Relinquish(20)

“That was the most disgusting thing I’ve ever tasted,” I reply while choking, wiping at the liquid slopping down my chin.

Landon looks over my shoulder with a hard stare and in seconds, the waiter is running to our table.

“Yes, sir?”

“Get us a green apple martini,” Landon demands, his eyes never leaving mine. The intensity of his stare causes me to hold my breath. He’s obviously a man of power and wealth, but that’s not what strikes me. It’s the way he looks at me, how he looks, and the way he makes me feel, like a cross between a horny teenager and a crazed, smitten woman.

“So, where are you from, Charlie?” he asks, cupping his chin. I open my mouth to respond but stop short, remembering Jayden and I are on the run.

“Around,” I hesitate.

“Hmm,” Landon responds, squinting at me quizzically. The waiter places my drink down and bows before leaving once again. I grab it and take a light sip, not wanting another mouthful of nastiness. After finding the green apple taste appealing, I down it.

“Another, please,” I request.

Landon sips on his drink and nods at the waiter, who apparently is waiting for Landon to give him ‘the look’ from the back of the room.

“Another, please,” I repeat to the waiter when he rushes to our table. The man looks at Landon for permission, making me roll my eyes. Landon nods once again, and the waiter takes off.

“You should slow your pace,” Landon scolds, taking another sip of his drink.

“I’m a big girl. I can handle myself,” I sneer, crossing my arms.

“Clearly,” Landon responds dryly. Following my much-needed rescue from Chasen and his buddies even after he warned me, I’m sure I look pathetic.

He sits up, rubbing his jaw again. The sound of his whiskers against his palm causes my body to heighten from aggression to lust. I shift my legs, trying to stifle the wetness gathering between my thighs.

“I affect you,” Landon points out arrogantly. My body stiffens, eyes widening.

“Excuse me?” I mutter, my heart racing with adrenaline.

“Your legs are clenched, your breathing is escalated, and the way your eyes survey my body hungrily… you’re affected by me,” he rasps.

I close my mouth and swallow, my eyes never leaving his. He does affect me. I want to punch him in the mouth, yet also tear his clothes off and run my nails over his chest.

“That doesn’t mean anything,” I murmur weakly.

Landon smirks and leans over the table, his broad shoulders flexing beneath his dress shirt. “Your body stacks ammo against your words. It often knows of your surroundings before you ever will. Never underestimate it, Charlie.”

I nod. What else can I do? His words make sense, and the way my name leaves those lips puts me in a daze. I’d agree to anything he says.

The waiter places another martini in front me. I instantly grab it, breaking our eye contact, and down the contents, needing the distraction.

“Are you?” I question, nibbling my bottom lip nervously.

“Am I what?” he asks, running his hand over the back of his neck, making his shirt tighten against his chest.

“Are you affected by me?”

He smirks and takes a large sip of his drink, peering over the rim of the glass as he nearly drinks it all.

“You look very appealing in that black dress,” Landon flirts, his eyes squinted at the corners as a smirk crosses his smug face. He’s dodging my question.

I giggle, the effects of the martini beginning to take their toll on my body.

“It’s from the thrift store. Still think it’s appealing?” I laugh, pulling at the worn material of the dress. Landon chuckles and stares off, and I can’t help but smile myself. There is something about his laugh that’s contagious.

“I think you look ravishing nonetheless.”

My laughter falters, and I swallow hard. I can’t keep up with my body’s reaction to this man.

“So, why are you staying in such a bad area? Where is your family?” Landon prods, taking a sip of his drink.

“I don’t have any family,” I mumble, the overwhelming feeling of isolation creeping its way into my chest.

“Nobody? Not even an aunt?” He looks at me with pinched brows, like I’m forgetting some long-lost uncle and just not realizing it. But the truth is, there’s nobody.

“No, nobody. Not a cat, not a sister, nor a mother,” I grit, the situation starting to weigh heavy.

Landon sighs and sits back in his chair. “That has to be lonely.”

My eyes whip from the tablecloth to him. The word ‘lonely’ doesn’t even compare. It’s much more than the word ‘lonely’ can ever justify.

“It is,” I whisper and he tilts his head, looking at me with admiration.

“You’re a strong girl to be trying to live all on your own.” He gives a genuine smile which makes me warm to my toes. It’s not easy not having a mother to talk to at night, a father to speak reason into you before you do something stupid. Usually, when someone gives words of sympathy, it pisses me off. But when Landon looks at me with understanding, it feels genuine and comforting.

“Come, let’s go to my room,” Landon demands, standing from his chair.

“What?” I question frantically, my body heating suddenly.