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I direct my attention back to the screen. She glances up at the camera, a teasing smile curving her lips, and warmth floods my veins. But then it runs cold as Mary places her phone down, leans over to her date, places his hand on her thigh, and trails her fingers up his arm.

She knows exactly which buttons to push.

I’m out of my seat and grab a towel before heading to my car.

You really wanna play this game, Blue? Fine.

Don’t blame me for what I’ll do next.

I spot them in a secluded corner booth, Mary leaning across the table as she speaks to the guy in hushed tones. Her date’s hand is placed over hers, and rage erupts in my chest like a volcano.

No one touches her. No one but me.

“Milton. Fancy meeting you here,” she says as I approach.

The guy glances between us, brow furrowing. “Do you two know each other?”

“Yes,” I say.

Mary smirks. “Connor is the security consultant my father hired to upgrade our systems. He’s been keeping a very close eye on things.”

I ignore him completely, focusing all my attention on Mary. “We need to talk. Now.”

“I’m a little busy at the moment.”

I brace my hands on the table. She shrinks back against the seat, her breath catching, and triumph surges through me. She can pretend all she wants, but she knows exactly who she belongs to.

“You have one minute to end this, or I’m doing it for you,” I say.

Her eyes flash with anger, but beneath it, I sense her arousal, feel it resonating with my own. She wants this as much as I do. She wants me to do this. Claim her.

“You can’t order me around,” she says.

“Fifty-five seconds.” I cross my arms.

“And then what? You’re gonna drag me out of here?” Mary asks.

“Is he your brother or something?” The posh guy points at me.

I ignore the guy completely. “Thirty seconds.” My sole focus is Mary.

Her blue eyes flash with a challenge that awakens something primal within me. “What’s the towel for?”

“You’re going to find out soon enough.” I place it one table away.

“Mary, who the hell is this guy?” he asks.

She ignores him, eyes locked on mine. I can see the gears turning in her head, debating whether to challenge me further. She has no idea how close I am to snapping.

“Ten seconds,” I say through gritted teeth.

The fool sitting across from her darts his eyes between us.

Five seconds left. The entire restaurant seems to fade away until there’s only Mary and me left in the world. Her tongue darts out, wetting her bottom lip. My groin tightens.

“Time’s up,” I growl.

Mary’s eyes narrow. “And what—”

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