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I inhale deeply in an attempt to steady my breathing. With him holding me this close, it’s impossible. “I’m hungry,” I say, my voice trembling as I fight my need for him.
He releases me, but doesn’t step back. Once again, he offers his hand. This time, I take it without hesitation. Provoking him again will instigate a battle I can’t win.
Side by side, we make our way to the kitchen. Thoughts zip through my mind, pinging different worries and insecurities until I’m ready to get drunk to avoid thinking at all. Whenever I run through the possible scenarios concerning this getaway he’s planned, I can’t come up with anything that’d make peace between us.
“What’s the destination for tomorrow?”
Hayden lifts my hand and grazes the inside of my wrist with his lips before answering. “A tropical island far from here.”
I tug on his hold, unable to concentrate while he’s kissing my skin. He releases me with a knowing smile, and I resist the urge to make a face at him.
“Could you be any vaguer?” I ask.
“The less you know, the better. The same goes for your friend. ”
“Fine.”
Telling Harper wouldn’t do me any good. It’s not as if she’s going to rescue me from him. Then there’s the possibility that Hayden’s lying to protect me, per his usual.
“What do you want to eat?” he asks, interrupting my musings.
“It doesn’t matter. Your housekeeper is such a good cook. I haven’t tasted anything that I haven’t loved. I’d like to meet her at some point.”
“In time.”
He walks over to the stainless-steel refrigerator and removes two covered plates. After heating the contents, he sets them on the dining table, one right across from the other.
I take a seat with my mouth watering, ready to devour the entire portion of lasagna. Hayden settles in the other chair. He watches me, unmoving.
A blush rises to my cheeks. I duck my head and reach for my utensils, using my food as a focal point. Even though I’m not looking at him, I can feel his gaze following every one of my movements. I wait for him to eat, but his plate remains untouched, his attention never leaving me.
I shift under his watchful stare, silently reprimanding myself for letting him get to me. “You’re staring.”
“I know.”
I snap my head up. He meets my wide gaze with a soft expression, one that’s rarely shown. It’s almost reverent, as if I’m the most captivating thing he’s ever seen. The intense energy flowing off of him sends a thrill through me. I immediately suppress it.
“You’re so beautiful, Calista.”
Bowing my head once more, I ignore my flustered state and take another bite, savoring the rich flavors. “Can we bring your housekeeper to wherever the fuck you’re taking me?”
Hayden coughs to hide his amusement. “Language, Mrs. Bennett. And no, we won’t take Cecil with us.”
“Well, I tried.”
“You do realize that I don’t want to deny you anything, right?”
I shrug.
“And you know I’d do anything to keep you safe, right?”
“Yes, that’s what worries me,” I say with a nod. “You don’t have healthy boundaries.”
He tilts his head. “Are you saying love should have boundaries?”
“Are you saying you love me?”
“I think it’s inevitable.”
