Chances (Mystic Nights #1)(18)

When it ended and they were both breathless, the words just slipped from her lips of their own volition. “I’m yours, Jonathan. Just yours.”

He grunted and shifted her so she was sitting on him instead. He was still nuzzling her neck. “Good,” he paused for breath before he made his next claim. “And, I’m taking you out on a real date whether you like it or not.” She was still nestled within his embrace as he stood abruptly. He didn’t let go yet. The look he gave her as he spoke those words took her breath away. She felt her world tilt. Whether it was from his words or the feel of his hard as steel cock grinding into her, she did not know. And before he kissed her again, he added, “And for the record, you’re going to like it.”

As he led her backstage to make up, she knew she would. Enjoy it. She would probably love it. And him too. She hoped again. Hoped that her past didn’t destroy it all.





Chapter 8




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Aliya was nervous. A real date. He’d left her a text message this morning after she’d left his suite and was heading down in the elevator to go home for a very much needed day off. She’d been excited about it all day as she relaxed and pampered herself, a rare treat for her. But around six he’d texted again to tell her his meeting was running late and asked if she would meet him at the restaurant. She agreed. She had been nearly ready when he called, and so she headed out shortly after that, leaving her two bedroom bungalow with plenty of time to spare.

As she pulled into the parking lot of the fine dining establishment, she was shocked to see Peter there. It was true, Lantern Hill and the surrounding communities were quaint, but here she was again crossing paths with the man once more when she was about to meet Jonathan for their first official date.

Letting out a sigh, she was glad to see that it looked like he was leaving, and she was relieved. She didn’t want to be seen with him when Jonathan could be arriving at any moment.

Peter was standing by his car, keys poised above the lock, and his other hand gripped his cell phone to his ear. The only empty parking spot was three cars away and she hoped he didn’t see her, recognize her vehicle, or engage her in conversation. Luckily he was so distracted; he didn’t notice her slipping into the spot. Aliya cracked her window open so she did not immediately fog up with her exhalations in the cold. She also decided to wait him out before she entered the establishment. She hated doing it because it felt like she was eavesdropping, but she just didn’t want to risk a run in with him tonight. Try as she might though, she was still able to overhear a bit of the conversation. He was speaking to someone named Simon. And he was telling the man not to panic. He sounded exasperated, like he was coddling a child.

When he was silent for a moment longer, Aliya felt silly just sitting there, and she chanced a glance his way. To her dismay he was staring in her direction. His eyes were cold, hard, calculating. She decided to get out of the car and risk it. She didn’t want him to suspect she had overheard anything. The man was acting strangely enough as it was.

She quickly dropped her keys into her purse, and stepped out of the car wrapping her coat around her as she hit the button that would lock the four doors simultaneously. She nodded in his direction nonchalantly, and made to pass, but it was too late. He had already slipped his phone into his pocket and was smiling broadly at her.

“Nice to see you again, Aliya.” He gazed down the length of her body once again, not attempting to hide that he found her attractive despite the fact that she had told him she was spoken for.

She returned the smile and stopped mid-stride. He was stepping out from the cars and was blocking her path. “Yes, Peter. It’s nice to see you again. I hoped you were able to handle your emergency yesterday.” She had forgotten he left in a rush for an emergency board meeting until that moment. Why hadn’t Jonathan mentioned it, she wondered briefly. But they had had other things on their minds, other more important things to discuss and hash out.

Peter hoped she had forgotten that little tidbit considering who she was dating. But he hid his irritation well. “I really enjoyed our lunch. I hope we can do it again,” he gave her a malicious smile and indicated the restaurant behind him as he continued to block her path. He took a step closer in the same instant. He was very close. She could smell his cologne. She took a step back and felt her car behind her. Instead of giving her space, he got closer. She felt smothered by his presence. Something about him this evening sent up an alarm in her. Had he been drinking, she wondered. She’d told him she was seeing Jonathan. Maybe she needed to remind him again. He obviously hadn’t taken her seriously. “Maybe we could have a drink.” His face was close to hers, too close.

Aliya turned her face away. Yes, he had been drinking. She could smell it on his breath. Something strong. Whiskey, probably. She pressed even further back against her car trying to think of a way out of this situation delicately. But the man was not taking the hint. She was seriously thinking a knee to the groin might be the only thing that would sink in, and to hell with her studio, when he suddenly backed up.

Peter saw she was beginning to panic. This woman was incredibly sexy, and even in her fear he felt the pull of attraction. Dammit. If only he’d seen her first. Those damn Sassacus’. They always foiled his plans and intentions. She would have been a good lay, and a sure bet because she wanted that space on the reservation. But now that she was seeing Jonathan, it might be tougher to accomplish than he initially thought. Still, she might put out for his vote. He could play that card later. The ache in his cock persisted, and she leaned away even further. She was practically splayed across her vehicle. So tempting. But he resisted his primal urges for now.