Page 475 of Hate Mates

Sliding my hand across the table, I thread my fingers in Irina’s. “Sweetheart, you want anything?” I ask, deliberately ignoring the rude bitch.

“I’m good, babe.” She squeezes my hand while pointedly staring at the waitress. “I’ve got everything I need right here.” Her possessive tone stirs the beast in my pants.

“We’ll just take the check.” I purposely only look at my date.

“She’s rude,” Irina proclaims after she’s left. “I’ve been visualizing shoving my foot up her ass all night.”

Laughter tumbles from my chest. “I didn’t realize you’d noticed.”

Flipping our joined hands around, she traces the lines on my palm with the tip of one finger. “There isn’t much I miss.”

“No, I don’t suppose there is.” Fiery tingles shoot along my arm from her touch, and it’s exquisite.

“Thank you for dinner,” she says after we’ve exited the restaurant a few minutes later. “I had a good time.”

Her bodyguard drills me with a penetrating stare as I reel her into my arms. Alexei must be freezing his balls off out here. “The night is still young. How about a nightcap at my place? The views of the bay from the penthouse roof are stunning.”

She quirks a brow. “I’m sure they are, but I don’t do sleepovers on first dates.”

“How many dates are we talking?” I trail my fingers along her jawline.

“At least ten. Maybe more.”

I can’t tell if she’s teasing or not. “How about a bar or a club then?”

She shakes her head. “I’ve got stuff to do tomorrow, so let’s call it a night.”

I know what she’s doing. She’s trying to push me away, and I’m not letting her. “No problem. I’ll take you home.”

“That won’t be necessary. I have?—”

“Your cousin here. I noticed.” I tilt her chin up. “Does he always chaperone you on dates?” She must think I’m an idiot if she believes I’m buying the cousin excuse.

“My family is very protective.”

“I like that they are.” I pull the collar of her coat up to protect her from the nighttime breeze. “But I’m still taking you home. I insist on escorting my date to her front door.”

She opens her mouth to argue, but I plant my lips on hers to shut her up. I’m tempted to kiss her, but I’ve got to time this right. My lips glide across hers once and then I withdraw. “Don’t fight me. I need to ensure you get home safe.”

“Okay.”

Taking her hand, I walk her to the curb where my car is waiting. Pounding footsteps approach from behind. “I’m driving Irina home,” I say while opening the back door. I slide in after Irina. “Guess we’ll see you there.” I flash Alexei a grin before closing the door in his face.

Irina giggles. “You really don’t want to make an enemy of Alexei.”

Scooting over beside her, I snake my arm around her shoulders as the car pulls out onto the road. The privacy screen is up, shielding us from the driver. “I really don’t care.” I push her hair aside and dip down, dropping a slew of soft kisses along her neck.

“What…what are you doing?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” My lips move to her jaw. “Your skin is so smooth.” My fingers lightly clasp her throat. “And you smell amazing.”

“Cohen.” Her voice trembles.

“Tell me to stop.” I kiss the corner of her mouth. “Mean it, and I will.”

I tilt her face so we’re peering deep into one another’s eyes. “I’m not the only one who feels this. We’ve been flirting for months, Irina, and I’m starved for you.”

She audibly gulps. “The way I’m attracted to you scares me, Cohen.”

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