Page 6 of Untamed Crow

The lawyer's comment nags at me as we resume our slow dance. I'd heard about him through Wrath - some hotshot named James who lasted about six months. The breakup happened months ago, and by then, Emma was already hiding out in her bookstore more than usual.

"That asshole Mark," I say, trying to keep my tone light. "He's got some nerve bringing up your ex."

"Yeah, well, high school reunions bring out the worst in people, I guess."

"Can I ask you something?" I keep my voice low, private. The curiosity has been eating at me for months.

She hums in response, probably guessing where this is going.

"What really happened with the lawyer? Never got the full story."

Emma tenses slightly in my arms, but doesn't pull away. "Why do you want to know?"

"Curiosity," I admit. "Wrath never gave me details, just said it ended badly."

She's quiet for a long moment, and I almost regret asking. But then she sighs, her fingers fidgeting with the collar of my suit.

"He cheated," she says finally, her voice small. "With his secretary. Such a cliché, right?"

My jaw clenches, anger flaring hot and sudden. "Fucking idiot."

"No, I..." she shakes her head, not meeting my eyes. "I get it, actually. I mean, what kind of man wants to date a 29-year-old virgin who'd rather read romance novels than go to clubs?"

I nearly stumble in our dance, her words hitting me like a physical blow. Virgin? Emma's a virgin? The knowledge sends a surge of possessive desire through me that I immediately try to suppress. The thought of being her first, of claiming every inch of her untouched skin... Christ.

"Emma," I say roughly, once I trust my voice again. "That's bullshit and you know it."

She tries to look away, but I tilt her chin up, making her meet my eyes.

"It's true though. I'm not... I'm not exactly experienced. And James said waiting was juvenile, that I was living in some romance novel fantasy."

"James is a piece of shit who didn't deserve you," I cut her off, struggling to keep my voice down. The urge to hunt down this lawyer and show him exactly what happens to men who hurt what's mine is almost overwhelming. "There's nothing wrong with waiting, with wanting something real instead of meaningless hookups."

Her eyes are bright with unshed tears. "You're just saying that because you're my friend."

Friend. The word feels wrong, inadequate, especially now knowing she's never been touched, never been properly loved. The primal part of me wants to take her away from here, show her exactly how a real man treats a woman like her.

"I'm saying it because it's true. Any man worth a damn would consider himself lucky to be with you, experience or not."

She searches my face, looking for something - sincerity maybe, or deception. "Even you?"

"Especially me," I murmur before I can stop myself. The truth of it hits too close to home. "But that's not... we shouldn't..."

"Right," she says quickly, dropping her gaze. "Of course. Sorry, I didn't mean to make things awkward."

"Hey," I pull her slightly closer, needing to erase that dejected look from her face. "Nothing's awkward. I'm right where I want to be, dancing with the prettiest girl in the room."

She gives me a small smile, and I force myself to focus on the present - on being her date for tonight, on keeping her safe. But the knowledge of her innocence, combined with the way she feels in my arms... it's going to haunt my dreams for weeks to come.

Chapter 3 - Emma

I let myself relax into Crow's arms again, grateful he was able to smooth over my awkward almost-confession. The warmth of his hand on my waist and the subtle scent of his cologne help calm my racing heart.

I can't believe I just told him about being a virgin - I've never admitted that to anyone except Jessica.

The way his eyes darkened when I said it, though... I'm still trying to decode that look.

"Well, if it isn't the beauty and the beast."

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