Page 80 of Scandal
“We’re not…” He tilts his head, his expression full of doubt as I remember the way Mercury’s eyes filled with surprise when I told her last week I wanted to be her first. She’s been dying of anticipation ever since, waiting for me to make a move.
I’m not sure I can hold out much longer.
“Yeah, okay.” I let out a long sigh. “I’m seriously fucked.”
Chapter Nineteen
MERCURY
“Have you ever been to a film premiere?”
We’ve been driving for about an hour, and the country roads are just starting to give way to the narrow streets and historic architecture of Edinburgh. I look out the window, still slightly unable to believe that stuff like this exists.
“DoesBravecount? I was ten and insanely upset for months that I wasn’t born with red curly hair.”
“You’re asking me—the soon-to-be earl—whether the animated film about a Scottish woman trying to defy the role she was born to fulfill counts?” He snorts. “Nah.”
“Trying to prove I’m not the only funny one in this relationship?”
His eyes crinkle at the corners. “Maybe I’m just out of practice.”
My pulse quickens as I gather the courage to ask the question I’ve been meaning to ask for a week. “Is that the only thing you’re out of practice at?” His brow furrows in confusion. “I mean—shit.” I mentally smack myself on the forehead.
His expression shifts to keen understanding. “Are you asking how long it’s been since I last had sex?”
I inwardly groan. “Yes, but I realize I could have phrased it differently. Or, you know, just not asked at all. But it’s a fair question, isn’t it? Considering…”
“Considering I know all of your sexual history?”
“You mean my lack of sexual history?”
He gives me a warm smile. “Still, I understand why you would want to know, especially after the photos and Lana’s appearance at the manor.”
“I never looked at the photos,” I blurt out, and he looks genuinely surprised.
“You may be the only one in the world who hasn’t.”
“In the whole world? Doubtful. You think too highly of yourself.”
He snorts out a laugh. “Thanks for keeping me humble.”
“Anytime.” A silence settles between us before I say, “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable. You don’t need to tell me.”
“You didn’t make me uncomfortable, Merc. I’m glad you asked.”
“You are?”
He nods. “If you’re not brave enough to ask someone about their sexual history, it’s probably a sign you’re not ready to sleep with them. There are just certain things you need to know when becoming physical.”
“Is that why you haven’t touched me yet? ’Cause you were waiting for me to be more confident?”
A sly smile spreads across his face. “No, I was just enjoying the sweet agony of watching your anticipation grow with each passing day.”
My breath hitches as my eyes dart to the partition that separates us from the driver. “And now?”
“And now that you’ve waited so patiently—I’m clean, by the way. It’s been over a year since I’ve been with anyone—I think you deserve a reward.”
My mind reels, and my stomach clenches at his seductive, surprising words. A whole year? “What do you have in mind?” I ask, trying to sound mature, but I’m pretty sure my voice climbs half an octave as his large hand stretches across my thigh. My strapless black dress has a long slit up the front, and I watch in silent fascination as he slowly pushes the fabric to each side, exposing my bare skin.
