Page 31 of My Hunger, Your Soul

“You didn’t have to. The way you look at me told me you’re hungry to have a taste. That's all I need to know.”

“You really are an arrogant asshole,” I seethe at him, hating the attention of him and the others on me.

“Hot isn’t it?” Aaron whispers in my ear, and I want to push him off his stool.

“Aaron, why don’t you go and find Lev,” Seb says.

“He’s out with D and Simon at a meeting. You know that, Seb. Stop trying to get rid of me, he has to get used to us sooner or later and we need a newbie.”

“Can you all stop talking about me like I’m not here, please? I’m not Ivan’s, and I’m not a newbie. I’m just here because Seb asked, and after the project, you won’t see me again,” I say and gulp down the rest of my drink, focusing on the burn to hide me from this situation.

“Oooh, he’s feisty, Ivan. This is gonna be fun,” Aaron says with a disturbing smile, completely unbothered by my outburst. Kai looks apologetic but remains silent and Ivan is still hovering over me, like he is living his best life.

“Aaron…” Seb starts, but Aaron holds his hands up to stop him.

“Don’t worry, I’m going. Lev just walked in. See ya soon, Tyler.”

He jogs over to Lev, who looks pissed off, like dealing with Aaron is a chore. But when they start kissing like they are trying to swallow one another, I have to admit that their chemistry is off the charts. I can’t take my eyes off them.

“Aaron can be a little much until you get used to him,” Kai says from next to me, and I slump back in my chair, ignoring the fact that Ivan is now gripping the back of my seat. I’m waiting to be annoyed by it, but instead, I just feel like a comfort blanket has been thrown over me. It's his scent. The smoky masculine scent travels though my nose and into my soul, reminding me of what we did and how good it felt. If anyone walked in now with a gun, I don’t think I’d feel scared, as his body this close to mine gives me a sense of protection. Now that is fucked up. I hardly know the guy.

A large hand squeezes my shoulder and I shudder at the contact, briefly closing my eyes, allowing a moment to enjoy this.

“I’m taking you home, Ty,” Ivan says as he tugs on my collar, forcing me to my feet.

“I don’t need to be manhandled,” I grumble.

He leans into my ear, the prickling of his beard tickles my skin as he whispers to me.

“I think you want nothing more than to be manhandled, sweetheart. Now lets go without causing a scene.”

I want to protest, but I can’t summon the energy. I look at Seb who is watching us both with amusement, while Kai sits quietly, playing with his drink, lost in thought.

“Thanks for the drink, Seb.”

“No worries. Come over any time.”

I put on my coat and follow Ivan like a good little boy out of the bar, where he guides me over to a sports car that I’ve seen at the mansion. We don’t speak as we get inside, and Ivan drives us away from the town, toward the city. The air in the car is stifling, and I’m acutely aware of Ivan’s presence. He has this all encompassing power that drowns you. The bourbon has definitely relaxed my mood and lowered my snarky defenses, which isn’t a good sign, as I’m horny too. All I can think about is what he did to my body when he tied me up in my own room. I close my eyes and try to focus on something else other than the hulking man next to me. I gasp when Ivan places his large hand on my thigh, holding me tight as I reach out and grasp the door handle, willing my body not to react. I remain mute, and sneak a side peek at him. He doesn’t look at me or even move. His side profile is sharp, and the intense focus he has on the road and the way he’s gritting his jaw tells me he feels the tension too.

When we pass the turn toward the city, I immediately jump upright in my seat.

“Ivan, you’re going the wrong way.”

Without looking at me, and without removing his hand that is tightly squeezing my thigh, it hurts. Just as I’m about to ask him to let go, he speaks.

“I’m taking you home with me.”

“What? You can’t do that. I need to get back and won’t Dima and Lev be pissed at you bringing me back to their home?”

“It's my room and you’re coming back with me. You don’t have a choice, Ty. It’s not like you have anyone waiting for you.”

“Fuck you too, you insensitive jerk.”

He laughs, he fucking laughs.

“You have a lot to learn, Ty. I don’t do sweet talking or lovey exchanges.”

“I don’t need to learn anything as we’re not together and I’m not staying with you.”

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