Page 12 of Watched

I’d blocked his number after each attempted contact, but I now know he was unblocking it remotely. I also threw the large bouquet of red roses in my bin.

I cap the bottle and lift my chin. “I’m not required to do so, nor do I want you near me, especially after what you did.”

He rolls his eyes, like this is some fucking game. “He’s fine, but he won’t be if you go near him again.”

“I haven’t, and don’t roll your eyes at me. Were you not taught how impolite that is?”

His smile widens, and I swear to God, he’s blushing. “You’re adorable. Want a drink?” He extends his glass, but I step back, shaking my head. “Such a good boy.”

“Don’t call me that, and not all of us are so privileged as to not need to worry about the ramifications of public intoxication.”

“I guess we both know you get tipsy off one drink. Look, I’ll promise not to make a scene if you just sit down and have a conversation with me.”

“No.”

“Then we can talk here while I try and stop myself.”

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” I grit out quietly, looking out to the crowd, who are all invested in their own conversations.

“I want to get to know my future husband. What’s wrong with that?”

The bottle cracks in my tightening grip as I drop it to the table and push back through the crowd away from him. “I’m not feeling well. I’m going to leave,” I inform my mother quietly.

Her manicured brows pinch, and she presses the back of her hand to my forehead. “You do look pale.”

I nod to the group and head for the back door. Laughter and music finally stop overcrowding my brain when I exit the room.

Chapter seven

RAIN

Idrop my empty glass to a table beside the door and follow as Rome reaches the stairs, all frantic and paranoid.

I wanted to make him fall apart in my hand that first night, but I realised once he started trembling the psychological damage any further action would have on him. I know I’ve already fucked with his psyche a lot. I mean, I didn’t actually hurt Connor. I just spiked his drink so he’d pass out.

Taking the pack of gum from my pocket, I slide a piece into my mouth and quicken my pace. Rome’s wide eyes look over his shoulder; due to his attention on me, he stumbles down a step, catching himself on the wooden railing.

I wrap an arm around his waist, pulling his back to my chest. He grunts from the impact, and my eyes roll back at the incredible smell of mandarin and bergamot. Everything about him just makes him digestible. Even his hair smells like fucking coconuts. He’s presenting himself as a tasty meal I’m fighting myself not to devour. I know he isn’t out of the closet yet.

His father was all but holding a light to my face, asking why I was a fan of Rome. Uh, because he’s a God, because he looks fucking delicious, and right now, he’s trembling in my arms.

I press my mouth to his ear, enjoying the shudder of terror I force upon him. “Let’s go somewhere quiet, shall we?”

“N-no.” He pulls at my arm. “I don’t feel well.” I wrap my other hand around his throat, relishing in the bob of his Adam’s apple beneath my palm. “Stop,” he whispers. “Please let go. Someone will see.”

“Come in another room, and I will.”

His shoulders slump with defeat. “Fine, just…please let go.” I release him and nod to the door at the bottom right of the stairs. “That’s a closet,” he informs sheepishly, rubbing his neck.

I was barely applying any pressure; he’ll need to become accustomed to me choking him.

I smile, nodding to the one on the left. His eyes close for a moment, and he blows out a breath. I fall instep beside him and block his exit when we reach the bottom. He glances around to ensure no one witnesses me follow him into what looks like a small conference room. I lock the door behind me as he practically runs to the other side of the room, his erratic breaths drowning out the rain pattering on the large window.

“You look good, if I haven’t said that already.” I have, but he needs to hear it. His ass looks delicious in those pants.

He folds his arms across his chest. “What do you want?”

“I’ve explained that already. Is it better in here? You’re not as anxious?”