Provoke

“Sorry,” I huffed, jogging down the stairs at the station two at a time. “Trial ran over. I’m on my way.”

“Okay. Hurry, though.”

Sure, because I was planning on taking my time.

I picked up my speed when I saw the train on the platform, sliding into it just as the doors began to close. I sat down on the only vacant seat, which was next to a rather rotund man who smelled of cheese.

I kept as close to the edge of the seat as I possibly could without appearing rude, which still nearly had me pressed up against him. He smiled at me and I smiled back, then turned my attention to the book I’d pulled out to pretend to read.

“One of the classics.”

I glanced at the man, surprised. “It is,” I agreed. To Kill a Mockingbird was one of my favourites.

“My favourite novel,” he smiled. “I actually have a signed first edition in my collection.”

Holy shit. I’d dismissed this man as a homeless bum. My face flushed, embarrassed at my rush to judge him. I was better than that. At least I thought I was.

My phone buzzed, saving me. I excused myself, pulling it out to check the message. It was from Mace.

Leets, I cannot go in there without you. Just try and hurry, okay? We don’t need to give your parents more ammunition.

Why is everyone on my case today?

The train pulled up to the station opposite the restaurant I was headed to. Jumping up, I raced off, jogging up the mountain of stairs and out onto the street. I spotted Mace, pacing back and forth just down from the door.

God, he is so fucking hot. And he’s actually dressed up. The last time I’d seen him in a suit was at his brother’s trial three months earlier. Yet here he was, donning a black suit, clean-shaven, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away from him. Part of me wanted to skip dinner, drag him back to my place, and . . . well, you get the picture.

“There you are.” He wrapped his arms around me and kissed my head. “Busy day?” Argh, he smelled amazing. The scent of wood tones and musk surrounded me. It wasn’t fair that he was so damn irresistible.

I nodded. “I won.” His face lit up, and I couldn’t help but smile. I loved that regardless of the difference in our upbringings, when it came to my work he was always there for me, and supportive.

“Congratulations, babe. I’m so proud of you.” He beamed, leaning down to kiss me. He flicked open my jacket and looked me over. His eyes darkened. “Fuck, you drive me crazy, Leets. These skimpy little outfits you wear.”

“It’s a suit.” I laughed, glancing down at my pressed jacket, black skirt, and thin, cream silk shirt.

There was nothing sexy about my outfit. Everything about me screamed practical, yet there he was, eyeing me like I was wearing nothing but a bra and panties. My body tingled, an instant response to the positive feedback it was receiving. That was one thing about Mace: he loved to tell me how hot I was, or how badly he wanted to bang me. I wasn’t the kind of girl who needed constant reassurance, but I wasn’t about to pass it up when it was offered.

“Yeah, well, you’d look fucking hot in a hessian bag,” he mumbled, nibbling at my neck, his fingers slipping the top button of my shirt undone. Giggling, I glanced inside the window of the restaurant . . . and right into the eyes of my father.

Shit! Moment ruined.

“Come on, let’s get inside.”

“It’s not too late to pretend you couldn’t make it,” he said, grabbing my hand.

Oh, yes it is.

“Come on,” I said, dragging him inside. “I promise it won’t be that bad.” Now, if only I could convince myself of that. Whose stupid idea was this, anyway?

We walked over where my parents were seated. I held Mace’s hand tightly, anticipating the bloodbath I knew was coming. I’d been vague with my parents when telling them about Mace and his family, and I just knew it was all going to come out tonight. I would not be surprised if the first question that came out of Dad’s mouth was asking for his family tree.

No, I wasn’t joking.

“Mom, Dad, this is Mace.” I smiled and held Mom’s gaze, my eyes begging her to control my father for at least the one night. “Mace, my parents, Derrick and Matilda.”

“Lovely to meet you, Mace.” Mom beamed at him. Was she blushing? I leaned in closer. She was! God, Mom found my boyfriend sexy. Kill me now.

“Pleasure to meet you, Mrs Drake,” Mace said, leaning over to kiss her cheek. She giggled, her voice a few notes too high as her face went redder. I rolled my eyes and sat down. At least he’d won her over. I doubted Dad was going to fall for the sexy smile and soft kiss, though.