Total pages in book: 43
Estimated words: 43856 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 219(@200wpm)___ 175(@250wpm)___ 146(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 43856 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 219(@200wpm)___ 175(@250wpm)___ 146(@300wpm)
I exhaled, my heart still racing from the night’s enchantment. “So. . .what will your review be?”
“I plan to send in the confirmation for the second Stellar star.” Fabien rose from his seat, and before I could even think about moving, his hand was already on mine, helping me up with that same tenderness, that same quiet possession that had sent a slow burn through my body all evening.
This time, I didn’t expect him to let go.
And he didn’t.
As we stepped onto the platform, Cosmo was already waiting, my fur coat draped neatly over his arm. “Here you go, Ms. Harris.”
I wish I could tell Cosmo that the restaurant is about to get even more popular.
As Cosmo moved to hand my fur coat to me, Fabien stepped in smoothly, taking the coat with a possessive ease. “Thank you, but I’ve got it.”
Alright now.
Cosmo arched a brow, before handing it over without a word.
Fabien turned to me, lifting the coat gently. His hands brushed against my shoulders as he helped me slip into it, the contact so brief yet so intimate that my breath caught.
“That’s what I’m talking about.” Cosmo smirked knowingly, winking at me before disappearing into the shifting crowd of couples bidding their goodbyes.
Wow.
Fabien placed his hand at the small of my back and guided me toward the exit, stepping through the large white doors of Alchemy’s side entrance.
The cold night air kissed my cheeks, and we emerged into the quiet street.
“Oh, I forgot to tell you.” I turned to him. “I have a driver waiting for me.”
“I have one too,” he said casually, then looked at me with quiet intent. “But we can take yours if that makes you more comfortable.”
I bit my lip, warmth spreading in my chest. “I’d like that.”
He nodded. “I’ll just text my driver and have him follow us.”
“Perfect.”
We stepped forward.
My heart drummed.
Then, I spotted my car.
The sleek black Phantom sat idling at the curb, and just outside, Dalvin stood waiting, the back door already open.
But as Dalvin’s gaze flicked toward me—and more importantly, toward the fact that I was holding Fabien’s hand—his expression shifted.
Shock.
Pure, unfiltered shock.
I fought the urge to laugh.
I know, Dalvin. I’m shocked too.
As Fabien led me toward the car, I couldn’t help but wonder—what else would happen tonight?
Chapter ten
So Fucking Perfect
Rae
Manhattan shimmered around us, neon and glass blurring into a dreamscape of movement and light.
The Phantom journeyed through the streets, floating effortlessly over the pavement.
I glanced over my shoulder, curiosity tugging at me. Behind us, Fabien’s driver was in a black Bentley Continental following us at a respectable distance.
I turned back to Fabien, only to find him watching me like I was the most fascinating thing in this city of wonders. His gaze was a weight, a touch without contact, something that made my breath shallow and my skin warm.
Dalvin, ever the professional, had lowered the jazz to a whisper, letting the night itself fill the space between us.
And all I could think was—am I really doing this?
My clutch buzzed against my thigh, dragging me out of the haze.
I wanted to ignore it, but I already knew—if I didn’t confirm to Laila that I was still breathing, she’d have the entire NYPD scouring the city for my lifeless body.
I sighed and held up a finger to Fabien, mouthing one sec. He arched a brow but nodded, amused.
I pulled out my phone, and my thumbs flew over the screen.
Me: I’m fine. The dinner was amazing. I met a guy. He’s in the car with me now. We’re going to the Met.
Laila’s response came instantly.
Laila: ?????????????? BITCH!!
Me: Girl. . .
Laila: TELL ME EVERYTHING.
Me: We’re together. I can’t.
Laila: SEND ME A PIC!!!
I smothered a laugh, shaking my head.
Me: I gotta go, but I love you so much. Hope you had a great night.
Another buzz came through, but I ignored it, slipping my phone back into my clutch.
When I leaned back, I found myself pulled into warmth—Fabien’s arm, draped behind me, his fingers grazing my shoulder, gathering me into him as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“Oh.” I blinked.
“Is this okay?”
“Yes.” I smirked. “But, I must admit that you are so smooth.”
He tilted his head, studying me with a lazy sort of appreciation. “Not smooth enough.”
“Oh?” I arched a brow. “Why do you say that?”
“Your clothes are still on.”
My nipples stiffened. “Mmm.”
His grip on my shoulder tightened slightly. “Don’t make that noise.”
“Why not?”
His jaw clenched. “Because I’ve been battling with not kissing you.”
I exhaled sharply, the entire car shrinking down to just us. “That’s a battle you’re definitely going to lose tonight.”
A dark, primal sound left his throat—a grunt, a growl, something deep, male, and hungry.
And then he was on me.
His soft mouth crushed against mine, heat, dominance, and need pouring into the kiss like he had been holding it back for hours, days, lifetimes. His tongue slid into my mouth, stroking, claiming, and I moaned into him, my fingers threading through his hair, pulling him closer, needing more.