class?” I ask.

“I’m fine on my own.”

“I insist.” I fall into step beside her and check her schedule on my phone. “You have Economics next, don’t you? I’m headed that way, anyway.”

Lil stops, her eyes perusing over me. “How do you know that?”

“A gentleman never tells.”

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