Chapter 18
I ’ve always thought a man taking charge was the epitome of attractive.
So, seeing him not only reassure me that these women were meaningless, but take action here and now to cut out the bullshit, has me so distracted, I don’t so much as even open the menu in the time he’s gone.
I’m far too busy fantasising about him taking control in other areas.
Does he like to command in the bedroom as well? Please say so.
This whole evening so far has been a fever dream.
If I didn’t know better, I’d think he’d read my mind to discover what makes me tick before making it a reality.
It’s making me second-guess my resolve to disappear after this.
But no matter how good this date is going; it’s not worth the risk.
I can’t afford to fall for anyone right now, least of all the heir to the Four Points, who is closer to taking over than I first anticipated, if his dad’s health is any indicator.
“Sorry about that. Now, where we?” I’m shaken out of my thoughts by Jonathan’s return.
“Hmm, I believe we were reading the menu.”
“Funny. I thought we were discussing the reason for my very recent desire to date. But if you’re sure…” His words are taunting and deliberate, but I don’t rise to the occasion.
“Oh, I’m very sure. You were saying you liked the,” I quickly scan the menu before blurting out the first thing I see, “feta cheese salad.”
“Ahh, yes. I’m a big fan of it,” he jokes before shifting his gaze back to the menu, glancing over it and then snapping it closed.
“You already know what you want?”
“Perks of owning this place. I crafted the menu, which means I know what’s best and what’s just middle of the road,” he answers as he lifts his drink to his mouth.
“Care to share with the class?” I enquire, taking a sip of my wine. God, this is the good shit. Before he can answer, a man comes over to take our orders. In comparison to Amy, this man is all smiles and has a welcoming aura as he addresses the table.
“I’m Jimmy, and it’s my pleasure to look after you two tonight. What can we get started for you?”
“We’ll do the seafood sharing platter to begin with, and then a medium rare steak for me and a truffle pasta for the lady,” Jonathan says, handing Jimmy our menus, once again taking swift control and making my knickers wet.
At this rate, it will be a wonder if I don’t leave a damp spot on the leather chair.
As Jimmy leaves us, Jonathan turns his attention back to me.
“So, tell me about yourself. Forewarning, this time, I won’t let you escape without answering.” Fuck .
“There’s not much to know. I’ve lived a pretty sheltered, boring life.” I shrug.
“Any siblings? Hobbies?” he probes, and without even pausing, I make the decision to lie to him. I’d happily throw Peter under the microscope, but doing so would increase the risk of him finding out more and endangering Freya.
“No, I’m an only child. And who has time for hobbies when they’re working full time? My boss is a real hard ass. All kinds of late nights and early starts.” I brush him off with a teasing smirk .
“Is that so? Maybe I need to have a word with him for you. Everyone should have time for something that brings them joy. What do you do when you go home from work?” he pushes, not giving in to the distraction I tried to dangle in front of him.
“You mean other than having a glass of wine and watching a horror film?” I joke.
“So, horror movies are your guilty pleasure. I’m more of a thriller man myself.”
“No way, they’re too scary!” I gasp, clutching the stem of my wine glass.
“Isn’t that the whole point?” He laughs.
“No! The point is to be entertained, not to scare yourself shitless,” I rebuke, and with that, we delve into a debate of which is better and our favourite films. We talk about everything and nothing at the same time—it flows seamlessly, effortlessly.
We hardly even stop talking to eat, and before I know it, the food is done, I’m a bottle of wine down, and there’s just us and the stifling tension that has been building between us all evening.
It’s a living, breathing thing between us.
My walls are hanging on by a tether. This kind of ease so soon isn’t normal.
I shouldn’t feel relaxed enough that I have to remind myself not to mention Freya.
I haven’t so much as dared utter her name aloud when I’m alone, never mind share her with someone else.
But Johnathan has me wanting to spill my every secret, my every hope and dream.
“Thank you for humouring me and letting me take you out tonight,” he murmurs.
“It’s been a beautiful night, but I’m still not sure this is a smart idea,” I confess, looking up at him from under my lashes.
“What can I do to convince you to let me prove to you this can work?” He leans his elbows on the table, imploring me to give him a shot, and it’s with a twist in my gut I realise I want to.
I want to take this for myself. I want a chance to be wined and dined again, to feel like I’m the only thing he sees.
“We’d have to keep things quiet. I don’t want the office talking about us.” The words have barely crossed my lips before he’s nodding along.
“That can be arranged. We’ll have to tell HR to keep things above board, but that doesn’t mean it has to go any further than Donna. Secret is her middle name.”
“True.” I fall silent, weighing my options.
Is it so wrong to want something for myself for once? For so long, my life was controlled, my freedom non-existent. Even now, when I’m technically free of the Clan’s control, I’ve still spent more time hiding than living. Isn’t it time to live a little?
“Fine. I’ll give you a chance. But I’m warning you now, Mr O’Neill: I won’t be easily won over.” The heat in his eyes as I tease him has me curious to know what would happen if we were truly alone right now. Would he make a move? Tease and taunt me some more?
“Sweetheart, I’ll have you begging for mercy soon enough.
Just remember, you’re the one who issued the challenge.
” With that dark promise, he rounds the table.
Bathed in candlelight, he leans down, caging me between the chair and him as he claims my mouth for the second time.
More than a little eager, I reach up and circle my arms around his neck as I open for him with a moan.
The chemistry between us is unlike anything I’ve ever known.
Everywhere he touches me feels like I’m on fire, like I could burst from my skin at any moment.
If this isn’t worth the risk, then what is?