Page 91 of Untethered Heart
I look up at her, pure happiness on her face as she peers down at where I’m still seated. My heart beats as I imagine a similar position. Her standing before me, and me on my knees, begging her to be mine forever. There’s a buzz in my veins, glee fizzing through my fingertips. I really must google if marriage kink is a thing. Maybe I’m just that far gone for her.
“Caleb, you dropped this in the bathroom.”
My brows pinch at the interruption of Mia’s voice. When I turn to her, she’s holding out the red pocket square that was folded into my suit jacket. She stuffs it back into its rightful place, then wipes the corner of her mouth as if she’s suggesting something. She has the audacity to wink, and my blood boils, snatching the high I was on just moments ago.
“What are you doing, Mia?” I glare at her as I stand from my seat and hold Lex against me.
She touches her chest, faux shock painted on her face. “What do you mean?”
“Don’t give me that shit. You know what you’re doing, and I know what you’re doing.”
She softens her face, but I can see right through the façade she’s throwing up. “Caleb, I’m not sure what you mean. It was just some fun. I thought you would appreciate your pocket square back. I know how much you appreciate a well put-together suit, just as much as you appreciate getting out of it.”
“I think you’re forgetting who you’re talking to.” My words cause her composure to slip slightly, before she adjusts her stance and tilts her chin up. “You will apologise to Lex for what you’re implying, and then I suggest you leavemy family’sevent.”
Mia clicks her tongue and looks beside us to where the rest of my family sits. I don’t know if I’ve been loud enough for them to pick up on the tension, but if I have, I hope they’re all staring daggers at her.
“Lex, I apologise. Caleb and I exchanged nothing more than conversation earlier. Tonight, that is,” she says with a smirk, then turns, only to run right into my sister.
Beth’s arms are crossed over her chest. She looks as vicious as the hounds of Hell.
“Daddy, will you give me an advance on my chore money this week?” she calls out.
“A what, sweetie?” my dad says from somewhere behind my back.
“An advance on my chore money. I was just going to take out the trash,” Beth says as her eyes practically spit fire while they run up and down Mia.
“Oh, I’ll pay you for that one, angel,” says Grams.
“Don’t expect to find yourself on another Heart guest list, Malibu Barbie,” my sister warns.
Mia scoffs and stalks around Beth without a backward glance.
“I’m just going to make sure she can find the exit.”
“Be gentle when you push her through it, Bethy, we don’t want any assault charges.” Grams snickers.
I hold Lex’s face in my hands, guilt souring my guts. “I’m sorry that happened, baby. I’m so sorry.”
She holds my wrists, stroking her thumb along the back of my hand. “It’s okay, I know you have a past. I’m not worried.”
“You’re not?”
“I trust you.” The sincerity in her words is like warmth wrapping around my heart.
I rest my forehead against hers. I don’t know what I did to deserve her trust. Her vulnerability. But I know what a gift it is.
“Besides, I’ve read the articles. I know how many women are walking around with broken hearts because they never made it to a second date with you. I know what we have is different. I know what we have means something to you.”
“It means everything.Youmean everything.”
“I’ll be yours, if you’ll be mine.” She smiles. Every time she says those words, I feel owned by her a little more.
She rests her arms over my shoulders, all playful and flirty. “I believe my boyfriend promised me a spin around the dancefloor.”
“Lead the way, Siren.”
Chapter forty-four
