“Mina—”
“Please, Leo.” I shake my head, wishing my eyes weren’t starting to heat as my brain begins its downward spiral. “I don’t want to talk about it. I’ve been thinking about it all day, and I need a distraction before I start crying again.”
I glare at the white tablecloth. Mom isn’t even here, and she somehow ruins everything. I think Leo goes on his phone—I don’t know. I’m not sure I have it in me to care right now. Going on this date—getting out of my room and pretending everythingis okay—doesn’t change the fact that nothing is fine. I want so many things, but I can’t have it all without losing something.
Not to mention there’s someone out there blackmailing me.
So, yes, a distraction is what I need.
I take a deep breath. “Why don’t you tell me how your day?—”
Oxygen punches out of my lungs, and my hand hits the edge of the table while on its way to clamp over my mouth. The toy’s vibrations have me screwing my eyes shut—from pleasure or embarrassment or both. I squeeze my legs together, fighting every need to angle my hips and start seeking friction.
“Sorry, what were you saying?”
The sadistic fucking bastard keeps changing the settings, turning it all the way up for a couple seconds, then dropping it down to a low, steady strength. Every time he switches it up, I’m fighting my reflexes to keep still.
If he thinks I’m able to respond to him properly, he’s out of his mind.
I force myself to keep my eyes open, but I’m not seeing anything. I’ve soaked through my panties and am probably ruining the leather skirt.
He drops the settingjustenough for me to gasp, “Leo?—”
Tedd’s arrival shuts me up. “Espresso Martini?” He sets the drink in front of me.
I awkwardly clasp my trembling hands in my lap, trying to plaster on the most innocentI’m definitely not about to have an orgasmsmile I can muster.
“Are you ready to order, or did you need more time?” Under different circumstances, I’d be annoyed that the waiter is referring to Leo, expecting him to answer on my behalf. Now, I’m just grateful.
“The chef’s selection for two would be great.”
My eyes widen. Absolutely not. That’s way too expensive. The gifts, I can accept. Ameal? I can’t justify that.
“Good choice. That shouldn’t be too long.” Tedd leaves with a smile.
I open my mouth to argue with Leo, but the only thing that comes out is a barely audible whimper because theassholeups the vibration level. My lower stomach cramps painfully, but it’s a dull ache against the pleasure.
“Before you bring up how much things cost, I make triple what this dinner is worth while I take my morning shower. No, we will not be getting drive-thru. No, don’t offend me by offering to split the amount. Yes, you should get used to this. Did I miss anything else?”
The vibrations stop, and I slump against the chair, a sweaty, panting mess. A deep inhale does wonders to ground me, and I try to ignore the sharp spasms in my cervix.
Shit. I didn’t bring any painkillers—not like they’ll do much.
Clearing my throat, I brush the loose hair from my face and keep the bottom half of my body perfectly still. “Yes, actually. I’m not ready to move into your house. We had an interesting start, and I think we need to take a step back, take baby steps, and get to know each other first before living together.”
He eyes me curiously. “Is this because it’s what you want, or because you’re scared about someone else’s reaction?”
“It’s because I don’t want to keep doing what people tell me to do when it’s what they want.” It comes out harsher than I expect.
I sip a healthy amount of the martini to get myself under control. I’m not actually mad at him. Sure, I’m a bit peeved he made me play into the game for months, but the space where we are now?
He brought forward the inevitable with my mother when I would’ve done everything in my power to push back that introduction. I’m more upset about dealing with my mom than having him rip the Band-Aid off.
Leo’s hand on mine startles me, but I keep mine exactly where it is, threading our fingers together in silent apology for snapping at him.
“I’ll give you the time, but you’ve had months of space to prepare for a life where we end up together. I’ll be right here. Always,” he says evenly, to make sure I catch every word of his intent.
My chest warms as I study the way his eyes bore into mine. This man really means it. That was a promise. None of this was a trick, or a test, or a way to get back at me.
