“Whatisbothering you then?” I ask him.
“The fact that I can’t seem to say no to you, or force you to obey me how I can with anyone else,” he says. “See how easy that is? You ask me what’s bothering me and I tell you the truth.”
“You can say no. That’s easy too.” I smile and look over at him, ignoring his accusation.
“Keep your eyes on the road. You’re driving precious cargo here, mi alma.” Emmanuel points towards the windshield.
“You’re not that precious,” I tell him.
“Not me,you,” he says.
“I’m not precious either.”
“You are the most-precious thing I have, Evie. Don’t do anything risky.” He seems so genuine when he says things like that. Maybe he actually believes I’m special.
Once I’m back at my house, I park the car. Paz pulls in directly behind me. “He did that on purpose, didn’t he?” I ask Emmanuel. “Blocked me in? Areyou scared I’m going to drive off without you or something?”
“Or something,” Emmanuel replies, getting out of the car. “You need a new car,” he adds when he reaches me on the other side.
“There’s nothing wrong with my car.” I’m quick to defend my little BMW convertible.
“It’s a death trap,” Emmanuel counters.
“Everyone dies, E. If I die in a car accident, then at least it’s in the car I love.” I shrug.
“No.” He shakes his head. “You’re not dying on me, Evie. I can’t do that again. I’m buying you a new car,” he grunts and walks over to where Paz is standing on my front lawn.
“No, you’re not!” I yell after him before turning and walking inside my house, letting the door slam behind me.
My mind is whirling. What does he mean he can’t do that again? Did he lose someone he loved? Is he still in love with her? Whoever she is—was? Why the hell am I jealous of a person I’m not certain even exists?
I head into my bathroom, open the drawers, and start applying my makeup. I need to look my best. I’m feeling off-kilter. Being around Emmanuel does that to me. But, damn, does he know how to make me feel good too. I can’t believe I fucked him again.Afterswearing it was only going to be a onetime thing. But the moment I saw him waiting for me to wake up… The fact he was outside the bedroom and not in it…
I melted, and all of my common sense went out the damn window. Because I wanted him. I wanted to feel his arms wrapped around me. I was so relieved to see him in person. I didn’t realize how attached I’d grown to the man over the last couple of weeks. We’ve talked daily, but that shouldn’t be enough to build an attachment.
After I’m satisfied that my face is perfect, I walk into my bedroom and find an outfit that will make me feel just as good as my face looks. Deciding on a light-pink bodycon dress with black lace cutouts that curve around my sides, I smile. I love this dress. I pair it with cute little black ankle boots. Then add some bracelets, a necklace and earrings, before I find a hair tie and pull my hair back into a high ponytail. I don’t really have time to do much else to it.
I open my bedroom door and stomp out into the living room, where I find both Emmanuel and Paz standing together.
“Just so you know, it’s rude to speak in a language I don’t understand,” I chastise them.
“Ah, I’ll be outside.” Paz shakes his head. “Good luck,” he whispers to me as he passes.
Good luck? What the hell do I need luck for?
I watch him walk out of the house. And when I turn my eyes back to Emmanuel, his face is hard, his jaw clenching. “You look stressed,” I tell him.
“You always go to work dressed like that?” he asks, waving a finger up and down my body.
Self-consciousness washes over me. “What’s wrong with my dress?”
“My cock went from half-mast to fully erect the second you walked into the room—that’s what’s wrong with it. You look too fucking fuckable,” he grunts.
“So it’s my fault you can’t control your dick?” My hands land on my hips. Now I’m mad. “That’s the same as saying if I walk out of the house and get raped today, it’s my fault, right? I was asking for it, because I looked so good, right?”
“No, that’s not what I’m saying at all. Don’t put words into my mouth, Evie. If anyone ever tried to… I’d fucking kill them before they could even touch you. I’m saying it’s going to be real fucking hard for me to keep my hands to myself. It’s no fun walking around all day with a boner.” He steps towards me, and I take a step backwards.
“That’s not my problem,” I tell him.
