Chapter ６

“Fuck.” David snatches my glass and gulps it down. “Fuck.”

Even if I did figure out what it meant, it wouldn't change anything. This time it's up to me to make a decision after he's already made his. Ultimately, one must release their grip. I interrupt the brief embrace by turning around and looking around the room.

Many people are looking in our direction. It's obvious that not all of them are directed at me personally. David has a rugged, powerful good looks. It's not just his good looks; it's also the way he carries himself, as if he were the master of every space he enters. At first I believed I was the only one who felt that way, but his past few birthdays have shown me I was mistaken. A lot of eyes are drawn to David as soon as he walks through the door.

That includes everyone here today.

A stunning middle-aged lady is sitting at a table in the nook, sipping a glass of white wine. Her dark, wavy hair complements the sophistication of her clothing and jewels. Moreover, she is looking at David with an intensity that causes me to flush.

Perhaps none of us will go home tonight, I mutter to myself. There's none justification to have any envy. Despite what my imagination may conjure, I have no more right to this guy than he has to me. We're just two individuals going at high speed through life who were unexpectedly thrust into a collision path.

“Anna.” His hand tightens around my thigh, and he spins me around so that my knees are against his. The man examines my countenance. "You want me to respond, and you know it."

And I do mean "just a bit," when I say that. Even though I am far from flawless, I do my best to always tell the truth. Commonly or frequently. Despite what most people think, I am able to accept "no" as an answer. Your lack of interest means we can go on. The End.

His eyes wander down to my lips. It was "so easy"

True, it's as simple as that. David” His very name makes me feel guilty. You keep insisting that you aren't curious. So far, I've been making an effort to uphold that. I don't see why we're still debating.

You have no idea the consequences of your actions.

Unnatural excitement surges through me. "Don't I?" When I get a whiff of the beard oil he uses, I lean in close and almost whimper. Truly, those are cloves you smell. The cold makes me shudder. There's no way I could be considered innocent.

It's not news to me. In an effort to lower his voice, he. To touch you would make me the lowest kind of a bastard.

I won't even try to pretend that I came here tonight with the noblest of motives, to make a big deal out of celebrating my birthday at the stroke of midnight. Like usual, I anticipated David's arrival to save me. In my heart, I felt we were meant for one other. The feeling right now is that we are on the verge of something very significant. A one strong prod is all it takes to push us over the edge. It would mean a lot to me if you touched me with more than your hands.

He curses. The words "You don't know what you're asking for" are repeated by David.

Raise my glass high, and I savor every last drop. To those who aren't curious: "That's okay. There was no foul play, thus there was no damage done. There's no way I'm going to lose sleep over this. Liar. However, you must not pretend that you are acting in my best interest. I'm a grown up now; I can choose for myself.

“Anna.” He lets out a long breath and turns his gaze away. "Look, I dunno if you've got some white knight fantasy or anything going on in your brain, but that's not me. You won't find me tucking you into a rose-filled bed and giving you a passionate kiss.

It's a godsend, for sure. For my part, I'd be at a loss as to what to do with anything like that. I don’t need a rescuer, no matter what he believes. I snort. "Adorable wording."

I mean what I say.

"So am I." A glass was put down by me. “David, we may not know each other well when it comes to all the dull small facts you pick up on the first three dates, but we know each other.” I lean forward till we’re kissably near. "If you give it some thought, you'll see that I'd eat a white knight for breakfast." My breath becomes caught in my throat when I meet his eyes. "Just as I am confident in your ability to deal with every challenge I provide you with."

“Anna.”

Please wait for me to finish. I take a deep, quaking breath in. But that's irrelevant," he said.

As I talked, David seemed to hold his breath the whole time. He takes the slightest step forward, bringing us closer together. For example: "What's the big deal, Anna?"

Saying my name is like having his fingers go down my spine. I make an effort to grin but it just doesn't come out right. The fact that I trust you is all that really counts. And I feel secure under your care.

He lets out a low, angry slur. Saying, "That's not right."

"I know." I had no intention of being honest. Not with David or the plans I have for tonight. Even more so now that I know he wants me and is only restrained by a moral system I abhor. I look him in the eye and lean back slightly to issue a subtle challenge.

I can't go too far before he moves. David puts his hands behind my neck and holds me still. It's not a harsh hold, but it gives me the creeps just the same. As his eyes heat up, he slides his thumb gently down the side of my neck. If I may ask, "Are you sure this is what you want?"