My stomach rolls. It’s been months since I let him slip into my head. It’s easier to keep him buried dip in the pits of my brain where he can’t wreak havoc. He taunts me from beyond the grave. The reach of his censure, hate, and conditioning linger despite my best efforts to free myself from its hold. I refuse to believe the woman across from me is less due to pigmentation and melanin.
She’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, brilliant, funny, and driven. If anyone is unworthy, it’s me. I stub the negative words out like a cigar under my boot heel. This time is more than work for the club. It’s my chance to figure out what the hell I want and where I’m headed.
“Perhaps there’s more to you than good looks and charm.”
I laugh. “You think I’m charming, huh?”
“If you expect me to start referring to you as Prince Charming, you’re out of luck.”
“Just Charming will do.”
She rolls her eyes. My two worlds are too close for comfort.
“I’m sure they eat that up where you come from.”
“My family has a thing for nicknames. Charming is mine.”
“Oh my God, you’re serious, aren’t you?” she whispers.
I chuckle. “We’re as far from traditional as you can get.”
“I envy you that.”
“Don’t. You’ve got a good thing going here. The kinks can be ironed out.”
“Not always.” She peers through the window at her brothers and I know I’m missing part of the story.
“You ready to stop running? ’Cause we both know you want this to happen.”
“Only me?” she asks coyly.
I grin. “I never said that.”
“What happens if I say yes?” Her voice lowers an octave, and my pants grow tighter.
“Things you didn’t even know you wanted.”
“Cocky.” Her smirk takes the bite from her words. I’m starting to like that word coming from her.
“That insinuates confidence without reason. I’m issuing you a guarantee.”
“Time to head back to the truck.”
Ellis’s voice is a bucket of ice water. I want to strangle the cock blocker, but I keep my calm. Eventually, we’re going to have words. Nothing is going to stop me from sampling the woman across the table. I want to drink her down, and learn her every secret. By the time I’m done, there’ll be no part of her left untouched.
Chapter Four
Xia
Instead of being nervous, I’m excited as I peer in the mirror for a final once over. I paired an off-the-shoulder black crop top T-shirt with black jeans and combat boots. It’s casual but flirty and flattering. The yoga and pilates that helped me unwind after work is benefitting me in other ways as well. I kept my lipstick flattering. The ombre purple fades from a shiny lighter purple to a darker hue that reminds me of space. I won’t pretend I wasn’t thinking about kissing when I choose a long lasting color which won’t smudge.
The man talks a good game, and I want to see if he lives up to his hype. The wicked gleam in his eyes make me believe he can. There’s a silent authority to him.
“Are you going to tell me where we’re headed?” I ask as excitement winds its way through my body.
“Now where’s the fun in that?”
Coming from anyone else I’d balk, but not with him. His spontaneity is a catching disease. I like that he lives in the moment and has a devil may care attitude.