Page 43 of Made For Ruin

“Very so.” I shift closer, the booth’s high back hiding us from view. The couple in the next booth over is definitely not focused on their drinks, and the thought of having Lainey similarly distracted makes my blood burn. “Though I have to admit, seeing you in this dress makes me question why we’re in public at all.”

She bites her lower lip, and the simple gesture nearly breaks my control. “Because you promised me dinner?”

“I did.” My hand finds her knee under the table. “But I’m starting to think takeout would have been a better option.”

The way she shifts closer tells me she’s thinking the same thing. The air between us feels electric, charged with possibilities. The rest of the bar fades away until it’s just us, wrapped in our own private world of shadows and wanting.

Her fingertips trace lazy patterns on my thigh, each touch sending heat through my blood. The jukebox switches to something slower, and she sighs, melting further into my side.

“This is nice,” she murmurs. “Being here with you like this.”

“Just nice?” I tease, running my fingers along her bare shoulder.

She giggles and burrows closer. “More than nice.” Then, her voice takes on that thoughtful tone that always makes me pay attention. “Different than I expected.”

“How so?”

“You’re...” She pauses, choosing her words. “Gentler than I thought you’d be.”

The observation catches me off guard. “That disappointment I hear?”

“No, not disappointment.” Her fingers still on my thigh. “It’s just that night at the Summit, when you carried me out, there was nothing gentle about that.”

Christ. The memory of her in my arms, soft and willing, makes my muscles tense. “Had to get you out of there.”

“I know.” She shifts slightly, looking up at me. “But it wasn’t just about getting me out, was it?”

The question hangs between us, loaded with possibility.

I study her in the dim light, this woman who’s gotten under my skin so completely. Who looks at me like she sees past every wall I’ve built, every mask I wear. The urge to possess her, to mark her as mine in every way possible, grows stronger every moment I’m with her.

“That night at the Summit,” I say carefully, “I showed you a glimpse of who I really am. What I really want.” My fingers trace her collarbone, feeling her pulse jump. “Most women run when they see that side of me.”

“I didn’t run.” Her voice is steady, even as her body trembles under my touch.

“No.” The word comes out rough. “You didn’t.”

“And I won’t.” She meets my gaze directly. “I see how you hold yourself back. How careful you are with me. But Marcus...” She takes a shaky breath. “What if I don’t want careful?”

“You don’t know what you’re asking for, Lainey.” But my hand tightens on her shoulder.

“Then show me.” Her words are barely a whisper, but they ignite something primal in my chest. “I’m not scared, Marcus.”

For the first time in my life, I actually believe those words. There’s no manipulation in her eyes, no hidden agenda. Just pure trust and a hunger that matches my own. The beast inside me, the one I’ve kept carefully caged, stirs at her acceptance.

“Baby, the things I want to do to you...” My voice comes out rough. “The ways I want to possess you...”

“Please, Marcus. Please.” She breathes the words against my neck.

All around us, other couples are lost in their own worlds of shadow and wanting. But all I can focus on is Lainey, warm and willing against me, asking for the parts of myself I’ve always kept hidden.

“Okay, sweetheart. When I take you home tonight,” I growl in her ear, “I’m going to show you exactly what happens when I stop holding back.”

Her whole body trembles. “Promise?”

ELEVEN

LAINEY

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