Chapter 1 #2
“It’s just something I picked up at Primark in London.
I tried to fit in with the friends I was here with, but you still haven’t answered my question.
” Damn, she doesn’t pull punches, but I guess when you come from a wealthy family, motives play a huge role in who comes in and out of your life. It’s something I can truly understand.
“I own multiple businesses, including three restaurants and six more pubs in and around Dublin.”
“How old are you?” Her perfectly arched brow juts upward while her kissable lips twist with curiosity.
“I’m thirty.”
“And you’re not married?” That’s a loaded question aimed at wondering why I’m not like it’s a bad thing, but I’m not even going to bother answering it.
“Not until you sign the papers.”
“No offense, Mr…”
“Delaney,” I say.
“Mr. Delaney, I’ve been played enough for a lifetime, and I’ll be heading to my hotel alone tonight,” she says, jabbing a finger into my chest. As much as I love this feisty side of her, she has no idea the lie she’s telling me.
The way her pulse ticks up, the throaty way she says my name, and the unmistakable press of her thighs together to fight off the tingling between her thighs.
“I will escort you there and leave you at your door. I have something very important to do for the next two days. A family matter, so you’ll be free from my presence, but that doesn’t mean I’m letting you out of my sight.”
“Do you have children you have to ship off or something?” She challenges.
“You truly think the worst of me, don’t you?” She wants to fight this attraction, which is a foolish and futile event. Never in my life have I wanted anything more, and the mention of children only makes my balls fill with more baby making need. I will breed my Gloria as soon as heavenly possible.
“I’m not sure what to think, but let’s just say I need to remember not to be so na?ve.”
One of my servers approaches, but hesitates when she sees Gloria, and I summon her to the table and place our order.
I never have a woman with me for my own reasons and haven’t been with a woman in my life.
Teenagers are horny things, and I was no exception to the rule, but I had discipline unlike my brother.
Instead of chasing pussy, I chased paper, using my mind and strength to one day help rule my father’s illegal empire.
Now that I have my queen at my side, I’m never letting her go.
Once the waitress leaves, I continue where we left off, brushing a tendril of hair off her face and tucking it behind her ear, because any excuse to touch her is a treasure I want to savor.
“Your naivety is a treat. That innocence hidden under your sultry and strong exterior is something I long for.”
“Wow. You’re trying to seduce me.” It’s not a question but rather a statement of fact.
“I’d be lying to say I’m not, but I’m not looking for a one-night stand. The second you give your body to me, it’s mine to keep until they lay us down for the last time.”
“What if I don’t want forever? What if I do find you extremely sexy and wonder if you could do wicked things to me?” I’m going to pretend that it’s the booze making her say something so foolish.
“Like I said, sweet lass. The second I put my dick inside you, you will never be with anyone else ever again.”
“So it’s all or nothing then?”
I chuckle because nothing isn’t an option. “It’s all… just a matter of tonight or another night.”
“Wow.” Our waitress returns to our table, setting down our plates and effectively stopping whatever retort she was working on.
“Please eat,” I urge her before she becomes unwell.
She takes a knife to her beef, and it slices like butter. “It smells good.”
“You sound surprised.”
“Let’s just say I live in the best city for food in the world. Nothing tops it. I’ve been to Italy once, and even then it didn’t compare to the variety of flavors and types of cuisine.”
“Ah, that makes sense. The food in Chicago is delicious.”
“So you’ve been there before?” she asks, after swallowing another bite.
“Many times. Although if I knew you were there, hiding from me, I would have found you and stolen you away.”
“You’re laying it on thicker than the cheese on a Beggar’s pizza.”
“I’ll do whatever I have to do to get you to realize that you’re mine.”
“Are you mine? Or will you be dipping out to get a variety platter when you get the taste for it?” she questions, pointing her fork at me with intent.
“Never. I’ve never been with a woman before.”
“Bullshit. I’m supposed to believe that?” she says with a laugh, setting her fork down on her plate.
“Whether you believe it or not, it’s the truth.
” I continue to eat while she gawks at me.
The server returns to offer us more to drink.
I nod. She brings me another whiskey and Gloria another glass of wine.
Gloria doesn’t touch the wine; instead, she steals my whiskey and takes one large gulp; her face immediately twists with disgust. Fuck, she’s going to be wasted in a matter of minutes.
“Wow, how do you drink that with a straight face?” She sets it down with a look of absolute revulsion.
“Years of practice. It’s a family whiskey.”
“Oh. Well. I’ll pass on that, but I could use some water.” I snap my fingers, and the barkeep comes over with a bottle of water, clearly having witnessed her bold act.
“Thank you.”
“Eat. It will help dilute the alcohol. I don’t want you to get sick on our first date.”
“Fine,” she mutters, daintily eating her meal.
Once we’re finished, I stand up and pay for our meal, even though technically I eat for free. I call for my car and take Gloria’s hand, leading her out of the pub with my men looking out for any signs of trouble.
“Where are you staying?” I ask as I assist her into her seat.
“The Westbury Hotel.”
“Take us to Ms. Grasso’s hotel.” My driver takes us to the hotel, which is almost within walking distance, making it almost silly to take the car.
“Did you walk to the pub, love?”
From the guilty look on her face, my suspicions are confirmed.
“I did. I’d been sightseeing and stumbled on this place.
” My driver opens the door, and I help Gloria out.
We walk into the lobby where she expects me to leave her, but I decide I can’t let her go just yet. Thankfully, she doesn’t protest.
When we reach her door, I cup her face with both hands, staring into her beautiful chocolate eyes and say, “No more walking around alone. Do you understand me? I have to go out of town and will be back in two days. I need to be sure you’re safe.”
“I’m a gig birl,” she says, giggling. “I mean a big girl. You have a way of messing up my head, Mr. Delaney.” She leans in and whispers, “And ruining my panties.”
“Good. I’ll make sure to have new ones for you in the morning,” I whisper along the shell of her ear before snagging her lobe between my teeth. “Are these wet for me?” I cup her sex over her jeans, testing the wet heat against my fingers.
“Yes,” she moans along my throat, and I can’t stop myself from doing what I need.
“I’m going to kiss you,” I warn her. “It’s the only time I’ll ask.”
“That wasn’t asking.”
“It’s the closest it’s going to get, love.” I crush my mouth to hers, pinning her against the door to her room and slipping my tongue between her full sexy lips. I’m ready to fucking ram into her, but now isn’t the time. With all the strength I can muster, I pull back and step a foot away.
“Get inside, my love,” I say with my voice shaky and gruff as I hold back the urge to fill her womb, right here, right now.
“Do you have to go?”
“It’s for the best.” Sweat beads down my spine, thinking about how much I want to fucking be inside my bride. Taking her to my home would be a blessing, but it must wait. Tomorrow is a Family matter, and I don’t want to bring her into my sadness and concern.
“Sweet dreams, Cormack.”
“They will be. I’m going to dream of being deep inside of you, Gloria.
” She blushes and closes the door. I stand there for another minute, adjusting my heavy cock and regaining control of my hunger before leaving.
I send a message to have someone here in the next hour.
I don’t want her unprotected for no fucking reason.
Still, I have to go before I can’t leave her.
I get in my car, and we make it to my estate when I forget all the reasons why I can’t have her tonight. I take my Land Rover, leaving my driver there because I have no intention of making him wait.