Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 84442 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84442 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
The whole room feels electrified when I look up at him, my thoughts of fairy tales from earlier paling in the reality of calloused fingers against my palm and glittering blue eyes looking down at me.
“Miss Morgan, what a pleasure to see you.”
CHAPTER 13
NICK
Riley seems to be in a state of shock as she takes my hand.
Those pretty hazel eyes devour every inch of my face, tracing over the lines of my mask and down the cut of my suit, lingering on the cobalt pocket square that matches her dress. She follows me wordlessly as I lead her back toward my table nestled in the back corner.
Even when we pass her friend—who turns away from where Thomas is flirting with her to shoot Riley an approving look and a double thumbs up—Riley hardly even reacts.
Her hand trembles slightly in mine, squeezing every few steps like she’s trying to prove to herself that I’m real.
I intend to give her plenty of proof in that regard.
She pauses when I stop at my usual table, watching as I sprawl out in the single armchair pressed against the wall. I pat my thigh welcomingly; the blush that flares on her face is so unspeakably tempting that I want to bend her over the table right here and now. Hesitantly, she perches on my thigh, squeaking in surprise when I tug her in closer, tipping her off balance so she has to prop herself up with her hands on my shoulders.
This is how I like her—off-kilter, nervous, looking up to me and waiting for me to make the decisions.
“Better,” I croon, squeezing her hip possessively. “Right where you belong.”
“I wasn’t sure you’d come,” she says breathlessly.
I grin, just the barest uptick of the corner of my mouth, but I know my ocean blue eyes sparkle with amusement. “I couldn’t just let you walk into the lion’s den alone. Besides, I’m the only one who deserves your time.”
Her hands squeeze over my shoulders as she settles comfortably in my lap, her pretty face flaring red as she glances away shyly.
“You didn’t have to pay for it,” she protests.
Like showing off for her wasn’t half the fun.
I like her knowing that she’s mine, but I like everyone else knowing even more. No one will dare to look twice at her without my permission now. The knowledge settles something primal in my chest.
“I know,” I say simply. “But you’re an excellent excuse to put money toward a good cause. You’re worth every last penny, Miss Morgan.”
“You spent way too much,” she tells me, laughing when I just shrug elegantly. “Thank you for saving me.” She leans over and presses a fluttering kiss to my exposed jawline, the movement nervous and testing as she peers up at me through her lashes. “So, um, what do we do now?”
I tuck my fingertip under her chin, tilting her face up to make her keep eye contact with me.
“I won a date with you,” I say firmly. “Nothing more. You don’t owe me anything you wouldn’t give me of your own accord.”
I want everything—and I’ll have everything eventually. Regardless of how confident I was that I would claim her tonight, I won’t take what she won’t willingly give. She’ll be mine, down to the very core of her bones, but if tonight isn’t the night that I lay a permanent claim on her, I can live with that. I’ve already marked her as mine to everyone else here.
If she’s not ready to take that step with me, I can wait.
Not for long, but I can wait.
“But what if I want you?” she asks nervously, biting her lip. “Am I allowed to ask for that?”
My fingers flex around hers in an instinctive movement as the leash of my self-control pulls unbearably taut. God, she doesn’t even know what she does to me.
She’s so fucking perfect.
“You’re allowed to ask for anything you want, Princess,” I assure her. “And with manners like that, I’m inclined to give you everything you ask for.”
The sweetest smile spreads across her face, enthusiasm radiating out from her as she leans in, my cock twitching with demand at the sight.
“But,” I say, resting my finger over her glossy lips to stop her from asking for anything that will make me lose any semblance of restraint, “I’m going to show you around the rest of the club before you’re allowed to ask for anything else. Deal?”
She nods eagerly, pretty hazel eyes wide and excited. “Deal. I should let Taylor know where I’m going. I don’t want her to worry.”
My eyes flick to the table Taylor and Thomas are at; gold masks close as they chat, hands trailing lazy, teasing touches across fabric and bare skin alike. He’s always had a thing for curvy blondes in red, drawn like a moth to the flame.