Page 38 of The Arrogant's Surrender

"I’m scared."

"Of me?"

"Of what you make me feel."

"I won’t take advantage while you’re still unsure. Rest. Be with your family."

"And then what happens next?"

"I’ll pursue you until I get what I want."

"And what do you want?"

"I’m a man of action, not words, Brooklyn. I’ll give you a week to adjust to your new routine, and then I’ll take you out to dinner."

"And if I say no?"

"You won’t say no, or you wouldn’t have called me. You want this too. You can’t deny the chemistry between us."

"I’m not denying it; I’m just being honest. If all you want is to take me to bed, find someone else, Athanasios."

"I want you in my bed too. Don’t doubt that for a second. I want your thighs around my waist while I take you hard and deep. But more than that, I want to get to know you better. I may not make promises, Brooklyn, but I never lie."

"One week?" I repeat what he said, my heart pounding so hard I fear I’m having a panic attack.

"Yes. That’s enough time for you to start settling back in."

"You’re so . . ."

"Arrogant?"

"That too."

"And what else?"

"Controlling."

"Nothing I haven’t heard before. You’ll have to try harder, Brooklyn."

I take a deep breath to summon my courage. "It was the best kiss of my life. I didn’t want it to end. Good night, Athanasios."

I quickly hang up, unable to believe I had the nerve to say that, but I’m smiling. A warm, delightful sensation spreads through me.

I’ve never flirted before, and I can say with absolute certainty that I’ve never been this bold. I’d give anything to see his face right now.

Did I surprise him?

I hope so.

"One week," I whisper to myself, "and then he’ll come after me."

Fear and anticipation mix in equal parts within my chest, bringing a sweet, warm feeling.

Athanasios

CHAPTER TWENTY

Days Later

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