Page 43 of Wicked Dares
I’m only not listening because I know if she steps inside my home again, I’ll have her back in my bed.
It didn’t take a genius to figure out what she was telling me without saying it out loud when she spoke about her ex.
Two things occurred to me at that moment. The first was that I’d thoroughly enjoy destroying her ex. The next was, she’s not ready for me.
Not yet.
And that part might be the only thing stopping me from pushing back like I normally would.
We take the elevator to the fifth floor and get out, stepping into another corridor with shady characters. I catch some guys watching her. Their attention lingers half a second too long before they notice me beside her. Then they immediately look away.
We stop at her apartment—number 516.
“This is me.” She gestures to the door.
“I’m not entirely convinced I should leave you here.” I cock my head.
“I’m fine. My apartment is actually great.”
I doubt that but won’t say it. “Alright. As you wish.”
Her gaze becomes cautious again. “Thank you… for tonight. I had a really nice time.”
“Glad to hear that.”
“This… I probably can’t do this again anytime soon.” She pauses, fumbling with her fingers. “I think I need to keep things simple right now.”
Simple.
That’s probably the one thing I’ve never been in my entire life. Simplicity has always felt like an ill-fitted suit, or a new brand of wine that doesn’t quite meet the mark.
As I stare back at her, I think of the age-old question—why do people want things they can’t, or shouldn’t, have? It’s always because that thing is more enticing than what you already have. And it only makes you want it more.
This poor butterfly hasn’t realized yet that she already chose me.
The second she walked back into my orbit, this stopped being casual for me. But I’ll give her time to catch up. The space might be the best thing for both of us, because for some goddamn reason, I can’t stop wanting her.
I grin. The reaction surprises her. “I guess I’ll see you around at work, then.”
She looks slightly disappointed with my answer but tries to mask it with her own smile. I don’t think even she knows what she wants me to say. “Sure. I’ll see you at work.”
I lift two fingers to my mouth, press a kiss to them, then settle them against her lips.
Her breath catches, her pulse quickening beneath her creamy skin. I feel it against my fingertips and nearly lose the little self-control I have left.
“Good night, Butterfly.” I step back before I do something I won’t regret.
“Good night.”
I turn and walk away, wondering what trouble tonight may have stirred.
* * *
The moment I see Arthur Lockwood’s number flashing across my screen, I know things are about to shift—one way or another. He’s never called me this early.
I got to the office five minutes ago. Barely enough time to down some coffee before the phone rang.
“Morning, Arthur,” I answer, keeping my composure. The worst thing you can show a man like him is that you need him.
