“Then let me gohome!” I snapped.
He swept past me and grabbed my purse. Taking my cell out of it, he slid the device into his pocket.
“What are you doing?” I squeaked.
“Protecting you from yourself.”
I forced back tears of frustration. “I hate you so much right now.”
He sighed. Making his way to the door, he opened it, handed my phone to who the hell knows, nodded, and then closed the door again. He pulled me into his arms and stroked my hair. “I know you don’t get what’s happening, baby, and if I could explain it, I would. But I need you to trust me.” He lifted my chin. “I’m trying to keep you safe.”
“By having me locked up in a strange place?”
“By having you close.” He cupped my cheek. “Please, Dani. Trust that I’ve got your back. Kim’s safe—”
“Was she not safe before?” I demanded.
“That’s something I wasn’t willing to find out. Mack’s got her.”
I snorted. “Knowing Kim, Mack’s probably tied up to the bed while she fucks him senseless.”
Austin burst out laughing. “Babe.”
“What? It’s true. She’s perfect and awesome and sweet, but she loves sex and she goes through men like underwear.” I shrugged. “They love every minute of it, but she doesn’t tend to stay with one guy for very long.”
“Well, knowing Mack, he’ll be happy to oblige whatever fantasy she can dream up.”
I licked my lips. “Can I really not go home?”
“Not right now. Iwillmake this up to you, but if you’ll just be patient for a little while longer, I’d appreciate it.”
“I drank your two-thousand-dollar tequila,” I challenged.
“I know.”
“You’re not mad?”
He smiled. “No, baby, I’m not mad. Just pace yourself.”
“It made me tired.”
“I bet.”
“It also made me horny.” I bit my lip, sliding my hand under the waistband of his trousers.
“Fuck,” he rasped, grabbing my wrist. “I can’t do this right now.”
“Five minutes,” I argued.
“No.” He cupped my face. “One, I’m not having our first night together be when you’re wasted out of your mind and, two, I have shit to do.” He turned away from me and opened a cabinet door against the wall. Pulling out a blanket and pillow, he dropped them on the sofa and then closed the distance between us again. “Hydrate, Dani, okay? If you get tired, go to sleep. I don’t know how long this is going to take. If you want to watch television, do so. Do your best to make yourself at home and if you need anything, press the button. But try not to pull me away again, yeah? I need to focus.”
“Fine. Go.” I pulled away and flopped onto the couch.
He sighed again and leaned down. “Rest, baby. You’ll feel better once you sleep off the alcohol.”
“Do I need to remind you of the fact you’re not the boss of me?” I asked.
Austin smiled. “God, you’re gorgeous.”
