Page 316 of Breaking the Rules

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"You're really blowing this."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." Her lips curl into a smile. "You're going to have to get up and sing if you want to win your way back into my good graces."

"Thought I was supposed to finish dinner."

"That too."

"And dirty talk you."

"You have a busy night."

"You don't want to hear me sing." I take another bite of arrabiata. It's great. Tender, rich, spicy.

"I do." She sets her fork down. Presses her hands together. "Please, Hunter, serenade me. I'll even put on something you like."

"What do I like?"

"That's what I'm trying to ask you."

It's a good question. I've never been into music. I like it, sure. But I've never been the type to curate playlists or surrender to a melody.

Honestly, the stuff Emma plays is my favorite.

It's her.

And that's better than anything.

Still.

I have a few ideas. "I want to surprise you."

She tilts her head to one side, assessing my claim. "I don't know. Access to the speakers… that's a big deal."

"Yeah?"

She nods. "Like giving you a key."

"Where's my key?"

"I'm always here." Her eyes meet mine. They flare with nerves for a second, then they're back to that fire.

She wants to fuck me, but she's scared.

I'm scared too.

I don't want to hurt her.

To make this worse for her.

I have an idea but, fuck, I'm not sure if she's going to go for it.

"You want me to eat first—" I scoop another forkful of pasta. "Or you want me to serenade you."

"I'll give you a few minutes to think."

"Thank fuck. It takes me awhile."

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