Page 54 of Take Me Under

“I assure you. I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life.”

I studied his gaze, trying to see past the predatory heatswirling in those onyx eyes, looking for answers before I took a giant leap of faith. I was about to strike a deal with the devil and desire was the currency.

It wasn’t just about the money or all the strings attached to it. I wanted him. Desperately. I didn’t know what the future held, nor did I want to worry about it. I only cared about this moment. If nothing happened beyond tonight, so be it. This was about me and allowing myself to feel—to being selfish and taking without regret for once in my life.

Bless me Father, for I am about to sin…

“Okay, Anton. I’ll be with you tonight.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Anton

The alley behind Krystina’s Place was dark, lit only by the dim glow of a flickering streetlamp near the end of the building. The faint hum of the city surrounded us, muffled by the high brick walls of the restaurant. I held the back door open for Serena, and she stepped through, her heels clicking softly against the pavement.

“Is there a reason we couldn’t go out the front door?” she asked, glancing over her shoulder at me.

“We could have. We also could have been met with flashing cameras and tomorrow’s headline. Prying eyes, remember?”

“Ah, that’s right. I guess I’m not used to being in the company of someone so popular,” she teased. Her lips curved in a cautious yet playful smile, while her eyes maintained the spark of desire.

I was pleased that she didn’t appear ruffled by the absurd lengths we had to go to just to avoid the ever-growing presenceof the press. More than likely, nobody lurked in the bushes ready to take my picture, but Zeke’s constant talk about security was starting to make me paranoid.

“I’ve barely gotten used to it myself,” I admitted, adjusting the lapels of my suit coat. “But you should heed the warning, princess. You’re about to spend thirty days with me. I’ll try to protect you, but my sudden popularity could come with a price.”

“Such arrogance. I haven’t agreed to anything yet,” she said with atsk.

“Predicting the inevitable isn’t arrogance. I’m just confident.”

I led her to the Aston Martin parked discreetly at the edge of the alley. The sleek silver body gleamed under the streetlamp, its presence understated yet impossible to ignore. It was a car that matched me in every way—powerful, precise, and designed to reveal only what I wanted others to see. I opened the passenger door for Serena, and she slid inside with fluid grace.

As I settled into the driver’s seat, the light scent of her jasmine perfume filled the interior. It was intoxicating and entirely too distracting. I started the car, the engine roaring to life with a deep growl, and pulled out onto the street.

The city lights blurred as we drove toward the penthouse, the rhythmic hum of the tires on asphalt the only sound. I flipped on the radio, keeping the volume low yet loud enough for Halsey’s husky voice to cut through the silence.

Serena shifted in her seat, crossing her legs and resting her elbow on the door. Her gaze lingered on me, and I could almost feel the press of her thoughts, sharp and probing.

“If I’m going to do this, I need to know you better, too,” she announced, her voice soft but firm. It wasn’t a request. It was a demand.

I smiled, appreciating the no nonsense approach. A part of me was attracted to her assertiveness—but another part wantedto take her over me knee for pursuing a topic I had no interest in discussing.

“Details complicate relationships,” I said.

“Well, I need them all the same.”

“Why?”

“Call me old-fashioned. Or maybe it’s my mother’s religious influence. I can’t just jump into bed with a stranger.”

I grinned. “We’re hardly strangers anymore, princess.”

“You know what I mean!” she said, not bothering to mask her exasperation.

“You said it was your mother’s religious influence. Was it not your father’s, as well?” I asked, hoping to divert the conversation to her.

“My father didn’t believe in organized religion, but he respected my mother’s beliefs. As a result, I got a little of both. My mother raised me in her religion, but I’m practical like my father, and I ask questions.”

“Such as?”

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