Page 1 of Becoming His

Aiden

“Youknow,you’vegotthat kind of mysterious vibe,” she teases, clutching the champagne flute closer before she downs the rest of the beverage.

My eyes narrow as I take in the shaking of her hands and her constant shifting on the seat. I regret reaching out for this date for the second time this evening. I’ve had an uncomfortably long stretch of no sex and hopped on the first girl to flash interest, led astray like a red flag and bull.

Jasmine giggles and then grimaces at the tense silence. She waves to the server for another glass, and I sigh. Her dark eyes squint, her lips thinning as if trying to restrain from commenting.

“You seem nervous?” I ask, moving the fork on the table slightly over an inch. “You don’t seem like the type to get nervous.”

She sips and nods. “You’re right. I guess I was trying something new.”

I grin maliciously. “I think we can both see through the bullshit.” She’s failing miserably at trying to appear meek.

Her ebony locks shine as she moves them over her shoulder, the glow of her tawny skin bright under the soft light. “I’ve been told I’m... abrasive.”

“Hmm,” I touch the knife, moving it away from the fork and wishing desperately for the server to drop off the check. Then I ask her, “And you care what this person thinks?”

Jasmine blinks, setting the bubbly drink down. “I- I guess I do. He’s someone important.”

“To who? You?” I tilt my head, bored with how this evening is going, but I would never disrespect Sammie’s friends. My sister has so few of them I wouldn’t want to isolate her further.

“Wow,” she says and then huffs out a laugh. “Sammie warned me you were good with self-reflection, but I never thought it would turn towards me.”

I sit up straight, pulling at the lapels of my jacket. “Sammie has always required a different guidance than what was offered by her mother and our father.”

Jasmine sighs, gathering her purse and standing. “I’m well aware of what Sammie requires. Being her publicist is a nightmare. Can we keep this… date to ourselves? Not that I think she’ll pry.”

Giving her the first genuine smile of the evening, I stand and hold my hand out. When she grasps it, I stroke the back of her hand with my thumb. “Find someone who loves your abrasiveness. Someone who eggs it on and meets you head to head. Don’t change yourself, Jasmine. You’re too beautiful to settle for a guy who isn’t worthy.”

Her cheeks flush, and she pulls her hand away. “You too, Aiden. I know Sammie doesn’t believe in love, but I’m rooting for her and you, anyway.”

I settle back into my seat, the loneliness weighing on my mind again. It’s been weeks since I touched or saw a woman since Caitlin left because I didn’t return her affection. It’s always hard to start over. Though my sexual partnerships differ from regular relationships, they require a level of trust and intimacy that some normal relationships never reach.

“Do you require anything else, sir?” The server I’ve been wishing would appear emerges, and I flex my hand to shake off the urge to throttle him.

I shake my head and hold out my black card. This isn’t a dining establishment I visit often. Jasmine chose it, which I can assume means it’s close to her work or apartment. The server leaves to process my payment without another word, and I lean back, glancing around at the neighboring tables.

Most are littered with couples twice my age, which tells me that Jasmine strives to fit into a crowd that reeks of old money. They aren’t my favorite, considering they tended to blame the son for the sins of his father. My eyes catch on a younger couple sitting at the bar. The less reserved attire of the woman and the non-tailored suit of her companion tells me they are displaced as well.

Something is alluring about her. I’m unable to tear my gaze away, even if she’s clearly on a date. Her blonde hair is curled down her back, the black form-fitting dress sparkling with each movement. And the red-bottom heels that flashed as she crossed her ankles made my cock hard. A temptress through and through, one I very much want to play with.

She trails a slender finger down the man’s chest, a seductive smile painted on her face as she reaches for her martini glass. His cheeks flush as he nods at something. Her plump lips pull into a pout, and she leans closer. My chest fills with rage, an unbridled jealousy. I don’t want her touching him, flirting with him, giving him her fucking smiles.

I scrub my palm down my face, looking away from the couple and taking a deep breath. What the fuck was wrong with me? I never react strongly to anyone, especially women I don’t know.

Her laugh floats over the dull noise of the crowd, and my skin prickles. I know it was her when I look back, and her head is thrown back as the man laughs with her.

“Here you are, sir.” The server moves in front of me, blocking my vision, and a growl starts in my throat. The young man startles and steps to the side so the blonde goddess is back. I snatch my card and nod towards them.

“Who is that? At the bar.”

The poor server, just trying to do his job, looks behind and back at me. “I’m not sure. Would you like me to find out?”

I shake my head. “No. Thanks for everything. I’ll be up in a minute.”

He swallows and dips his chin. “No problem. Have a good evening, Mr. Blackwell.”

Ignoring him as he walks away, I pull my phone out and take photos of the unsuspecting blonde. I don’t care how that looks to the patrons surrounding me. No one will dare ask me. Sending the images to my assistant, I know I will have my answer within the week. My cock weeps with joy because my dry spell is ending. It doesn’t matter who she is. All that matters is that she becomesmine.

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