Page 65 of The Fate Philosophy

The man’s face scrunched up in a disgusted expression, and I choked back a laugh.

His eyes zoned in on something behind me and a kernel of wariness flashed in them. I turned my head slightly, noticing the incredibly tall, strong, black tux encased body stalking toward me.

I genuinely didn’t think he’d come looking for me. Something in my stomach fluttered now, knowing that he did. “Mace–”

I held my hand up toward Dom as he reached me. I wasn’t sure how much he heard me say, but I wanted to make it clear that I wasn’t finished. I would not allow him to believe he was coming to my rescue. Not against a man like this. I could handle myself.

“And almost all of that is a lie. You are married. You thought I’d either not notice the ring, or that I wouldn’t care. You know I’m not at this bar alone because I’m lonely. You can see I’m pissed off. You likely inferred that the result of my mood is because of a man, maybe even someone I’d like to get back at.” His eyes zoned into the drink he purchased, that was still in my hand. “You see me as an opportunity. You failed to seize me in the way you intended, so you’ll result in degrading me instead.” I lifted the martini to my mouth. “I’ll save you the time. We both know I’m hot.” I took a sip. “And I am a bitch. Proud to be one when I’m dealing with assholes like you.”

I tilted my head back, downing the drink in one gulp. The bartender was smirking at me proudly as he plucked the empty glass from my hand. I slowly dragged my gaze from the man at the bar to Dom. “Did you think I needed rescuing, Dominic?”

His eyes were wide, and he almost seemed impressed. But I knew better than to think he’d be amused by my behavior. Especially here. His eyes were alight with those flames as he said, “Incredible.”

I only blinked in confusion at Dom when the man muttered, “I’m not paying for that fucking drink.”

The bartender laughed. “No worries, it’s on the house.”

The man huffed, standing up. His mouth formed a hard line as he studied Dom aggressively.

“I suggest you walk away now, Richard.” Dom’s tone was a threat in itself.

Fuck.

It was clear by that interaction that they knew each other. The guy may have even been a client of Dom’s. I looked back at him, hoping the apology was plastered on my face. If I had just allowed him to step in, if I hadn’t been so hellbent on making my point—so reckless—Dom may have been able to diffuse the situation. I might have just jeopardized his career.

Dom’s eyes narrowed at me. He grabbed me by the hand and hoisted me from the barstool, slapping a twenty dollar bill down onto the counter and dragging me away.

Chapter 26

Domgrippedmyhandtightly as he weaved me behind the lobby bar and cut down a near-empty hallway. He glanced back, swiveling his head as if checking for people, before he pulled open the door to a one-stall bathroom and dragged me inside.

I turned around to face him. His chest was heaving, his eyes wild. He looked strained– pained. I knew it was done. Whatever we had been was over. I knew he’d tell me off for embarrassing him in front of that girl, Carina. For possibly damaging a client relationship, and therefore, his career.

But before he could tell me any of that, I wanted to at least make sure he knew that I understood. That I was sorry. That I knew why I became too much for people. That I did and said things that were out of line. That being with me meant this kind of fall out. I understood why I wasn’t worth that trouble. And I was just sorry.

“Dom, I–”

He stepped into me, wrapping his arm around the nape of my neck and smashing his mouth against mine. I had no time to get my words out. To even realize what he was doing before his lips were moving against my own. The kiss was punishing– desperate. He parted my mouth with his tongue as it swept in, tangling with my own and drinking me in.

He groaned, pulling my bottom lip under his teeth as if to get me closer. His free hand snaked around my back and grabbed my ass, flushing my hips against his until I could feel his hardness pressing at my stomach. His hand around my neck tangled in my hair, gripping me tighter as he pushed his mouth into mine. He stepped into me, and it felt as if he couldn’t get close enough, as if he wanted to merge our bodies until they were one being.

The force of him against me knocked me into the bathroom sink, my back arching into his touch. He pulled away briefly, gazing down at me. There was so much emotion in his eyes, flames of equal part lust and anger.

That’s what this was. He wanted me one last time. Likely to get me out of his system.

His arm traced down my back and to my spine, until both hands gripped my hips. He hoisted me onto the sink, not breaking his stare as his hands wrapped around my thighs to the place where my dress rested. His fingers slid upward, tickling my skin as they lifted my dress. He moved slowly, waiting for permission.

I should say no, because this meant something different for him than it did for me.

He wanted to fuck me so he could get me out of his system and move on. I wanted to fuck him so I could keep him in mine, so I could hang on.

But I didn’t find my head shaking, I found it nodding. Desperately.

He moved faster then. Kissing me as he wrapped his fingers in the lace waistband of my underwear and tugged it down my thighs in a swift motion. Once he reached my knees, I spread my legs for him. “That’s my girl,” he rasped into my mouth.

Those words had me feel something I couldn’t comprehend. Something that might even have felt like longing. I ignored it as I fumbled with the buttons on his pants, desperate to have him inside me. Before either of us changed our minds.

As I got his bottoms loosened, he slipped them off his hips, along with his underwear. Suddenly, he was in my hand, huge and hard and throbbing. He bunched my dress around my waist as I guided him toward my entrance. I removed my hand as he slid into me. We moaned into each other’s mouths as he thrust home. The sound was desperate. Almost as if we needed the connection of our bodies in order to continue breathing.

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