Page 38 of His Sunshine Baby

“What is it?”

“Nothing.”

He frowns slightly, but I smile naturally and turn towards Tonia as if I was following their conversation. Moon Goddess, after the scolding Levi gave me and Daniel, if he knew Nate was actually caressing my leg at this very moment… I did notice him frowning when I sat next to him, but Tonia was the one asking, so he couldn’t possibly have said a thing. Moreover, technically Nate and I haven’t exchanged a word since our introductions.

He resumes his conversation with Eric, and I try to blend in with Tonia and the little group talking with her. Nate has moved on to talking with Orpheus and Clark, but his hand won’t leave me. His fingers are playing with the end of my skirt. I want to move, badly, but I’m too afraid I would give anything away. I really, really shouldn’t, for Moon Goddess’ sake.

“Elena!”

I turn my head and realize Isabel was calling me.

“Sorry, Isa?”

“I was asking if you were okay, sweetie. Is the wine too strong? You’re a bit red.”

Oh shit. Isa’s words suddenly bring me down to earth, and Nate’s hand is gone too. I smile at her, looking a bit sorry.

“Can I excuse myself for a second? I want to refresh myself.”

“Go ahead, Elena. Can you bring a new bottle on your way back?”

“Sure, Isa.”

I try to control my steps and not leave the room too fast. It’s so hot in here, and I need to get as far away as I can from Nate and his hands! When I finally reach the bathroom, I rush to splash my face with cold water, clearing up my thoughts. You stupid, stupid girl! What the hell was I thinking?

I catch my breath, looking at myself in the mirror. Calm down, Elena, calm down.

But then I suddenly catch a glimpse of two electric blue eyes in the reflection.

“I really like that skirt.”

What the–! What is he doing here? I turn around and walk up to him, pushing him away. Is he crazy?

“What are you thinking? You shouldn’t be here!”

“Don’t worry, I told them I needed to go to the bathroom too,” he answers calmly.

I shake my head. What kind of stupid excuse is that? This guy is way too confident and full of himself! And I hate that stupid grin of his! I look behind his shoulder in the doorway, but I can hear the muffled sounds of the group still discussing. Looks like nobody’s paying attention to our absence, for now.

“Seriously, Nate, what if someone sees us?”

He steps aside and closes the door, looking serious.

“I needed to talk to you, alone.”

“I can’t. I mean, we can’t be seen together like this. You’re just–”

But before I can finish my sentence, he steps forward, and grabs my waist, pushing me against the wall behind me.I lose my breath under his electric-blue stare, as our faces get dangerously close. My whole body is tensed up by Nate’s touch, burning hot already. I gasp, his lips only an inch away from mine. I can’t avoid the lusty look he’s giving me, I have no choice but to look at him.

“I want more.”

His three words make my heart skip a beat. Oh, Moon Goddess. Think rationally, Elena, rationally. But before I can formulate any decent thought, I feel his hand going down my leg, and he starts whispering.

“I mean it. I liked it, and I know you did too. I want to take you again, Elena. And don’t you say no.”

Why the hell can’t I? I glare at him, frustrated. The inner battle is raging inside me, and he has no fucking idea how torn I am right now. I try to think of Danny and every good reason I have to refuse him. And damn I have a lot.

“I don’t want to be involved with you. I can’t afford it. You’re from the Blood Moon, and I’m from the White Moon. Even if this dinner is happening by some miracle, it doesn’t change anything.”

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