Page 38 of Bought
Tension runs through me.
Too much late-night true crime, Cass. Thanks.
I swallow hard. I’m stuck in the middle of a damn Dateline episode, aren’t I? The girl’s in trouble, about to be killed by one of several men after her. We won’t know who pulled the trigger until the end.
Valentino’s staring at me like I’m crazy. Maybe I am. I shake my head to clear it.
He asks, “Do you have it?”
“I haven’t had a chance. He hasn’t left me alone for a single second.”
“Then what the hell are you doing here?” His dark gaze scans as it moves over the back of the upscale building. Even the alleyway exit has a charming awning with twinkling white lights underneath.
Keep it simple. I shrug. “He asked me to dinner.”
“Well, you’d better make sure he asks you back home.” Bullets pierce his gaze, hitting me in my constricted chest. “Do whatever you have to.”
“I will,” I promise.
His gaze holds me as tightly as Lucian held my arm moments ago, saying, “Don’t leave without it.”
I nod, turning to hurriedly re-enter the building without waiting for him to excuse me.
I need to get back to his apartment. Surely the next logical step is sex. That horrible dread pool of excitement quakes in. I want more of that earthshattering feeling he gave me with his tongue.
I want to know what it feels like to have him inside me.
I dash into the loo to inspect my face. The mascara hasn’t moved, thank god, but the curls have weakened to waves.
Will I look different tomorrow? Will I feel different?
Losing my virginity is the least of my concerns. I wasn’t saving myself for anyone special.
It’s mine to do what I want. Mostly, I’m curious, ready to see what all the fuss is about. What would it feel like to have him inside me? That bear hug of his body locked against mine. My naked breasts pressed against his puckered scars.
Why is my mind wandering like this? I’m in a do-or-die situation. There’s no such thing as fight, flight, or fantasize.
I tame a few stray hairs. Focus, Erin. Every ounce of my energy needs to go into getting back to his place and winning my treasure hunt to earn our protection.
As I reach for the bathroom door, a notification from my phone catches my eye. I look down. It’s Ryan in the tub, bubbles up to his shoulders, a foam beard and wig like Santa’s as he laughs, toy military boats clutched in his fingers.
Below the picture, there’s a text from Cass saying, ‘I know not to call, but I had to send a pic!’
I need to protect them. I need to raise the stakes. I head back to my target.
I’m trying something new with him. Seduction. I walk back to the table, paying attention to my steps, rolling my hips in a way I hope is attractive rather than ducklike.
I slide back into my seat.
“So,” I reach for his arm, coyly as I can, “What do you want for dessert?”
My words, as sexy as they sound, seem forced.
“What’s up with you?” He notices and pulls away. His brow tightens.
I flutter my lashes like the women in the movies do. “You are.”
“Did you get high in the bathroom or something?” He looks like he wants to laugh and slides my half-empty wine glass away from me.
