Page 84 of Surrendering to the Obsession

“Do you want me to wear this more often?” he asked, playful, taking her hand and leading her toward the car.

Mia nodded eagerly, her smile radiant. “Yes, please!”

“Then I’ll wear it more often,” Alexander said, opening the car door for her.

He reached out to help her in, and Mia, unable to resist the flutter in her chest, arched onto her tiptoes and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Alexander froze, as if it were the first time she had ever kissed him. His gaze held hers, intense and warm. Before she could slide into the car, he leaned in and kissed her on the mouth, leaving her breathless. When she pulled back to sit, he caught her hand and held it tight.

“How about we skip the steakhouse tonight?” he murmured, his eyes dark with hunger. “Let’s go back to our bedroom.”

Mia gasped sharply. “Absolutely not!” She freed her hand and slid into the passenger seat, clutching the door handle. “Mr. Graves, we are going to the steakhouse.”

Alexander stayed rooted, one arm resting on the top of the car, the other keeping the door open. He looked at her with pleading eyes, uncharacteristically vulnerable.

Mia turned her head away, closing her eyes. “Don’t give me that look, Mr. Graves. It works most of the time, but not now. I got dressed up, and you look ridiculously handsome. We are not going back inside.” She peeked at him, cheeks slightly flushed. “Maybe… after we come back, we can do… that.”

Alexander let out a deep, almost reluctant breath of defeat. He leaned in to press a soft kiss to her cheek, then whispered near her ear, “Mrs. Graves, we always do it when we come backhome. You don’t have to promise me; I know it will happen. But tonight… not in the bed. Be prepared for a surprise.”

Mia went utterly still, heart hammering, as his words hit her.

He gave her a small, wicked smile, eyes still burning with heat as he stepped back and slammed the car door shut.

She sat there, breathless. She was tempted to tell him to stay home, that he had already convinced her to stay home but she didn’t. Instead, she pinched her thigh and looked away, blinking rapidly. ‘Stop being so hungry all the time… Mr. Graves has completely ruined me.’

Alexander slid into the driver’s seat. The engine roared to life, the car surged through the Manhattan streets, the city lights blurring past. His hand found hers, gripping it firmly, and then slowly wandered to her thigh. Mia felt heat rush through her as his fingers trailed along her skin, sliding the fabric of her dress higher.

Her hands remained folded obediently in her lap, her body tense with a mix of desire and restraint. Every nerve in her body was on fire. The thought of even making it to the steakhouse seemed impossible. Maybe… it would have been better to take his offer and forget the dinner for tonight.

Just when it became unbearable for her to control herself, the car suddenly slowed and came to a full stop. Mia blinked rapidly, her breath catching, and looked out the window. The steakhouse glowed under golden lights and blinding brightness. She turned her head toward the restaurant, then back toward Alexander in surprise.

He met her gaze calmly, not a hair out of place, and said, “We’re here.”

He looked completely fine, collected, and unaffected… while Mia felt like she could barely breathe, let alone feel her legs.

Alexander stepped out of the car first. Mia finally sucked in a deep, shaky breath, trying to calm herself down, but the scent of him still lingered heavily inside the car. Her thighs trembled. She placed her hand on her knee and gave it a tight squeeze—twice—trying to remind her legs they still existed.

Then she finally turned to the door. Alexander was already there, opening it fully for her. Mia took the hand he extended, and stepped out.

There was silence all around. It was a quiet night—too quiet.

Mia looked around, confused. This steakhouse was so famous that there wasnevera quiet night—not even on holidays. She turned to Alexander with a frown.

“Mr. Graves,” she asked softly, “is it possible the place is closed tonight? I’ve never seen it this empty before.”

Alexander answered, “It’s not closed. Let’s go.”

He took her hand in his own again and casually tossed the car keys to the valet who had appeared in front of them, then headed toward the entrance.

They walked inside. The man at the door opened it for them, and they stepped into a space made almost entirely of glass. The view of the city—the skyline, the rolling lights—was breathtaking.

Mia’s steps slowed as she scanned the place.

The entire restaurant was empty.

Her eyes widened. “Mr. Graves, why is it so empty? Did you book the entire place?” Mia stopped mid-step, staring, as realization dawned on her.

Alexander smiled at her and answered, “Of course. I wanted to have a private dinner with my wife. It has to be special.”