Page 103 of Delicate Storm

“Do you want to know what’s being said?” I ask hesitantly, not entirely sure what to say.

“Do I need to?” Easton’s response catches me off guard, and I open my mouth to question him but he cuts me off. “I mean, if you want to talk about it, I’m here to listen, but if you don’t want me to know…”

He trails off and I suddenly want him to know everything, but I can’t because something tells me he’ll fight for me and that’s not going to end well. So instead I give him what I can.

“My ex and I used to play games in our relationship. We’d make each other jealous, use people to get the other excited. I’m not ashamed that it happened, but I’m not thrilled it came out.It’s my personal business and shouldn’t have been shared with the masses.”

“Jesus. Was it your ex?” His expression turns dark, and I almost say yes to see what he’d do to Christian. I’ve never had someone in my life that wants to hurt someone else on my behalf, and Easton’s face is screaming “let me at him.”

“It wasn’t him. He didn’t want that part of our lives to come out any more than I did. He’s engaged and trying to move on.”

“Do you know who?”

I shake my head to stop myself from verbally lying to him. It’s better if he doesn’t know the answer to that question. I need to keep him as far away from this as possible.

Easton nods, but the tension remains in his shoulders. “Is that something you like? The games.”

“No.” I’m quick to cut him off, the thought of him flirting with someone else making me ragey. “That was the way my ex and I worked. It’s not something I’ve ever sought out with anyone else, and I definitely don’t want that with you.”

“Okay.”

“Wait. I’m not explaining myself properly.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“I know, but I think that came out wrong. It’s not that I don’twantthat with you. I don’tneedit. Christian and I made each other jealous to increase the desire. That’s not a problem that you and I have.”

“I see.” Easton’s blank expression gives nothing away, and my heart lodges in my throat.Was I an idiot for being honest with him?

“Easton, I—”

The smallest of smirks tugs at his lips and I’m dead. Someone needs to pick me up from the floor because myGod, this man. “You’re messing with me, aren’t you?”

“I’m not.” He shakes his head. “Entirely. I just like seeing you a little flustered for me. But don’t get me wrong. I’m happy you said no, because I don’t want to play games. I just want to fuck you whenever I want to. And if that fails, I want Wednesday nights.”

God, I want that too. “Do you think one night a week will be enough?” I tease. It’s certainly more than I’ve been getting lately.

Easton growls in the back of his throat and my legs clench. “It will never be enough, but it’s all I’ve got.”

“I’ll take it. But I’m not at your beck and call. If I’m there, I’m there. If I’m not, I’m not.” I stand firm, but as if I’m not going to be there, knowing this incredible man is coming home to me.

“I wouldn’t want it any other way, Paige. Take the key. Do with it what you will.”

He turns to walk away and a little part of me panics. “You’re going?”

“I told you; I have a late meeting Wednesday night.”

“That’s right, you did. I guess I’ll see you around.”

“You will.” He opens my apartment door while I put the key down on my kitchen counter, contemplating what to do with it.

“Oh, and Paige…”

“Yes.” I glance up to find Easton standing on the threshold, his arms crossed as he leans casually against the door, holding it open, watching me.

“You’re not fooling anyone, and if I ever find out who shared your private life with the media, I’m going to destroy them.”

My breath hitches at the intensity in his gaze. “But Isaac,” I whisper, stunned. I don’t know why I said that, but I needed to take the focus off me.

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