“Didn’t I mention I wasn’t kidnapped?” My mouth turns dry when Dante takes a drag of his cigarette, holding my gaze. His cheeks puff out before he parts his full lips, letting out a thick, gray cloud.
How can smoking look so sexy?
“Frankie will go nuts.”
That he might. I’m going rogue here. Acting on impulse. “Then don’t tell him. You’re crafty. I’m sure you’ll come up with an interesting lie. Bye-bye for now. I’m busy.” I cut the call, rising from my seat.
I need a break from Dante, his green eyes, and his effect on me. I also need to stop looking at him like I usually look at a chocolate cake. The club is busier now. The line to the upstairs bar starts halfway down the stairs. Thankfully, the restroom is quieter. I wash my hands, squeeze my neck, and count down from ten.
Time to go home before Dante permanently damages my not-so-perfect mind.
“Running away, are you?” He asks when I return.
I finish my drink and grab my bag. “I’m not running. I’m leaving. There’s a difference.”
“Is Daddy’sbabygirlafraid she’ll be punished?” He crosses his arms, leaning back with another smug smile.
Every time his eyes travel down my body in a heated once-over, I feel exposed as if he sees right through me... as if he knows my deepest secrets.
“Of course. Can’t you see my legs shaking?” I fling the crossbody bag over my head. “Your company’s not that great, you know?”
“It’s better than you’re willing to admit.”
“Let’s agree to disagree.”
He cuffs my wrist, yanking me closer until I stand between his legs, my thighs touching his knees. “Sit.”
I cock an eyebrow, staring him down. “Oh, you think I take orders, baby? Sorry, I don’t.”
His grip tightens, and he pulls me closer again, gentle but demanding when his free hand caresses the soft spot at the back of my knee. “It’s been an hour since we met, but this is the third time I’ve wanted to shut your mouth with mine, Star.” His gaze stops at my lips, eyes dark like green velvet. “Can you sit down?” Again, he tugs on my hand, his warm breath fanning my face. “We’re not done,baby.”
Maintaining an impassive expression while my body feels like I’ve been dipped in a Jacuzzi is not easy. No way I’ll let my face tell him how much I enjoy his touch.
And his words.
“Fine, but keep your mouth away from me.” I wiggle out of his grip, taking a seat. An unpleasant chill slides along my spine once I’m no longer in his personal space. “If I’m staying, you must make my birthday wish come true.”
“Is it your birthday today?”
I take his hand, dizzy when the same electric pulse washes over me at the touch of his warm skin. I roll the sleeve of his biker jacket, revealing a silver watch. “In ninety-three minutes, I’ll be nineteen. One wish, Dante. Don’t worry, it’s not complicated. The biggest one is reserved for someone else.”
“Do I look like a genie, Star?”
“No, you don’t.” I tilt my head, ignoring the unusual pet name. I ignore it even though an anemic butterfly flaps one wing in my belly. “You look a bit like a fairy, though.”
A one-sided smile curls his lips. “Fine. I might regret this but do go on. What is it that you wish for?”
“Get me drunk. It’s been a long day, and the morning isn’t looking up. A small hangover will hopefully drown out the earful I’ll get from Frank.”
“Done. I’ll get you drunk. Now, raise the bar.” His hands brush against my knee. It looks like an accident but it isn’t. “There must be something else I can do.”
“You’re not fit to fulfill my other wishes.”
He’s not appeased but leaves it without comment. “I’ll make sure your douche of anex-boyfriend is the last thing on your mind tonight.”
CHAPTER TWO
Dante