Page 5 of Dallas
The fact that I think that way is almost as unnerving as Doug being here. I want him to leave, so I take the books out of his grasp and hurry toward the desk. “I’ll get you checked out.”
When I reach the counter, Dallas hasn’t moved an inch. Not his feet, anyway. He has turned his torso to watch my interaction with Doug. As soon as I’m back behind the desk, he resumes his position, leaning over the top of it on his elbows as though he intends to stay like that all day.
It’s oddly…comforting, which makes no sense. It’s like he’s watching over me, as if Doug is some sort of threat I need protecting from. What a coincidence.
Doug hands me his library card, his brow furrowed. He steps too close to Dallas as if he might be able to get Dallas to budge, but he fails. Dallas is a statue.
The two men say nothing, though the tension in the air is palpable. I’m almost concerned that they might turn, face off, and fight over me.
I hand the books and library card back to Doug. “Thanks for coming in. I hope you enjoy your reading.”
Doug takes them from me slowly, hesitating.
I wonder if he will say something else, but he finally sighs and turns to leave. “Thanks, Arianna. See you next time.”
The moment the door closes behind Doug, Dallas says, “That guy is creepy.”
I chuckle. “That’s what he said about you.”
Dallas gives me his usual cocky grin before his expression turns serious. “He wants to fuck you.”
I gasp and grab the edge of the counter to avoid stumbling. Did Dallas just say that out loud? I’ve never met anyone as blunt as him. “That’s ridiculous.”
Dallas growls, shocking me further. “Arianna, that boy wants to fuck you. So do all the other boys in town, single and married. Surely you’re aware of that.”
I’m aware. The question is, why is he aware? And why are we discussing it? I lick my suddenly dry lips and reach up to tuck an errant, unruly lock of curls behind my ear. “Don’t be silly.”
Dallas shoves off the counter, rounds it, takes my hand, and pulls me into the archive room. He’s never touched me before, so I’m startled and focused on the way he’s threaded his fingers with mine so casually. The next thing I know, Dallas has kicked the door closed, released my hand, grabbed my hips, and spun me around to flatten me against the door.
I’ve stopped breathing, and I’m dizzy.
He releases my hips and plants his huge hands on either side of my head, hovering in my personal space, an inch separating us. “How many of those local boys have been successful, Arianna?”
I suck in a breath and glance up at his face for a second before jerking my gaze to his chest. His expression is far too intense.
His voice is softer when he speaks again. “Answer me, baby.”
My mouth is so dry. “Wh-what?”
“How many Dougs have you slept with, Arianna?”
I finally realize what he’s asking and gasp. “None.” I immediately wish I hadn’t answered that question. It’s none of his damn business.
He releases an odd breath of relief. “Good. I won’t have to stare daggers at every man and boy in town for the rest of my life.”
What is he talking about?
“Look at me, baby,” he demands.
I can’t stop myself from tipping my head back to meet his gaze again.
He gives me a slow, cocky smile. “Good girl.” His hand comes to my face, and his thumb gently strokes over my bottom lip. “Those boys aren’t good enough for you. You need a real man. Someone who can show you what it means to be cherished.”
I don’t blink. I can’t breathe.
“You’re mine, baby.”
Chapter 3
