“Go get dressed, I’ll take you home.”
“I can—”
“Amore. Get dressed.”
I nod and rush to the back for my shirt and jeans. After slipping them on, I pick up his blazer from the floor and hit the lights in my office. When I return to the front of the store, he’s already fixed his clothes.
“Thank you,” he says and takes the jacket from my grasp.
“You’re welcome.” I try to watch his face, see if I can spot anything in his eyes. But what I get is the same tense expression he had when he walked in here.
I snatch my purse from under the counter, retrieving my keys so I can lock the door behind us. Easton waits patiently as I do it, but the moment I finish, he grabs my hand and leads me toward his shop.
We bypass it and make our way to his car. He walks me to the passenger side and holds the door for me until I’m fully seated. As he rounds to the driver’s side, I glance down at my wrist, tracing the bruise with my thumb.
We ride the distance to my apartment in silence. I want to ask questions, find out if tonight gave him what he needed, if we’re any closer and building together. I don’t ask any of that, though. I know Easton, and it doesn’t matter that he shared a little piece of his world with me. If he doesn’t want to answer me, he won’t.
“Here we are, amore.” He rolls to a stop in front of my building.
“Are you okay?” I pry.
He sucks in a breath and stares out the front window. “Goodnight, Arloe. Make sure you drink lots of water and rest. You may need to take the day off tomorrow.”
“I’m already off.”
“Good. And eat, even if it’s something light. You’ll be sore in the morning, so an Epsom salt bath can help alleviate some of that.”
“All right.” I open the door, but he stops me.
He pulls me to him, cups my cheeks, and kisses me long and slow. When he separates us, I scan his features, only to find nothing there, not even the dark aggression he had while fucking me.
“I’ll be by tomorrow to take you back to your car. Get some rest.”
“I will,” I agree and exit the car, not stopping until I’m in the lobby.
Turning just in time, I see him speed away, making a quick U-turn to head back the way we came. Tonight was a win for us. He let me in, and now I’m stuck.
Chapter Fifteen
Arloe
As the sun from a new day hits my face, I squirm in my bed. I can’t even begin to put into words how last night made me feel.
Easton is a monster of his own making, and I feel I’m finally breaking down his walls. Slowly, he’s letting me in. He’s letting me see the real him, and I’d be lying if I said that doesn’t thrill me. From the first moment I saw him I knew he was different. He exudes a powerful aura that demands your attention and lures you in but still keeps you at a distance.
He’s a complete anomaly. Hard, cold, and demanding but still sweet, gentle, and calming all at the same time.
I let out a breath and throw the thin sheet from my body and stand from my bed. I’ve never been more thankful for a day off than I am now. Between my legs is sore, my shoulders ache, and my body feels stiff. Easton worked me in ways I’ve never dreamed of, and I’m feeling it today.
Deciding I need some coffee before my shower, I stroll out of my room and into my kitchen. I fill my coffee pot with water then scoop in the grounds before hitting brew. When I lean onto the counter and watch every drop fall into the pot, I notice I’m smiling. The corners of my lips screwed up so tightly it almost hurts, but it’s something I feel will now be a permanent fixture on my face as long as Easton is around.
I wasn’t lying when I told him I was scared of him because I am. It would be stupid of me to answer his question any other way after seeing some of the things he’s done. But with this new side of him coming to light, it isn’t him I fear anymore.
I only fear who I am—or who I would become—without him.
A loud knock on my door pulls me out of my thoughts. Immediately, my smile falls because I’m not expecting company, but it’s quickly replaced with the thought of Easton. This is always how he presents himself. No call, no text, no warning. He just comes and takes what he wants, and fuck, I want him to want me right now, even though my mind tries to tell me my body needs a break to recover.
I skip to the door and look through my peephole to see if my suspicion is right, and just as quickly as my hopes got brought up, they come crashing down. The man standing in the hall isn’t someone I want to speak to let alone see.
