“We’re gonna make this work, babe. You’ll see.”
“You don’t even know me,” I argued. “You seem awfully sure.”
“When I see something I want, I don’t hesitate to make it mine, Dani.” He ran his finger across my collarbone. “It’s good you get that now. It’ll cut down on any confusion later.”
“So you’ve seen me, you want me, and I’m to be another conquest?” I challenged, pushing at his shoulders.
“I don’t do conquests, babe.” Austin smiled, holding me tighter and leaning down to kiss my nose. “But I will do you.”
“Charming,” I ground out.
“Don’t typically do flowers, babe, but tell me your favorites and I’ll buy ’em for you.”
“Don’t bother.” I pushed at his shoulders again, but he didn’t move.
My doorbell rang and it was the perfect opportunity to put distance between us, but apparently, Austin wasn’t done and he kissed me again.
“The pizza’s here,” I said as the doorbell pealed again.
He nodded. “We’re gonna eat, then we’re gonna talk some more.”
“I think you’ve said enough.”
“Babe,” he said with a sigh.
“Let me up so I can pay for the pizza.”
“You’re not payin’ for the pizza, Dani.”
I let out a frustrated groan. “You arenotthe boss of me.”
He climbed off me. “For the sake of our current argument, let’s say I am.”
I couldn’t stop my jaw from dropping open as he sauntered away from me toward my front door. I knifed off the sofa and made my way to the kitchen muttering to myself. How could a man who drove me so frickin’ crazy manage to also make me mad with desire? It didn’t make any sense to me.
Austin joined me, setting the food on the counter as I opened the fridge, but before I could grab him another beer, he wrapped an arm around me and turned me to face him. His hand went to my neck again, his thumb to my pulse, and he studied me for several seconds. “I wasn’t expecting you.”
I sighed. “Same.”
“Will you be patient with me, Dani?”
I shook my head. “We can’t do this.”
“Yes, we can.”
“Wecan’t.” I pulled away from him. “My family’s all about the law, Austin. Your club’s not. It’s a total conflict of interest.”
He leaned against the counter and crossed his arms. “My club’s clean.”
“Clean, clean, or just untouchable?”
He frowned.
“Club business?” I snapped.
“What the hell do you want me to say, Dani?”
“I want you to tell me something, anything. But I want the truth.”
