Page 19 of Bought By Torch

“May the best man win.” I tip my chin, then point him toward the poker table where Roller’s waiting for him. “You’ve got a hundred grand in chips waiting for you over there. Bet it wisely.”

Before he can respond with some dipshit comment, I turn and leave, heading straight for Evie’s room.

“What do you want?” she asks, annoyed with my arrival.

“I wanted to check on you and see how you’re doing.”

“I’m fine. You can go now.”

She goes to shut the door, but I block it with my hand. On a huff, she turns and walks away, down the hall to her bedroom. I follow behind her, unable to keep my eyes off her ass. When I saw her in that little bikini earlier, my entire body raged with need. Sexiest little thing ever.

“Why the hell are you packing?”

She’s got half of her suitcase filled already.

“Because I’m leaving. I’m done. I’m done with Caleb. I’m done with my dad and his whores. And I’m done with you. You can stop pretending that you like me and get on with your life.”

“What the fuck are you talking about? I’m not pretending, Evie. Were you not paying attention last night? Did you not hear me earlier when I told you I wanted you to end things with your boyfriend?”

“Then why did get all weird when my dad showed up? Looked to me like you care more about his money than me.”

Now, it’s all starting to come together. The reason she was annoyed after seeing me with Angora. The reason she bolted after her dad arrived. The stiff shoulders when I got close. Everyone has always wanted her because of her last name, because of the amount of money she has in her trust fund. She doesn’t trust people. And she certainly doesn’t trust me.

I move in, wrapping my arms around her and stopping her from putting one more item in that bag. She’s not going anywhere. Ever.

“I didn’t want you to feel uncomfortable in front of him. It’s not him I was worried about. It was you. You’re the only one I care about, babe. Not the money. And not your dad’s opinion of me. But yours. What you think of me matters. And I didn’t want you thinking I was a jerk for trying to rub your pussy in front of your dad.”

Her head turns. Finally, I’m getting through.

“I mean it, baby. Your dad could leave now, take his investment with him, and I’d still be begging you to stay. I’m kind of taken by you, Evie. Need you to open up to the idea that something might be happening here between us. Something real.”

Her body turns in my arms, melting right into me. It’s good to see the tension fleeing. Now, it’s time to seal the deal.

“I feel it, Torch. It terrifies me—a little. But I feel it too.”

“There’s nothing for you to be scared of, doll. I promise you can trust to see this through. Your heart’s going to be safe with me.” I pull her closer as her fingers cling to my chest. I’ll bear herweight and everything life throws her way. “I want to kiss you more than you could imagine, babe.”

“So, do it.”

I brush my thumbs across her pink cheeks, memorizing every little crease along her lips, her panting breaths slipping between them. “Not until you end things with Caleb. I won’t cross that line until he knows the truth.” I run my lips across to her ear. “He needs to know you’re mine.”

A moan slips from her and her body nearly gives out against me. It’s time to take her downstairs so she can finish this. Then I’m taking her up to my room. The ghosts can wait for another night. Tonight, I’m not sharing.

12

Evie

Idon’t know how many times I say his name, but finally, he turns his head from the table.

“What are you still doing here? I thought you were going out with him.” Caleb’s attention goes right back to the table as if he can’t give me a second of his time.

I wonder why he would assume I was going out with Torch. I told him I was going back to my room.

“We are going out. But first, I need to speak with you.”

“Can it wait? I’m on a lucky streak here. Already doubled my money you gave me.”

He looks to Torch, and my head turns in the man’s direction as well.