“What if I tell you I’m scared?”
He couldn’t help but smile. “I promise I won’t hurt you. We’ll go nice and slow. I’ll take good care of you.” He gave her leg a little squeeze.
“I’m not worried about my body.”
Tobias had a lot to prove, and it was all unfamiliar territory. But if he wanted to secure his legacy, he needed a woman. A wife. The longer he spent with Adora, the more his physical attraction morphed into genuine affection. It terrified him, this new vulnerability. His first reaction was to fight back and put up walls. He hoped he didn’t fuck this up.
“One thing at a time,” he said. Tobias slid his hand up her dress, holding her hip as he kissed her shoulder. “No more worrying.”
“I haven’t told my mother about us. About our date.”
“You’re doing it again. Tonight’s about you and me. I’ve been looking forward to it all week.” He kissed her deep, holding her close. When her tongue slipped into his mouth, his eyes rolled back in his head. Never had a woman had such a profound effect on him.
****
Last week, Adora had been satisfied with her lot in life. Putting herself through college wasn’t easy, but she was determined to make something out of her life. The studying, the working, the struggling—it would all be worth it one day.
Everything had changed.
In one week.
Adora was falling in love with a man twice her age, a man seemingly perfect in every way. She knew it was a mistake to go along with any of this, but she couldn’t convince her heart otherwise. His words, his affection, and the way he stood up for her, everything kept pulling her in, and she was starting to change her hard-set views. Maybe things could work out. Maybe he’d grow to love her?
“If we don’t stop now, I’ll be taking you right here on the sofa. I don’t think you’d want that.” His voice always sounded rough and deep, having a direct effect on her libido.
She wanted to tell him that she didn’t care one way or another. There was something about Tobias that demanded obedience, and she was helpless against it. She wanted him, wanted him to take control of her body in every way. Was she selling out? Putting her fears above her ideals? She didn’t want to admit it, but even without the blackmail she wouldn’t have been able to turn him down.
“I still say the dress costs way too much,” she said.
He gave her that same evil smirk that made her body fire hot. “You can thank me tonight.”
Adora slipped off his lap, and changed back into her clothes. Tobias carried her dress to the front of the store. There was an older man in a suit waiting for them, a soft measuring tape around his neck.
“Carlos, thanks for coming by. Seems we have a bit of an emergency.” Tobias winked and tossed the dress into his waiting arms, continuing on to the checkout counter. Adora followed behind him, but the tailor stopped her.
“A few measurements, please.”
Adora obliged him as he quickly took all her measurements, then took the notepad to a wooden folding table with everything a tailor could need. She couldn’t believe how much pull Tobias Bennett had. It made her feel special that he’d chosen her.
When she joined Tobias at the counter, he’d just swiped his credit card, tucking it back into his wallet. She couldn’t even imagine how that would feel—buying anything he wanted, never feeling financially insecure.
“Give him a few minutes, then you can change. Are you hungry?”
She nodded.
“Where are we having dinner?” she asked.
“La Ballezza. Do you like Italian food?” He brushed some loose hair off her face, and she remembered it wasn’t pulled back. The way he looked at her made her feel beautiful, like the only woman in the world.
“I love it,” she said. He must have made reservations early in the week. La Ballezza was one of the most expensive restaurants on the downtown strip. All the celebrities and high rollers ate there. She never dreamed she’d see the inside firsthand.
“Excellent.” He cupped her face and kissed her. “I’m looking forward to tonight.”
The lady from the store was only feet away behind the counter, but Tobias wasn’t embarrassed or shy in any way about expressing himself. She liked that about him. He was confident and didn’t care what anyone else thought. Adora wished she had a fraction of his self-assurance.
As soon as the tailor was done, Adora changed into her dress and shoes. The gown fit like a glove, hugging her curves like a second skin. She felt awkward being so formal, and walking in heels wasn’t as easy as it looked. Before she had a chance to reflect and close in on herself, Tobias had his arm around her waist. He led her out to his car, opening the passenger door for her like a true gentleman. She wanted to hate him, but he made it so difficult.
The interior of Tobias’s car was pure luxury. She sank into the lush leather seat, and watched the cityscape flash by the passenger window. The soft purr of the engine was the only sound in the car, and it unnerved her.