“Is this your house?” I asked once we stepped into the foyer.
“That shouldn’t matter to you.”
“Ugh. You’re a jerk.”
He turned around and took backward steps while eyeing me. “My kindness is a privilege, not a right. Do you think you’ve earned it?”
“I already said my bad for kidnapping you.”
“Yo’ bad?” He issued a jeweled smile that was as cold as the central air flowing through the house. “Yeah, okay.”
Neptune didn’t give me a tour, but I complimented the curved staircase and abstract art as we moved through the house. Marble floors and bare white walls welcomed me intothe kitchen, where tall, black candles lined a long, glass table, and two silver chairs sat on opposite ends. Shock parted my lips when Neptune pulled out my chair. Just like outside, I became mesmerized by the smell of cinnamon on his skin.
“Are you good?”
“Yes,” I answered low and in a hurry.
Comfortable in my seat, I admired Neptune as he walked to his chair. Now that he wasn’t weak in the knees, I could appreciate the strength and dominance in his stride. The room was dim, but there was enough light for me to admire his fit. We matched each other’s fly, both in black from head to toe. I only paid attention to the dishes on the table when Neptune removed the lids. Wafts of garlic and oregano smacked me in the nose. I sat up in my seat to make sure my senses weren’t deceiving me. Aside from the pasta primavera, there was a plate of meatballs in marinara sauce, a Caesar salad, and buttered breadsticks on the table.
“How did you know my favorite food?”
“You mentioned you were craving primavera twice while at your brother’s spot. It wasn’t hard to figure out.”
I nodded. “Hm. Observant.”
“Yeah. I know that concept is foreign to you.”
I huffed, then helped myself to a bottle of liquor on my side of the table. “How long are the insults going to last? You could’ve kept talking shit over the phone.”
We locked eyes, and I couldn’t tell whether Neptune was upset or lost in thought. Being unable to read him made me think the worst. I tried to match Neptune’s firm disposition, but a giggle slipped from my lips when I recalled how I may have walked into the lion’s den.
“What’s funny?”
“Everything about this moment. Maybe I am a sitting duck.”
“At least you’re a pretty one.”
“Thank you. I think.” I anchored my gaze to his. “I said sorry for what I did.”
“You didn’t. You saidmy bad.”
“Same difference.”
He grimaced. “If I tell you I want to fuck you instead of saying I want to make love to you, would you think it’s the same?”
His choice of words sent my teeth into my bottom lip. My candid expression carried a smile to his face.
“I’m sorry for kidnapping you. I should’ve made sure you were the right person before I knocked you out.” I sighed and put on a pouty mug. “Do you accept my apology?”
His head rocked from side to side. “Not yet. I need you to do something for me.”
“Something like what?”
“I need you on my arm for a few events.”
“Why?”
He drank from his glass. “I got a lot of shit going on. It’ll be a good look.”
