Chapter 3 Bunny #2
We reach the back of the casino at record-breaking speed. I don’t realize he’s leading us out through the back until the cool summer air is hitting my flushed skin.
Once we’re surrounded by the sound of traffic, he releases his hold on me and shoves a hand through his hair. He looks outright frustrated as I watch him pace a few steps to one side before a few to the other.
“Smoke…” I start gently. My stomach knots when he points those stormy eyes in my direction.
“If I didn’t grab you, I would’ve followed him, Bunny.” Getting that off of his chest, he doesn’t deflate. “I would’ve broken every bone that touched you.”
He’s being serious. Far too much for his own good. I’ve noticed the few times when his hands have been wrapped in bandages, hiding fresh wounds. Without a doubt, I’m sure they’d be wrapped by the end of today if he had gone after the guy.
My watchful eyes leave his brows pushing back together.
A curse leaves him again before he’s back to pacing. “Why is doing something as simple as keeping an eye on you such a challenge?”
“You’re more upset than I am,” I say, hoping to reassure him. “I’m used to this, Smoke. One way or another, I would’ve handled it. Sure, I might’ve had to put up with it for a little longer this time around, but—”
A sound leaves him that’s a mixture of anger and something else.
“Why do you let them touch you?” His question comes out in a low growl before he turns to face me. Before I can blink, he’s moving toward me, causing my heels to bump the brick wall of the building. “Calling them cute names and forcing yourself to smile…”
Heat blossoms in my stomach at the possessive tone behind his voice. There’s jealousy dripping from his tongue, and I’m not even sure if he’s aware of it. Even more, there’s no one out here to watch him perform. It’s only us.
“Smoke—” I try to answer his question, but he makes it impossible when he swoops in and kisses me. Shocked by it, I gasp and moan as his tongue slips past my lips.
Who is this man, and what do I have to do to get him worked up again? I’ve only ever watched him when he was gambling. When he’s calm and collected, playing smart.
This isn’t him using his head. This is something else entirely. Something I never want to stop.
“It was easier when I didn’t have to watch it happen.” Radiating with a jealousy that runs far deeper than I can see, he squeezes me through my corset. “Now, I have to focus more on not stealing you away.”
He must not realize that he’s done exactly that.
Squirming against him, I bite my lip as he presses closer. It’s difficult to concentrate when he’s this way, rubbing himself against me to the point that my outfit will likely smell like him. Everyone will know what we've done.
We shouldn't be out here, not when I'm meant to be on the floor working. Yet, I can't find the strength to be the voice of reason. Not when I've dreamed of this man getting his hands on me like this.
I don't think twice about grabbing his hand and pulling it toward my cleavage. The corset is in the way, but it's not thick enough to hide the heat of his touch. Feeling it seep through the fabric, I'm not sure which one of us groans first.
"Now is a terrible time to be horny." Muttering the words, I pinch my eyes shut and debate if it's worth breaking a lot of rules, and most definitely laws.
Would I hike my dress up to let this man have his way with me? Absolutely, yes. There's no question about that. I want this man to ravish me.
The way heat fills his gaze, I'm willing to bet he's happy to cause some trouble.
Squeezing my chest just once has him breathing heavier. Those stormy eyes of his are darker than night before he pauses. Blinking, he looks at my current state before cursing under his breath.
People who want to chase after pleasure don't suddenly look grumpy.
"There are cameras." He curses again, looking up like he already knows where they are.
His words register, and something bad happens to me. My heart doesn't drop from disappointment; it aches as a different realization hits me hard in the gut.
There are cameras. The security team could be watching us right now for all we know.
In short, once again, Smoke is playing his part way too well. To the point that once again, I'm fooled.
Fuck. Ouch.
Was this really all in my head? Oh my God, and he's played along, helping me play it off. Wait, was his jealousy part of it, too?
Suddenly, I don't think I want to be touched. Rather, I'm shifting away from him.
"Bunny—"
"People are going to start worrying if I'm gone too long.
" Swallowing thickly, I try to push away the ache in my chest. Two more steps toward the door, I pretend I don't see the surprised lift of his brow.
Instead, my mouth curves tight. "Thank you for looking out for me.
I appreciate the save. I'll catch you at the end of my shift? "
Under the lens gaze, I should kiss him on the cheek, but holding a smile is taking all of my strength.
Asking this man to pretend was a mistake when my heart was already involved. Now I can't even tell what is authentic and what is part of an act.
Smoke frowns and lifts his hand to stop me from making my escape. Knowing how little damage I can take without breaking if he succeeds, I slip back inside before waiting for his response.