“Yes,” she whispers, her fingers tightening around the triangle. “Many, many others. I think he’s just misunderstood. But that’s also what I like the most.”
Her breath quickens as I slide my palm to her thigh, my fingertips digging into the worn denim. “You like me, Eloise?”
She tries to avert her gaze, but I won’t let her. Gripping her chin with my free hand, I guide her back to me, loving the way her pupils expand, consuming the cool blue of her irises. “You can be honest, Eloise. I’m dying to know.” My gaze lowers to her lips just as Eloise darts her tongue out, and the sight of the small pink muscle has all the blood rushing to my cock.Fuck me.
“I… of course I like you,” she stutters. “You’re great?—”
“That’s not what I’m talking about, Eloise, and you know that.” My grip tightens along her jaw, and a small gasp fills the silence. “I want to know the truth.” I lean in, our lips a breath apart. “I need to know you feel something, too.”
Her eyes widen as she looks up into mine, skin flushed and breath unsteady. Ever so slightly, she nods, and it’s like all the nerve endings in my body fire at once. I know this is wrong, I know I should pull away. I know I should stop this and put someprofessional distance between us. But for the life of me, I just can’t. I can’t stop it—I won’t.
I don’t want to.
Eloise eyes lower, head tipping back in a glorious invitation. I’m about to press forward, to do the thing my body is screaming at me to do, to feel my sweet Eloise the way I’ve been dreaming of.
But then the shop door slams open, and the spell is broken. Eloise jumps backward, her face flaming red. Eyes that were once heated with lust swirl with uncertainty and regret, and I have the distinct feeling I’ve made a horrible, unfixable mistake.
It’s only when footsteps approach that I realize my mistake. Eloise's lesson is after closing time, so I usually lock the door for safety and to prevent interruptions. Today, I was so excited to see Eloise, I just forgot.
Motherfucker.
I stand, stomping into the main room with a frown and a chest full of rage. “We’reclosed,fuckhead. Get out before I?—”
“Spare me the empty threats,” Enzo snaps, stepping farther into the shop and sizing me up with an irritated scowl. “We need to talk.”
12
Riot
I stareinto the narrowed ice-blue eyes of my manager, my blood still boiling with rage due to his untimely interruption.
“Why the fuck didn’t you just call me?” I demand.
“I tried. Multiple times.” He holds up his device, showcasing the many attempted calls. Then he notices Eloise standing in the doorway, her eyes wide with surprise. “Oh. Sorry. I wasn’t aware Riot was still teaching.” He shoots me a look out of the corner of his eye, the gears in his head spinning. Probably wondering whyI never told him about Eloise’s lessons. And honestly, I don’t have an explanation.
Maybe it’s because she’s been acting with such secrecy, and some part of me thought it would be best not to tell anyone about our weekly meetings. Or perhaps I selfishly wanted an hour for just us two—one where we no longer have to answer to anyone or anything.
But none of that matters. Enzo is here now.
“What do you need to talk to me about so desperately?” I ask, pulling his attention back to me once more. “You charged in here like it couldn’t wait a single second more.”
“Excuse me for having manners.” Enzo’s scowl deepens before he lets out a tired sigh. “It’s a… private conversation. It’s about something serious.”
Yuck.“Oh. In that case, I’m not interested.”
“Riot…”
“Enzo…”
He stands there and glowers, clenching and unclenching his fists at his sides. Not willing to back down.
Sensing the mounting tension, Eloise gathers her things and takes a cautious step toward the exit. “I, uh… should probably get going now, anyway. It was good to meet you, Enzo.”
“You as well, miss.”
With an apologetic glance, Eloise scurries out of the shop, mumbling something about texting me later for the “tea.” As soon as the door closes, Enzo turns to me with a raised brow, his blue eyes swirling with a myriad of questions.
“So… you gonna tell me why you’ve been hanging out with Eloise Marquette?”
