Page 159 of Ewan

“Well, thank you,” I say, perked up again.

There’s no point in feeling bad about myself. I’ll take whatever I can get. Even if it comes in the form of a man who has money and connections.

“So you weren’t in any real danger to be kicked out at the Christmas party last week. If things didn’t go all right, you would’ve called someone,” I say.

Smiling smug, he leans to me, takes my hand, and brings it to his lips.

He places a kiss on my knuckles.

“I’m never in any kind of danger. And neither are you. I know how things work in life. And I know how to fix things.”

“Hmm…” I murmur, a smile tickling my lips.

He signals the waiter for the check and pays for our food and drinks before we get our jackets from the coat girl and walk out.

We stop in front of the hotel, and as I look up, a few specks of snow melt on my lips.

Christmas carols echo over invisible speakers, and as I glance at him, I catch him studying me.

His expression changes swiftly, and we’re back to lusting after each other.

“My place?” I ask in response to his intense gaze.

I’ve learned a thing or two about this man.

I know when he’s angry, in a good mood, or hungry for sex, like now.

“My place, Ewan?” I offer again, and he gives me a knowing smile.

“It’s too far.”

“Do you have another idea?”

He thinks about it.

“A hotel room?” I murmur.

He clicks his tongue.

“I have a better idea,” he says, grabbing my shopping bags.

“Why don’t we take a cab?” I murmur.

“No need to. We’re not that far.”

“Far from what?” I ask, yet my question remains unanswered as he pulls away from me with no intention of giving me more information, and I follow him without insisting.

SCARLETT

We stopin front of a beautiful brownstone house with faintly lit windows on the third floor.

“Who lives here?” I ask, looking up.

“We’re not going up there,” he says, showing me to the few steps leading to the basement.

I stop at the head of the stairs.

“Where are you taking me?” I ask suspiciously.

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