I didn't mind. I had a lot on my mind with the midterms and trying to do the mental math on how low I could get without failing the class.
Also, while there was nothing about GPA in the new scholarship, I would still need to go back and reread everything to make sure that if I flunked this class, I wouldn't lose it.
“And how would youdealwith them?” I asked, unable to stop the small giggle that fell from my lips as I envisioned Emerson as some sort of mob boss.
She would look good sitting behind a desk, ordering her minions to murder anyone who dares touch me.It made me swoon to even think about it.
“Is there something funny about that?”
“I was just…” I let out a small laugh. “Imagining you as a mafia donordering someone to take them out.”
I was still laughing when I looked back at her, but her expression had changed to serious.
"I don't like it when people hurt what's mine,” she said. “So if that's what you want, let me know and I'll figure it out.”
I supposed maybe I should be afraid. Maybe I should be seeing Emerson in a new light or be scared of making the wrong move, especially given my past history.
But there were two big differences between her and him.
Emerson would never hurt me. And Emerson calls me hers because I actually am hers.
At that thought, my breath caught. Heat blossomed inside me.
We were handed a few more plates, but I didn't care about them.
I didn’t know how fucked-up it made me to actually like the idea of Emerson doing the impossible just to protect me. But at this point there was no going back. The door had been opened to every single dirty, convoluted desire I had. Including a fantasy where Emerson protected me any way it took.
Is it wrong for me to hope she would take me up on it?
“Being yours,” I murmured and grabbed my chopsticks for the next bite. “I’m not sure what that means.”
She raised a brow at me. “I thought I was clear. You told me you understood.”
“I mean… Contractually, I am…”
I trailed off, pushing it, waiting for her to correct me. Her face twisted in anger, and for some reason, I liked it.
There must have been something in the air that day because I could have sworn that Iwantedto make her angry.
“Are you having second thoughts, Pearl?”
“No,” I said and looked down at my plate.
“Good, because you are mine. Whether there’s a piece of paper stating it or not. I asked you last time if you understood,so this time tell me the truth. Do you? Because you can’t go on saying you like me and then?—”
“I do like you. I told you I always have,” I interrupted with a confidence that surprised even me. And while it sounded childish, I followed it with, “What I want to know is if you like me back. I want to hear you say it, Emerson.”
Her hand gripped the teacup. I didn’t think I’d ever been this direct with Emerson. When her jaw tensed, I knew she was holding herself back.
Yes, Emerson, I see you too. And I like what I see.
“Unless you’re scared,” I added after a moment.
I am playing with fire, and I’m more than happy to feel the burn.
“Leave us,” she ordered, not even turning to look at the chef.
He didn’t even hesitate. He put down his knife and left the room without another word.
