“Hmmm . . .” I answered, not wanting to come off rude, but not wanting to encourage her either.
When Katelyn turned her attention to Ana waiting for an answer, Ana stuttered, “Oh . . . well. I don’t know,” and lifted her wine glass, finishing it.
“Come on, Andrew. How about you?”
He rested his arm back on Ana’s chair before answering. “I don’t think so. I treat women with respect. I don’t have some archaic need to punish a woman like a child.”
I clenched my jaw to hold back a retort that he shouldn’t be such a judgmental prick. I hated watching Ana shrink in her chair, letting her shoulders fall forward. Katelyn offered a rebuttal, calling Andrew a snooze-fest, and Ana muttered out a quick “Excuse me” before running to the bathroom.
Pulling out my phone, I decided to message her to make sure she was okay, but had to think about what to say. I stared at the blank screen before looking at Andrew. I didn’t want her going home with that prick.
Me: Come over tonight.
I put away my phone just as Ana returned. She sat and then pulled her phone out of her pocket. I knew what she would find. She looked at the screen and then glanced up at me. I held her stare, wanting to demand she follow my direction.
“Well, everyone,” Andrew started. “It’s been a fun night, but it’s getting late. Are we ready to head home?” he asked Ana.
“I think I might stay if anyone wants to join me,” Katelyn said, turning pointedly to me.
“Sorry, Katelyn. I think I’m too tired to stay out any later,” I responded.
“I think I’m ready to go too,” Ana added, standing to collect her jacket.
We made our way out after saying goodbye to Katelyn. Once outside, Andrew turned to Ana. “You want to come back to my place?”
I froze awaiting her response. She paused and looked at the black screen of her phone, knowing my offer was on there. “Umm, no, but thank you. It’s been a long day and I could use some sleep.”
I almost believed her if she hadn’t flicked her eyes nervously at me. I’d won and the victory was going to taste sweet.
“Can I make sure you get home? Maybe give you a massage to help relax? I know you had a long week.” Andrew tried one more time.
“That’s okay. It’s really sweet of you to offer, but I’m in the opposite direction. I’m just going to crash as soon as I get home.”
I didn’t want to stand and linger, so I waved my goodbye as I turned to walk away. I still wasn’t one hundred percent sure if Ana would show up, but I hoped.
Once I reached my car, my phone vibrated with a message.
Ana: Okay.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Ana
Up until that night, I hadn’t chosen Kevin over Andrew, but pulling up to his apartment had me questioning the step I was taking. I wanted normal, I reminded myself. I wanted to want Andrew. To feel an inferno instead of a spark when he kissed me. To be happy enough with his sweet gesture to follow me home and give me a massage, which he knew I loved so much.
To look at him and not feel the weight of a secret that could make him look at me in disgust. I wanted that with anyone in my future.
Yet, I didn’t have to hide anything from Kevin. He knew me and accepted me anyway without judgment. That weight wasn’t there. But then I remembered how Kevin had abandoned me when someone questioned our desires. What if it happened again? Would he stand by me? I wanted to be a teacher and if there was even a whisper about my preferences, I’d never find a job. I imagined the gossip: She likes to be controlled, spanked, and bruised. A woman who is influencing our children is promoting abuse.
A chill ran down my spine, and I almost turned around, until I saw Kevin standing outside and my eyes met his. I felt his gravitational pull and it was impossible to resist. Shoving all thoughts aside, I climbed out and walked toward him. He didn’t say a word as he opened the door and led me up the stairs. When we reached the door, he shoved me against the wall and crashed his mouth on mine.
His hands gripped my ass and lifted me up, bringing my legs around his waist. My groan turned into a whimper when his teeth clamped down on my collarbone. I thrust my hands in his hair and yanked his head back, staring him in his eyes with all the fire he had evoked in me. Without saying anything, I demanded he take me inside.
He nipped at my forearm before turning and entering his apartment, kicking the door shut behind us. A low light came from somewhere down the hall inside his apartment, but I didn’t get a chance to see where it led before I was up against another wall. I began pulling up his shirt as he moved us again, slamming my back against exposed brick and resting my ass on an entryway table.