Redeemed (Dirty Air 4)

“Be serious for a second. Why did you agree?”

I let out an agitated breath. “I was afraid he would get upset if I denied such an easy request.”

“The whole point of this dinner was for you to get to know him outside of the cafe.”

“Yeah, well, not everything can be perfect. I’m making do with a shitty situation.”

“I don’t like this plan.”

I shrug. “You don’t like many plans unless they’re about you secluding yourself in your giant lair of a house.”

“Hilarious.”

“What’s the worst that can go wrong?”

He groans. “Don’t say that out loud. It’s bad luck.”

“Fine.” I huff dramatically.

Santiago and I work together, prepping the food. He spends the entire time testing me with questions about him. My answers have him switching between laughing and scowling, but the game distracts me.

I appreciate him a bit more for going out of his way to make me comfortable. No matter how many times I warn myself about Santiago, I can’t help the draw I have toward him. This man is beyond likable, and I don’t know what to do about it.

20

Chloe

“They’re coming!” I call out to Santiago as I adjust the wine glasses for a third time.

“Relax.” Santiago’s arms wrap around me. His warm breath heats up my neck and tickles my ear.

Whoa. This is the first time he’s initiated touching me without an audience, and I am not exactly opposed to it. Honestly, I want more of it. I’m tempted to cling onto him like a baby koala and make myself at home.

He presses his thumb to my pulse point. “You’re going to have a heart attack if you keep this up.”

No, sir, I’m going to have a heart attack if you keep this up. I let out a shaky breath. “Time to get this show on the road.”

“Quick lightning round of questions. What’s my favorite movie?” Santiago steps away from me.

Cool air replaces his warm embrace, and I sense the loss immediately. “The Shining because you’re clinically certifiable.”

He laughs. “Name something I’m talented at.”

“You have a talent?”

His eyes darken as they land on my mouth. “You can think of one thing, I’m sure.”

Umm, okay. Excuse me while I choke on my own saliva. “Such a naughty mind.”

“Naughty insinuates the things I want to do to you are wrong. I can promise you they’ll feel very good.” His wink has my lower half giving a standing ovation.

I try to think of something to say besides staring at him like I want to give his dick a ride, but he interrupts me again. “How many World Championships have I won?”

“Two.”

He smirks. “And am I a morning or night person?”

“Night because the sunshine kills your pissy attitude.”