Jake
19Please respect copyright.PENANAY7u0slLbln
I feel Leslie tense up and my protective instincts take over as I hold her closer to me.
“What's wrong?” I whisper in her ear but I don't think my voice even registers to her.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Alastair barks.
That's when I see a blond guy joined us. He's average built. He has that look on his face, you know the one. Like he has a stick up his ass. Right away I know I don't like him.
“Excuse me.” Leslie murmurs. I tighten my hold on her when she tries to leave. She turns her head, her eyes meet mine and I see them filled with unshed tears.
I clench my jaw. “Come, dance with me.” I whisper, pulling her towards the dance floor.
I trail my fingers down her exposed back before landing just above her waist, pulling her until she's flash against me. She shivers at my touch as her hands wrap around my neck.
“I have a complaint.” I attempt to distract her.
She stares up at me, her brows drawn together. Those red pouty lips will be my undoing. It's taking all of my strength not to lean in and suck them into mine.
“What do you mean?” She asks.
“It should be illegal for someone to look this good. Fuck red, I almost fell to my knees when I saw you.”
She throws her head back and laughs. That sound pulls a smile from me, warming my insides in a way I've never felt before.
“You're an idiot.” She smiles as her fingers brushes the hair on my neck. Her nails teasing my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. They feel like magic.
“You have a beautiful smile, and it looks even prettier when you blush.” I tease her.
She narrows her eyes at me. “Are you looking for a beating, Mr. Anderson?”
'Fuck,'
I groan. “Don't call me that. It's distracting.”
A mischievous smile spreads on her lips. I give her a stern look. “Leslie, behave.”
She giggles. “I didn't do anything.” She presses herself closer to me. So close I'm sure she can feel my growing excitement.
My hands fall lower almost touching her ass. My pinky finger deeping under her dress. I frown. The little minx, she wouldn't.
“Please tell me you're wearing panties.”
She plays coy, biting her lip, staring at me under her eye lashes.
'Jesus,'
“You want to get out of here?” I ask her. Her brows furrow as she looks at me with suspicion.
“Get your mind out of the gutter. Just come with me.” I pull her hand behind me towards the exit.
I take off my tuxedo coat and place it around her shoulders. Once we're outside, I hail a cab and we both get in.
“Where are you taking me?” she asks.
“I'm kidnapping you.” I tease.
She giggles and lays on my shoulder with our hands intertwined. I give the driver the address and we ride in silence.
When we reach our destination, I pay the driver and we both get out.
“Really, you brought me to a diner?” she asks with amusement.
“I'm hungry and those mini quiches at the fund raiser weren't hitting the spot.” I wink and she rolls her eyes.
“Careful, Red,” I growl.
I feel her shiver beside me. She moves her lips like she's about to say something, then changes her mind. 'Good girl,' she takes my hand, pulling me inside.
We both order bacon and waffles with strawberry milkshakes and wait until they bring it to the table. I consider not broaching the subject, but just incase she wants to talk about it I ask.
“Who was he?”
Her smile disappears and she stares at her plate. Just as I'm about to give up on her responding she says, “He's my ex fiancé.”
'What. the. fuck.'
I stay quiet and wait for her to continue. “I was 19 and in college when I met him. I thought he was this awesome cool guy.” She chuckles but it lacks humor.
I move my hand to hers on the table for comfort. “He told me he loved me and he wanted to marry me. So after just 3 months together he proposed and I said yes. Then when we went to tell my parents, my father lost it. He was so angry, telling me I was making a mistake and that he couldn't be trusted. But I didn't believe him. I was in love.”
Hearing her speak about another man that way makes me want to break everything in this diner. I hate it.
“Anyway, my father threatened to cut me off and take away my trust fund. I told him I didn't care. But Logan did, he only wanted me for my fathers wealth. So he broke things off. Turns out my father did a background check when I first introduced them. He was a con artist. Later on I found out I was pregnant but because I was stressed and depressed at the time, I had a miscarriage.”
A growl forms from somewhere deep inside me. The instinct to protect her no matter what is overwhelming.
“That bastard! I'm going to kill him.” I start to get up. I need to go back. He doesn't deserve to live. Worthless piece of shit.
Leslie grabs my hand. “I'm over it and him. I was just shocked to see him. Don't go, I was enjoying our time together.” She smiles at me.
Her smile penetrates the cloud of anger surrounding me and I reluctantly sit down.
“Is that why you didn't want to give us a chance?” I ask.
“Maybe, it's a scary feeling letting someone have so much control over you. Doing it again feels like taking a huge risk. I know you're nothing like him, at the same time logic and emotions don't exactly go together.” She shrugs.
I tighten my hold on her hand. “You're an incredible, strong, brilliant woman. And he was an idiot to let you go.”
She smiles, “I know, now let me enjoy my waffles in peace.”
19Please respect copyright.PENANAeL6SJRRyGa
By the time we finish our meal, it's pretty late. I call a cab to take us back home. Through out the ride Leslie is quiet, she has her head on my shoulder with her fingers toying around with mine.
The driver drops us off at the entrance and I walk with her inside. She's still in my arms when we enter the elevator. I pray to God to give me the strength because other parts of me are already getting ideas.
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