Page 224 of The Tempted

“Listen,” she said.

The low ring sounded, along with the vibration of it as it moved across the floor. I reached around for it, a half-hearted attempt since I wasn’t willing to move just yet and then it finally stopped.

Reina stirred, but I moved my hand to her ass, pressing her hard against me, not ready for her to leave me. I liked the feel of her. Probably a little too much. I exhaled roughly and thought about what the fuck I was doing. I needed to get a grip on this shit. I needed to set rules, some boundaries—mainly for myself because it was likely I’d fall madly out of control for her. I could already feel it brewing deep inside of me.

My phone rang again.

“Fuck, I gotta get that,” I said, moving her off me to rest at my side, and sitting up to grab the phone from my jacket.

Fucking Blackie.

I accepted the call and brought it to my ear.

“Yeah, what is it?” I answered.

“Where the fuck are you? Been calling you off the hook,” he chastised.

“What’s the problem?” I asked ignoring his question. Reina sat up next to me and reached for her clothes.

“Bianci is here, and he’s got something on Jimmy. Motherfucker won’t talk without you. You want to get your ass to the Dog Pound or you going to make me knock his teeth out?”

“I’ll be there in fifteen,” I said, watching as Reina hastily dressed. “Leave Bianci alone.” I added before disconnecting the call. I lifted my hips and dragged my jeans back up to my waist.

“I have to go,” I declared, rising to my feet. She remained silent as she crossed her arms against her chest and stared down at the floor.

“Hey,” I said, shrugging on my jacket. She lifted her head, and it was my turn to be silent. I didn’t know what the fuck to say but by the look in her eyes, she wanted me to say something.

“Be careful getting to wherever you’re going,” she replied.

I nodded and then I took a few steps toward her, leaned over and flicked the lights back on. We both squinted and focused until we adapted to the light. I tipped her chin up with my index finger. “I’ll call you down to the garage and find you a set of wheels,” I promised.

“Sounds good,” she whispered.

Women like Reina didn’t like not knowing where they stood. I’d bet my life she never had just a fuck. She was the kind of woman a man kept real close to him—never letting her out of his sight. If I was a smart man I’d do the same, but those men were the men who knew the difference between right and wrong. All I knew was wrong.

So instead of giving her the things she wanted to hear. I gave her the best I could.

“Liked seeing this side of you, Reina. Gonna want more of that,” I said. “Next time, lights on, maybe even in front of a mirror, that way you can see yourself through the shadows of darkness. The same way I see you.”

“I don’t want to see what you see,” she whispered.

“You should, it’s some fucking sight,” I said, bending a little to press my lips to hers.

“Good night, Sunshine,” I whispered against her mouth before I pulled back and stepped around her. I opened the door and glanced over my shoulder at her. “Lock up,” I ordered, before walking out the door and closing it behind me.

I waited for a moment, listening closely until I heard the lock slide into place.

Yeah, I was ruined.

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