Page 46 of Redeem Me

‘Never say never, Ivy. You’re not my nanny, or my best friend’s sister. If you looked at me the way you looked at Caelon yesterday, I’d have pinned you to the sand and taken your panties off then and there.’ He arches his eyebrows. ‘But he didn’t… and you’re pissed because you’re into him, which is why you called me,’ he surmises.

‘You’re not just a pretty face,’ I admit, raising my palms in the air. ‘But you still came on a date with me. Why?’

‘I have my own reasons.’ He taps the side of his nose.

‘Like?’

‘Firstly, it’s fun pissing Caelon off. It’s too easy. He used to be so relaxed and easy-going. Nothing riled him. Now, he’s like a nuclear weapon waiting to go off.’ Rian sits back as the waiter returns with the champagne and pours two glasses.

‘And secondly?’

I take the crystal flute the waiter hands me. I’d have preferred a whiskey but alcohol is alcohol and I could do with a little.

‘Secondly, you’re not the only one pining for someone they can’t have,’ he sighs, tapping his fingers on the table.

I scoff. ‘I’m pretty sure there isn’t a woman in the world who’d turn you down.’ I raise the glass to my lips and pause, ‘Well, apart from me.’ I grin.

‘You’d be surprised. It’s a long story. One for another day.’ His thick eyelashes blink hard. ‘Let’s get back to the fun questions. Best shag you’ve ever had?’ He winks.

Laughter bursts from my throat, echoing around the restaurant loudly enough to attract attention.

‘The right answer, in case you’re wondering,’ he grins at me across the table, ‘is that it hasn’t happened yet, but to ask you again in a couple of hours.’

‘You’ve just told me you’re into someone else. And I didn’t deny being into your brother!’

‘Yep, and as neither is happening, we could always get our kicks with each other in the meantime.’ He runs a thumb over his baby smooth jawline, and I have no idea if he’s serious or joking. ‘Tell me, what did my brother do to you on that desk, Ivy? I bet I could top it. I bet I could make you scream.’

A dark shadow appears from nowhere, clouding the sunlight streaming in the window. ‘The only person screaming will be you, little brother, if you continue to flirt with what’s mine.’ Caelon booms thunderously and slides into the seat beside me.

I swallow hard, not sure if I’m elated he’s here or exasperated. Judging by the heat pooling in my core, it’s the former.

‘Yours, is she?’ Rian sits forward, interlacing his fingers on the table. His glee is apparent with every fleeting micro facial expression.

‘She was this morning when she came on my face, and she will be again later,’ Caelon says casually.

Heat flushes my cheeks. I pick up my drink and knock it back. ‘Is nothing sacred?’

Caelon shrugs, then signals to the waiter. ‘Whiskey. Beckett’s Gold,’ he barks.

‘Hitting the hard stuff early?’ Rian folds his arms.

‘It’s not for me. It’s for Ivy.’

He has been paying attention. Beckett’s Gold is my favourite. I take another mouthful of champagne, just for something to do.

‘You swallow fantastically,’ Rian teases, and I almost spray the liquid through my teeth.

‘You’ll never find out,’ Caelon growls. ‘Fuck this. Come on Ivy, let’s get out of here.’

‘Oh, what!’ Rian exclaims. ‘Things were just getting interesting!’

‘Not nearly as interesting as they will be when I get Ivy home.’ Caelon pushes his chair back with his legs.

‘I’m not going anywhere with you,’ I say defiantly. Although it’s hot as fuck that he’s come in here all alpha and possessive , I have more respect for myself than that. His hot/cold behaviour is giving me whiplash. I thought this morning, I’d finally cracked his hard outer shell, first outside, then in my bedroom, but he couldn’t even bring himself to kiss me on the mouth.

‘What?’ Caelon’s eyes flit to mine. ‘You wanted my attention, you got it.’

‘I want to be wantedallthe time, not just when you feel threatened by someone else wanting me.’

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