Page 78 of Masked Seduction
She pauses, one eyebrow raised in challenge, lips curving into a mischievous smile. “You’re not taking me back to The 13th Floor, are you?”
I surprise myself with my laughter, though the wicked spark in her eyes suggests she’s not just teasing—she’s actually interested. “Do you want to go back there?”
She shrugs, nonchalant, but the blush that blooms across her cheeks tells me everything I need to know. “Maybe. Not tonight, though. But I wouldn’t say no to another visit sometime.”
I lean in, brushing my lips over hers, savoring her taste. “I’ll keep that in mind. Tonight, it’s just dinner and then back to my place.”
She pulls me closer, her voice dipping into a sultry whisper that nearly has me taking her against the car right then. “Sounds perfect.”
I manage to hold back, opening the passenger door. Jenna slides gracefully into the seat, her dress riding up just enough to show a flash of her creamy thighs. I clench my jaw, swallowing hard. It takes everything in me not to change my mind about dinner entirely.
Closing her door, I walk around to the driver’s side and climb in, starting the engine.
I glance at her as we pull away from the curb. “Everything alright?”
She gives me a quick smile, a little too bright. “Of course. Why?”
“You seemed nervous when you answered the door.”
She looks down, her fingers toying with her purse. “Just thinking about things. Nothing to worry about.”
Still, I sense there’s more, something she isn’t sharing. Tonight, I plan on finding out exactly what’s going on behind those beautiful green eyes.
“Jenna,” I say quietly, reaching over to gently grasp her hand. “If something’s bothering you, you can tell me. No matter what it is.”
She meets my gaze, searching it as if trying to decide how much to trust me. “I know. And I will. Just not yet.”
I nod, respecting her need for space. “Fair enough.”
We drive in comfortable silence, the city lights flashing outside the window. Jenna’s hand is warm in mine, grounding me in a way nothing else ever has. Even if she’s not ready to talk tonight, I’ll make sure she knows one thing without a doubt: I’m not going anywhere.
Tonight, I’m going to show Jenna exactly how much she means to me. After that, maybe she’ll finally trust me with whatever secrets she’s keeping.
Either way, I’m in deeper than I ever thought possible. And for the first time in my life, I’m not looking for a way out.
CHAPTER 28
JENNA
Abram pulls the car up to the valet stand outside Joël Robuchon. We step out, and I have to give myself a second to wrap my head around the sight. I can’t believe I’m here. Just the thought of stepping inside has my heart doing back flips. The restaurant is Michelin-starred, dazzlingly elegant, and way,wayoutside my usual league.
“Are you sure about this?” I ask. “I feel a little out of place.”
He wraps a protective arm around my waist, his warm hand settling possessively at my hip. “Don’t worry about that. I fully intend to show you off.”
The low growl of his voice sends a shiver down my spine. God, this man knows exactly how to make me melt. I glance up at him, my breath catching as I take in those piercing blue eyes.
Inside, the restaurant is stunning. There’s a soft glow from ornate chandeliers, black and gold accents, plush velvet chairs. The maître d’ greets Abram by name, his manner impeccable, leading us to a quiet table near a floor-to-ceiling window with a gorgeous view of the Vegas skyline.
“Abram, this place is insane,” I whisper, laughing nervously as I take in the sheer luxury around us. “I’d have to save for a year just to eat an appetizer here.”
He chuckles, leaning in so only I can hear him. “If you like it, we can eat here every day.”
I roll my eyes affectionately, my cheeks warming. “You’re sweet.”
He arches a brow, amusement lighting his handsome features. “Sweet isn’t something I’m used to being called. But coming from you, I’ll take it.”
As soon as we sit, a waiter in a tailored suit appears, brandishing a bottle of wine like he’s presenting us with a sacred artifact. “A 2012 Château Lafite Rothschild,” he announces with pride. “An exquisite Bordeaux with notes of ripe currant, cedar, and just a hint of spice. Perfect for tonight’s first course.”
