by Dani Rene
Picking up the phone, I hit dial on her number once more. Four rings, and I’m about to give up when she finally answers.
“You need to stop, Rome.”
“I sold you a fucking building, Elisabet. I’m checking up on my property,” I hiss angrily. Feeling frustrated at her brush-off. “You can’t just ignore me.”
She sighs, and I wait for it, for her to tell me to go to hell. “It was one night, Rome. This was always meant to be a business arrangement.” She sounds so fucking sure.
“Like fuck it is!” My fist slams down on the desk with a loud thud. I’m losing all control over a woman I know nothing about. “I need to see you.” I don’t know why I’m begging her. Clearly, she doesn’t want this, but it was the way she left that left me stung. Perhaps it’s me getting a taste of my own medicine that angers me, but I can’t just let her go without an explanation.
“I can’t do this, Rome. I told you the night we had dinner.” She’s confident in her words, but I know that there was chemistry between us. One night doesn’t mean shit when she feels what I do.
“Don’t walk away from something you feel, darling,” I implore her, but the sigh on the other end of the line tells me all I need to know. No amount of pleading will change her mind. But what she doesn’t know is that Rome Donovan doesn’t give up easily.
“Goodbye, Rome,” she says, hanging up before I have time to think of a response. Anger sizzles in my veins like a volcano just waiting to erupt. She’s done something to me, made me feel emotions I long since buried, and now she’s walking away.
Karma, you’re a fucking bitch.
I chuckle at myself. I never once believed in anything other than the human touch. Seeing is believing, but right now, it feels like everything I turned my back on is kicking me right in the gut.
I can’t allow her to walk away from me without trying. I’m not a man who falls into a relationship quickly, but with Elisabet, I want nothing more than to be her knight in shining fucking armor.
Granted, I can’t ever imagine loving her, because it’s not who I am, but my god, I care for her. And her push makes my dick hard because all I want to do is pull. We shared something more than just our bodies. She has to admit that at least. And she’s not going to do it on the phone. I need to see her face-to-face.
Picking up my phone, I tap out Hailee’s number. “Hold calls, cancel meetings,” I tell my assistant. Pushing up from my chair, I grab my keys and head straight for the door. I move with purpose, stalking toward the elevator.
Once inside, I push the button for the garage. My mind is racing with possibilities as I exit on the ground level and slip into my driver’s seat.
I speed out onto the road with the asshole behind me honking, but I don’t care. The only thing I can think about is getting to her and forcing her to tell me what the fuck she’s hiding.
It doesn’t take me long to arrive at her hotel, and when I see her car parked outside the building, I smile. “No getting away from me this time, darling.” Exiting my vehicle, I rush toward the building without stopping to greet the doorman, who looks surprised at my haste.
Once inside, I take the steps two at a time. Since this is one of the smaller establishments in Portland, there aren’t any crowds, not that many tourists, which makes the path clear for me. In no time at all, I’m outside her door.
Lifting my hand, I’m about to knock when it swings open, and I’m met with those cocoa eyes. She looks at me as if I’m the last person she wanted here. Well, tough shit, she’s got me, and I’m not leaving until I get my answers.
“Rome.” My name is a gentle whisper on her lips, and I don’t wait. Leaning in, I plant a kiss on her mouth. She tries to pull away, but I don’t allow her to get that far. My hands hold onto her hips, pulling her closer. Needing her.
Our tongues duel, our bodies molding like they’ve been made to be together. I lift her against me and walk back into her hotel room. Kicking the door shut, I let her down against the wooden surface, pinning her between it and my body.
“You hung up on me,” I say when I finally break the kiss.
“I needed to.” Her words heat my blood in anger. Allowing my hands to trail up to her breasts, I grip them firmly. Running my thumbs over her nipples that harden under my touch, I smile when she whimpers.
“You didn’t need to do anything. Look at this . . .” I drop one hand, placing it between her thighs where heat is emanating from her body. Cupping her pussy, I press my fingers against her slit. “You’re needy, wet, and you can’t deny this chemistry between us, Elisabet. There are no more lies. One night wasn’t enough. Admit it.” My eyes burn into hers, imploring her to finally be honest.
“It is the only thing I can give you, Mr. Donovan,” she finally says on a wry smile. “Una notte.”
“I don’t believe you. I call bullshit.”
She glares up at me, but the fire that burns inside her sparks in those pretty, dark eyes. She knows she’s lying to me and to herself.
“Look me in the eye and tell me you don’t want me,” I command her, keeping my voice controlled, yet I’ve never felt so out of control before. I feel like I’m losing my mind, and she’s the only sanity that I’m trying to hold onto.
It sounds stupid. Even to my ears, and I can’t imagine what Dom would say. He’d probably laugh at me, but I can’t stop this whirlwind that keeps bringing me back to her.
“Come on, Elisabet,” I implore her.
Another sigh, one that has a direct link to my cock, causing it to strain against my zipper. “I can’t tell you that because I would be lying.”
“I told—”
“But my life doesn’t allow me to choose my partner. As much as I think I’m escaping my past, I’m not.” Her expression is cool, almost aloof to the words she just muttered.
“What does that even mean?” Frustration hangs on every word I utter. “Just tell me the truth, and we can work through it together.” I let her down. Once she’s on her feet, she places her hands on my chest. The heat of her emanating through my shirt, sparking me to life. My heart, that muscle I no longer needed, is now alive, thudding just for her.
“Please, just leave this as it is,” she begs me, pleading with me to walk away, but what she doesn’t understand is that I don’t give up easily. This seems strange to feel so strongly, but there’s so many intriguing things about her that I can’t deny, that I can’t push from my mind.
“Let me make one thing clear,” I tell her, taking one step back so she has space, and she can meet my gaze. “I’m not someone who walks away just because you asked nicely. And I’m certainly not giving up when I know for a fact that you’re interested in me too.”
“This can’t be anything more than it was.”
“What about just sex?”
Her brows furrow together in confusion. “What?”
“Us. If we keep this physical, no strings, just us enjoying our time together.” My offer is clear. I want her, and I’m not leaving until she gives me an answer. I lift my arm, glancing at my watch, then back at her. “Time’s ticking.”
“You’re insufferable,” Elisabet bites out in annoyance. Still, there’s a hint of a smile on her lips that assures me she’s considering it. If she wasn’t, I would’ve been out the door a long time ago.
“No strings?” she asks as her dark brow arches over her deep, chocolate eye.
Nodding, I take her hands in mine. “Just us fucking,” I tell her, lowering my voice on the last word. A shiver trickles through her, and I notice the goosebumps that rise up on her smooth, tanned skin. “And perhaps dinner tonight?”
“Rome—”
“You have to eat, and you told me that Seduction has impeccable food,” I insist. I’m sure she can see the hope flashing in my eyes. There’s nothing left for me now. I’ve laid out my cards on the table. It’s up to her to say yes. And my god, I hope she says yes.
Chapter 12
Elisabet
Sighing, I look at Ro
me and nod. “Fine. Dinner. As friends.” My response is stilted because I’m nervous. It can’t be difficult not to tie any strings to something. Can it? I’m certain I can do it. But when Rome leans in and plants a kiss on my lips, I’m suddenly not sure I’m able to not fall for him.
“I’ll see you later,” he tells me before making his way to the door. He opens it, stepping over the threshold before glancing at me from over his shoulder. “Be ready at seven. I’ll pick you up.”
“Friends, Rome. Just friends.”
He chuckles but doesn’t respond as he shuts the door behind him, leaving me in my hotel room with my mind racing a million miles a minute. I need to cut ties with him. I should’ve, but when he begged, I relented. Not because I want to get tied down, but because he makes me feel things.
Perhaps it’s just sex, like he said.
But then again, why does my heart flutter every time I think of him?
Sighing, I pick up my purse and keys before exiting my room and heading to the elevator. It’s the last day I’ll be here because, from tomorrow, I’ll move into an apartment where I’ll be able to set down some roots. All this time, and I haven’t truly had my own space.
When I reach my car, I slip into the driver’s seat and start the engine. My mind is still whirling with the memory of Rome. He’s a formidable man, someone I know won’t give up easily, and that’s the problem.
I love driving in Portland. My heart feels full being away from my past. Even though I know it could follow me here, I pray that I’ll have some reprieve before that happens. And I need to make sure that when the past comes storming in, Rome is gone.
I pull up to Seduction, which I notice is open, and there’s already a line of people waiting to be seated. With every couple or group that walks in, another joins the queue.
I follow suit. Waiting to get to the front, I pull out my cell phone and unlock the screen to find a message waiting for me.
Rome: I look forward to tonight. I can’t get you out of my head.
My heart flutters in my chest at his words, and I push those excitable feelings down, all the way to the depths of my soul. Emotions don’t have a place here.
“Can I help you?” the pretty girl asks when I near the door.
Snapping my gaze up to hers, I offer a smile. “Yes, I’d like a table for one for lunch, please?” She nods and picks up a menu before leading me through the busy restaurant. Tables are full, and the fragrance of food wafts through the air, making my stomach rumble. I haven’t eaten yet today, and right now, I’m ravenous.
“Here you go.” She smiles, setting down the menu. “Your waiter will be with you soon.”
“Thank you.” Once I’m alone, I snap my gaze back to my cell phone. His message waiting to be answered. I shouldn’t reply. It will only make him think I’m interested in more. Surely. Right? No. I can be flirty without seeming like there are emotions involved.
I tap out my response before setting the device on the table, face down, so I don’t look at it. If I do, I’ll only be waiting for his response.
“Lisa,” I hear her before I see her. “You’re here,” Mia’s voice travels toward me, and I glance up to find her making her way to my table. A smile tilts on my lips, and I stand to give her a hug.
“I’m here.” It’s been so long since I’ve had friends around me that feeling her warmth makes me want to stay, want to believe that a life here would be possible.
“I’m so glad to see you,” she says as she pulls away. “How are you?”
“I’m good. Actually, I’m hoping to set up some roots,” I tell her with a smile.
Her mouth gapes before she responds, “Here? That’s amazing news. What are you doing now? Oh, we need to catch up.”
“I’d like that. I really would.”
“Where are you staying?” Mia questions before glancing around, and I know she’s worried because the lunch rush is peaking, and I know she needs to be in the kitchen.
“I’m staying at a hotel for the time being, but I’m actually looking at an apartment today.”
She smiles. “Good. Let me know when you’re settled, and we’ll catch up over lunch, coffee, or something. I better get back.” With a wave, she leaves and makes her way to the kitchen. My waiter arrives a few minutes later, and I place my order. The vibration on the table from my cell phone jolts me, and I pick up the device to see a new notification.
My fingers itch to open it, to read his words, but I don’t. Sighing, I set it down as my drink arrives. The glass of red wine is a welcome distraction, and I take a long swallow of the spicy alcohol.
“Ignoring me won’t get you very far, sweetheart,” a deep voice comes from behind me, and I almost drop the glass on the table. My eyes dart up to find Rome standing there, looking every bit as delicious as the food is going to be.
“What are you doing here?”
“I’m not allowed to eat?” he challenges me before ordering his own meal and drink. The moment we’re alone, those intense eyes lock on me. “It’s lunchtime in the city.”
“There is a multitude of restaurants in the city,” I tell him, tipping my chin up in defiance. He brings out something inside me, something I haven’t felt in a long time—craving.
“I love when your sassy mouth challenges me, Elisabet,” he tells me. The waiter sets his drink on the table before making a hasty exit. Even though the restaurant is now packed, all I see his Rome. “But I wish you’d stop fighting this between us.”
“There’s nothing between us,” I tell him in an attempt to sound nonchalant, but the heat that sears me when he reaches for my hand is evidence that my words are a lie. As much as I want to rebuke him, I can’t. He knows it. And I know it too.
“Are you trying to tell me that the hard-on I currently have to hide has nothing to do with you?” His dark brow arches in question, sending heat pooling to my panties. The thought of him being hard right here, in a busy place like this, does things to me.
“You can’t be serious.”
“I’m deadly serious. If you’d like to get a feel, I’ll happily position your hand on my crotch, only that would make my dick even harder, and I may have bigger problems walking out of here.”
“God, you’re terrible.” The gasp falls from my lips, but I can’t stop the laugh that escapes with it.
Rome shrugs. “I can make this easy for you, sweetheart,” he tells me. “You can take me as I am, enjoy the pleasure I’ll bestow on your body, or you can fight it. But let me make one thing clear. I’m not walking away.” There’s confidence in his words, which causes my heart to catapult into my throat. Suddenly, I’m no longer hungry for food, but for Rome and his expert touch.
Thankfully, his food arrives, and we dig into our meals. With every mouthful, I feel Rome’s gaze on mine, burning through me as he regards me. I know he’s watching my every move, and each time he looks at me, it’s as if his hands are all over me.
Maybe it’s because the memory of how he took my body is still roaming around my mind, or perhaps it’s because he’s so close; but every minute in his company is pure torture.
“Are you going to watch me all day?” I finally look at him and set my cutlery down. There’s a smirk slowly curling on his lips. “What?”
He shakes his head. “You need to lower your barriers, sweetheart,” he tells me quickly. “Or I’ll just smash them down.”
“You have a very high regard for yourself, Rome,” I tell him, but I can’t stop the smile that forms on my face.
“I’m allowed to.”
I tip my head to the side. Regarding him through narrowed eyes, I question him, “Why?”
“Because I remember every sound you made when I was inside you. That’s not fake. That wasn’t something you were acting out to finish me off. You felt every inch of me, and you’re sitting there right now, remembering every second of our night together.”
He’s called me out, and my cheeks burn with embarrassment at his words. “You’re annoying.”
>
“I am,” he agrees. “If you’re done, we can go look at your apartment. I’ve got the keys.” He sits back, pushing his now-empty plate away as he picks up his glass and drains the last of the Coke he ordered. It’s strange to see him drinking soda; he struck me as a beer with lunch kind of guy.
“I thought I had Bianca as my agent?”
“She’s no longer looking after you.” He pushes up and waves his hand at the waiter who brings the bill. I watch as he pays for lunch before he offers me his upturned hand. “Ready?”
“I have my own car here.”
“We’ll collect it later,” he tells me as I slip my hand in his, and we make our way out of the restaurant, and for a moment, it feels good to be taken care of, but just for that moment.
Rome leads me to his car, opens the door, and ushers me inside. The sleek, leather seat swallows me, and I buckle up as he joins me. The car starts, music pumping through the speakers, and I can’t stop the laugh that falls from my lips.
“What?” Rome asks with a grin, casting quick glances at me as he drives away from the sidewalk and into the lunchtime traffic.
“I didn’t peg you as a pop fan,” I tell him, referring to the song playing.
He laughs out loud, the sound once more gripping my heart, making me feel at ease beside him. I want this to be normal. I want Rome and me to make this work. My gut churns when a glimpse of a reminder of the life I left behind comes to the forefront of my mind.
“I like all kinds of music, sweetheart,” he tells me. When we stop at a traffic light, he turns to look at me. “Why? What’s your favorite music?”
I shrug, suddenly nervous about being put on the spot. Because I’m certain he’ll laugh at my choice.
“Tell me,” he coaxes. “I want to learn all there is to know about you, Elisabet,” he tells me earnestly, and I see it shining in his eyes.
“I’m a classical girl,” I tell him, ignoring the second part of his affirmation. He can’t want to learn about me. I don’t want him to, because my secrets are not something that I’m proud of.