Sam’s jaw tightened. “I’m sorry.” He then held out his hand. “Listen, I might be a glutton for punishment, but can we at leastdance? I won’t feel right leaving you here alone without taking you out there to dance to at least one song.”
I glanced around the room with all the smiles and laughter and allowed him to lead me to the dance floor.
He picked up both my hands. “Relax. It’s a dance, and I can do a two-step with the best of them.”
“Yeah. Me, too.”
Sam smiled again, and I started moving my feet to the rhythm of the song. He suddenly spun me around, and I squealed in pleasure. Maybe tonight wouldn’t be so bad after all. I admired Sam, whose eyes were nice, whose only flaw appeared to be his dislike or jealousy of Jashaun. Why not relax and worry about my relationship, or lack thereof, tomorrow?
The searing heat of his gaze faltered my steps, and behind Sam, a dapperly dressed Jashaun in all black stared at me from the periphery of the dance floor, his hands in his pockets. My heart soared while my stomach ached. He would think I broke up with him to be with Sam. When we locked eyes, I tapped Sam’s chest. Sam’s grip only tightened at the sight of Jashaun, whose dark eyes glinted from a distance.
“I don’t want him to get the wrong idea.” My gaze never wavered from Jashaun, who didn’t move.
“Maybe Ocean needs to be reminded that you have options.”
“Trust, Jashaun Howard is fully aware.” I eased out of his grip and apologized without looking at Sam. “I’m sorry.”
“Soraya,” Sam called from behind me.
The closer I approached, the more anxious I grew. He watched me, and his unreadable expression never changed. I didn’t know if he was about to blow up or kiss me. He’d found a way to be with me tonight, and as far as he was concerned, I danced with the enemy. Might even be with the enemy.
The angles in Jashaun’s face were more pronounced, and his chest rose and fell. Up and down. Up and down. Shit. If looks could kill, then why do I still want him to fuck me?
“He isn’t the better choice,” He growled when I stood in front of him.
“I know.” Nervously, I shuffled from one foot to another. “I came here alone. I didn’t even know he was here. It was just a dance.”
Jashaun picked up my hands and pulled them behind him to bring me closer. “You don’t dance with another man. Ever. Do you understand?”
Before I could protest about his demanding tone and that I could dance with whoever I wanted to, he gripped my chin and kissed me hard on the lips and repeated, “Do you understand?”
Oh, shit. This man ain’t playing with me.
I was his.
Period.
“Yes.” Stunned that I actually loved how he asserted his control over me, I stared into his dark, glaring eyes and melted against his strong chest. His warmth and scent folded me in his arms.
We swayed in silence to a slow-moving song, and I wanted to stay in his arms.
Forever.
Love was a risk, and the payoff would be worth so much more than the pain of heartbreak. I would fight for us because we were worth it.
I kissed his neck. “Take me home.”
“No.” He answered smoothly, tilting his head to see me. “We didn’t get dressed up to be at home. You wore this sexy dress with my breasts out for the world to see. Let’s let them see us.”
I giggled. “Your breasts?”
His hand lowered to grip my behind. “Yes, every last part of you is all mine. You wanted to be out with me, showing these folks you have a fine as hell man.”
“I wasn’t trying…and your ego is…” My words stopped at his amused expression.
“Yes, you were. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have been so mad with me. You’re the most independent woman I know. Willing and able to fly solo. And on this, you want to drop me like a bad habit.” He lifted my hand from around his waist and kissed the inside of my wrist.
“It wasn’t just about this, and you know it. I’m not trying to be Jussica’s mother, but I am a mother figure to her. She likes me and seeks me out. You can lie on my chest for comfort and feel safe to share your dreams and fears, yet you won’t allow me to truly be there for you and Jussica.”
