Chapter Twenty
Jax
I pulled the Bentley to a secluded spot just before the restaurant's valet stand, and the world seemed to slow down around us.
The night air was crisp through the slightly cracked windows, and I had the most perfect woman in the world sitting next to me, wearing my dress, my shoes, and my mark.
The soft glow from the dashboard highlighted Estelle's features, drawing my eye to the delicate curve of her jaw, how her lips looked slightly swollen from earlier, and the way the “J” pendant nestled perfectly in the hollow of her throat. My pendant. My collar .
I turned to face her, drinking in the sight of her in the emerald Dior.
The sweetheart neckline framed her small breasts exactly as intended, accentuating their delicate shape.
The dress clung to her body in all the right places, and my cock was perpetually hard.
She looked like a goddess, a dream come true.
“Before we go in,” My voice was low and husky, “I want to make sure you're ready. ”
She glanced toward the restaurant through the windshield, a building of glass and understated elegance, where reservations were booked months in advance and a single meal cost more than she could imagine.
"It looks..." she paused, fingers unconsciously touching the pendant at her throat, “fancy.”
I captured her hand in mine, my thumb tracing circles against her knuckles.
"You outshine everyone in there, princess," I promised, bringing her hand to my lips to press a soft kiss to her knuckles. "Trust me on that.”
The blush that spread across her cheeks was intoxicating. I couldn't resist moving closer, finding her knee through the fabric. She didn't pull away—if anything, she leaned into my touch, her breathing becoming shallow.
“Jax,” she whispered, her gaze settling on my lips.
My gaze fell to her lips and lingered there as I leaned closer, drawn to her like a magnet. “Yes, princess?” I murmured, my breath against her ear.
She didn't answer with words; her lips parted slightly in a silent plea. I closed the distance between us, one hand cradling her jaw as I pressed my lips to hers.
The kiss was hungry from the start. I'd already tasted her, already felt her melt under my touch, and I wanted more, I wanted it all. She responded immediately, her small hands fisting in my shirt as she kissed me back with a desperation that matched my own.
I deepened the kiss, my tongue sliding against hers, tasting that sweetness that was purely hers.
A soft moan escaped her throat, and the sound went straight to my cock, making me press harder against her mouth.
When we finally broke apart, we were both breathing hard. Her lips were swollen, her eyes dazed with desire, and I had to bite back a groan at how perfect she looked .
“Every time I see you, I want to do that,” I admitted, my voice rough with need.
Her smile was coy. "Was it worth the wait?"
I chuckled, tracing a finger along her jaw. "More than worth it, princess. But now I'm going to want to do it again. And again."
I stole one more quick kiss, this one soft and claiming, before reluctantly pulling away. "We should go in before I get other ideas.”
The valet approached as I pulled up to the stand, his eyes widening slightly in recognition. I was out of the car before he could reach Estelle's door—no one else was opening it for her. That privilege was mine.
I helped her out, my hand finding the small of her back, fingers splaying possessively. The slit in her dress rested high up her thigh, and my fingers itched to explore that exposed skin.
“Something catch your eye?” She asked lightly, her knowing eyes catching mine, using my own words against me.
"Can't help it," I replied, guiding her toward the entrance. "You're fucking gorgeous."
Inside, the restaurant had crystal chandeliers casting warm light over white linen tablecloths and the soft murmur of conversation mixing with gentle jazz. The ma?tre d' approached immediately, his practiced smile widening when he recognized me.
"Mr. Easton, welcome back. Your table is ready.”
I guided Estelle through the dining room, my hand never leaving her back. I could feel the eyes following us—some recognizing me, others undoubtedly drawn to the stunning woman at my side. The possessive pride that surged through me was deeply satisfying.
Then I felt the subtle shift in her posture, her shoulders tensing beneath my palm. I glanced down to find her looking up at me, those honey eyes searching my face with an emotion I never wanted to see on her pretty face again.
"Welcome back," the ma?tre d' had said. Welcome back.
Shit .
She thought I brought other women here before her.
A surge of anger I’d never felt before rushed through me. Anger at my own fucking reputation.
“Estelle,” I murmured, stopping near our table and forcing her to face me. My hand found her chin, tilting her face up until she had no choice but to meet my gaze.
“You’re the first woman I’ve brought on a proper date,” I soothed, my thumb stroking across her cheekbone. “Only you.”
It was true—I’d gotten quick drinks at bars with women, all transactions that ended in hotel rooms and forgotten names. But I’d never brought anyone to dinner, never reserved a table, never cared enough to make it an event.
“You won’t ever have to share, princess,” I promised, voice rough with sincerity. I wanted to curse my own fucking reputation. She’d never, ever have to fear sharing any part of me.
I watched war play out across her pretty features, the doubt battling with the trust I’d been nurturing. I studied her as her expression shifted, that newfound princess-attitude I’d glimpsed in the bathroom surfacing.
“Then promise,” She said quietly, gripping my arm just a bit tighter. “I’m only doing this if you promise you won’t forget me.”
Her demand stole the breath from my lungs. Forgetting her was impossible, not when she’d already carved herself into every corner of my soul, when the taste of her skin lingered on my tongue, or when I spent hours touching myself to grainy security footage of her.
Her grip on my arm, small fingers digging into my suit jacket with surprising strength, made me close my eyes in bliss.
This was it. This was my princess learning to make demands, learning of the power she had over me. She was transforming into the princess I’d known she could be, and it was fucking intoxicating.
“Forget you?” I repeated, my voice dropping dangerously low. “I couldn’t forget you if I tried.”
I didn’t give a fuck we were standing in the middle of a five-star restaurant .
Before she could even breathe, I swept her into my arms and dipped her low, claiming her mouth possessively with mine. The kiss was everything I’d been holding back since I’d first seen her, conveying to her how much I was entirely hers.
She gasped against my lips, and I could taste her surprise, her desire, the way she melted into me despite our audience. The emerald dress showed off my jewel more as I held her suspended, completely at my mercy.
Around us, the restaurant had gone silent. Crystal glasses paused halfway to lips, and conversations died mid-sentence. I smirked against Estelle’s smaller lips. The whole world was getting to see what was fucking mine, and mine alone.
And much more, for her, the world now knew I belonged to her. Publicly, intimately, and every way in between.
I finally pulled back, and she panted against my chest, fingers fisted in my suit. Her eyes were glazed with desire, and my cock ached in anticipation of seeing that very look when we finally got out of this place.
“There’s your promise, princess,” I whispered against her lips, my voice carrying in the hush of the restaurant. “You’re mine, and I’m yours. And we both don’t share, yeah?”
She nodded mutely, cheeks flushed and movements stiff. I curled my arm tightly around her waist, guiding her to our table. It was in a secluded corner with a bay view, and I helped her settle in before sitting across from her.
"Well?" I asked as I took my seat. “Does it meet my princess’ standards?”
She looked around, taking in the crystal, the art on the walls, and the soft murmur of conversation slowly resuming after our little show. Her fingers traced the rim of her water glass idly.
“It's beautiful,” she answered, still breathless. “I've never been anywhere like this.”
“Good. You only get the best.” I reached across the table, pushing he menu towards her. “Let me help you pick, half of this shit’s in French.”
She nodded, pulling the leather-bound menu closer, but I caught the way her eyes flicked up to meet mine, as if calculating or assessing something.
What was my princess thinking?
The sommelier appeared with the wine I’d pre-selected, going through the whole presentation and tasting. I didn’t pay attention, entirely focused on how Estelle watched everything with wide, intelligent eyes, absorbing the world I was introducing her to.
“The duck confit is a good one,” I murmured, leaning closer to point at the menu. “And the lobster?—”
Something brushed against my ankle.
My eyes snapped to hers, but she was studying the menu with perfect innocence, lashes shadowing her cheeks in concentration.
“What about the crab cakes?” She asked sweetly, and there it was again—she was sliding her heel along my calf.
Fuck. My cock throbbed in my pants as I realized what she was plotting. My proper little princess was playing footsie under the table.
“You’d love it.” My voice dropped low, and I gripped the menu just a bit tighter, gold rings glinting beneath the private dim lighting.
“Mmm.” She nodded, and her foot traveled higher, the pointed toe of her Louboutin tracing up my knee. “I trust your judgement, then.”
The innocent act was fucking devastating. She looked beautiful and composed while she was driving me insane under the table. I gritted my teeth, shifting in the plush seat.
“Estelle,” I warned, but she just smiled a sweet, guileless smile.
“What’s wrong?” She asked, tilting her head. “You seem a little tense.”
Her foot pressed higher, dangerously close to where my cock was straining against my pants. I swallowed, a groan, my knuckles white on the menu as I fought for control.
“Not at all,” I managed. “Just thinking about dessert.”
“Oh,” She hummed, and her sole found its target, pressing against my hard length through the fabric. “I’m growing quite fond of sweet things.”
My breath hissed out between my teeth. The little minx was getting her revenge for that other women scare and public claiming, and she was enjoying every second of it.
The waiter approached with an eager smile. “Good evening, I’m Liam, and I’ll be taking care of you tonight. Can I start you with?—”
Estelle's foot moved, stroking up and down my cock with deliberate pressure, and I nearly choked on my water. The waiter paused, but a sharp look from me had him continuing his spiel.
I shot Estelle a warning look, but she just smiled and turned to the waiter.
“Can we start with the crab cakes?” She asked, her voice composed while she continued torturing me with those red-bottomed heels. “And I think the lobster for me.”
“Excellent choice, Miss. And for you, Sir?”
I couldn’t think straight with her foot working against me, the pressure building with each stroke. “The… fuck —The Steak. Rare.”
The waiter looked nervous and blinked.
“Steak,” I repeated through gritted teeth as Estelle’s toes found a particularly sensitive spot. “Ribeye. Rare.”
He nodded quickly. “Of course, any additional accompaniments?”
Estelle leaned forward slightly, glancing at me since she probably didn’t know how to answer this question.
The kid’s eyes dropped to the sweetheart neckline above her breasts, and I dropped the menu, opening my mouth—but Estelle’s foot pressed harder, and I had to grip the table to keep from groaning out loud.
He rattled off some things I didn’t give a fuck about, and when he finally left, I pinned Estelle with a look promising the darkest of retributions.
She merely shrugged, lightening the pressure of her heel still stroking my aching cock as she took a bite of the fresh-baked bread they’d brought out .
“You’re going to regret this,” I warned, my eyes blazing and voice rough with need.
She laughed, actually laughed , and the sound went straight to my balls. “You’re the one who kissed me in front of half the city.”
“That was a promise.”
Her smile turned wicked. “And this is payback.”