“It’s just something I picked up at Primark in London. I tried to fit in with the friends I was here with, but you still haven’t answered my question.” Damn she doesn’t pull punches, but I guess when you come from a wealthy family, motives play a huge role in who comes in and out of your life. It’s something I can truly understand.
“I own multiple businesses including three restaurants and six more pubs in and around Dublin.”
“How old are you?” Her perfectly arched brow juts upward while her kissable lips twist with curiosity.
“I’m thirty.”
“And you’re not married?” That’s a loaded question aimed at wondering why I’m not like it’s a bad thing, but I’m not even going to bother answering it.
“Not until you sign the papers.”
“No offense, Mr…”
“Delaney,” I say.
“Mr. Delaney, I’ve been played enough for a lifetime, and I’ll be heading to my hotel alone tonight,” she says, jabbing a finger into my chest. As much as I love this feisty side of her, she has no idea the lie she’s telling me. The way her pulse ticks up, the throaty way she says my name, and the unmistakable press of her thighs together to fight off the tingling between her thighs.
“I will escort you there and leave you at your door. I have something very important to do for the next two days. A family matter, so you’ll be free from my presence, but that doesn’t mean I’m letting you out of my sight.”
“Do you have children you have to ship off or something?” She challenges.
“You truly think the worst of me, don’t you?” She wants to fight this attraction which is a foolish and futile event. Never in my life have I wanted anything more and the mention of children only makes my balls fill with more baby making need. I will breed my Gloria as soon as heavenly possible.
“I’m not sure what to think, but let’s just say I need to remember not to be so naïve.”
One of my servers approaches, but hesitates when she sees Gloria, and I summon her to the table and place our order. I never have a woman with me for my own reasons and haven’t been with a woman in my life. Teenagers are horny things, and I was no exception to the rule, but I had discipline unlike my brother. Instead of chasing pussy I chased paper, using my mind and strength to one day help rule my father’s illegal empire. Now that I have my queen at my side, I’m never letting her go.
Once the waitress leaves, I continue where we left off, brushing a tendril of hair off her face and tucking it behind her ear because any excuse to touch her is a treasure I want to savor. “Your naivety is a treat. That innocence hidden under your sultry and strong exterior is something I long for.”
“Wow. You’re trying to seduce me.” It’s not a question but rather a statement of fact.
“I’d be lying to say I’m not, but I’m not looking for a one-night stand. The second you give your body to me, it’s mine to keep until they lay us down for the last time.”
“What if I don’t want forever? What if I do find you extremely sexy and wonder if you could do wicked things to me?” I’m going to pretend that it’s the booze making her say something so foolish.
“Like I said, sweet lass. The second I put my dick inside you, you will never be with anyone else ever again.”
“So it’s all or nothing then?”
I chuckle because nothing isn’t an option. “It’s all… just a matter of tonight or another night.”
“Wow.” Our waitress returns to our table, setting down our plates and effectively stopping whatever retort she was working on.
“Please eat,” I urge her before she becomes unwell.
She takes a knife to her beef, and it slices like butter. “It smells good.”
“You sound surprised.”
“Let’s just say I live in the best city for food in the world. Nothing tops it. I’ve been to Italy once and even then it didn’t compare to the variety of flavors and types of cuisine.”
“Ah, makes sense. The food in Chicago is delicious.”
“So you’ve been there before?” she asks after swallowing another bite.
“Many times. Although, if I knew you were there, hiding from me, I would have found you and stolen you away.”
“You’re laying it on thicker than the cheese on a Beggar’s pizza.”
“I’ll do whatever I have to do to get you to realize that you’re mine.”
“Are you mine? Or will you be dipping out to get a variety platter when you get the taste for it?” she questions, pointing her fork at me with intent.
“Never. I’ve never been with a woman before.”
“Bullshit. I’m supposed to believe that?” she says with a laugh, setting her fork down on her plate.