Page 9 of Stumped

I’m not one for PDA, but ever since we met, displaying my sexual desire and affection for this man is all I’ve been thinking about. His mouth wanders down my neck, I tilt my head and gather my hair out of the way as my eyes close. He nips and sucks on my skin; he could leave all the marks he wants and I wouldn’t complain. The song changes to something faster and I spin to look up at Elias. He smirks, eyes twinkling as he takes a sip of his drink. I do the same, our gazes locked as we finish our beers.

“I’ve known you only a few hours and it feels like this is where I’m meant to be,” he whispers, leaning in slightly.

“Pressed up against me while we’re surrounded by stinky people in an expensive club?”

“Exactly.”

I know what you mean. I don’t believe in love at first sight or fate. And I no longer trust my gut when it comes to romance and relationships. Elias might tick all the boxes in my mind, but I could never give myself over to him completely.

“What’s wrong?”

I’m surprised to hear him over the loud, heart-thumping music or that he can read me so well already. Forcing a smile, I pat his chest. “Promise not to fall in love with me, okay?”

He looks startled, eyes searching mine before he nods slowly. “I promise.”

I take his empty bottle along with mine and head to the bar to return them. And to catch my breath. The bartender slides over a glass of water and I turn around to find Elias watching me, hands on his hips.Fucking hell, he’s breathtaking. Even under the strobe lights of this crowded club, with the worst Bollywood remixes playing, he makes every inch of me come alive.

I made him promise not to fall in love with me, but who is holding me accountable for the butterflies in my stomach and the throbbing in my core?

His head tips to the side, mouth curving into a smile and my heart thunders. I finish my water as Elias lifts a hand and hooks a finger, calling me to him. Flashes go off around us and I’m drawn to the man like a moth to a flame. I’d be absolutely okay being burned by him, the hotter the better. When our bodies are inches apart, his arm slides around my waist, hauling me closer. My softness presses against his firm body and I melt a little.

“Wanna get out of here?”

“Is this because of thefuckingcomment?”

He chuckles, the sound rumbling through his body and into mine. “Yes. I’m also starving and I don’t feel like spending thousands on finger food.”

My brain automatically sorts through my rolodex of late night restaurants as I nod. “I know a couple of places we could check out.”

“Lead the way,” he whispers and his mouth covers mine. I moan into the kiss, arms winding around his neck. I should be moving, but in his embrace, with his tongue teasing mine, I can’t bring myself to care.

Until someone bumps into us and slurs out an apology.

Elias growls at the intruder, who apologises again and freezes. I notice my companion go still, then we’re moving. So fast, it’s almost like he’s carrying me out of the club.

“Someone’s in a hurry.”

“Need food and you alone,” he mumbles, but I catch him looking over his shoulder as we step into the elevator. He doesn’t speak as we hit the lobby and push through the main doors of the hotel. Kuriakose is already waiting for us and I’m tempted to ask how he knew we were ready, but I’m being gently guided into the car. Elias looks frustrated as we start moving and I scoot closer to make sure he’s okay, one hand on his jaw, turning his face to mine.

“Home?” Kuriakose asks in Malayalam.

I don’t hesitate when I reply in the same language, “Can we go to T. Nagar? There’s a place that’s open late and won’t be too crowded.”

They look at me in shock, because they definitely weren’t expecting me to speak in Malayalam. I shrug and stroke Elias’ jaw, smiling when his eyes drop to my bare thighs now that my dress has ridden up.

“Are you okay?”

“I am now,” he mumbles, leaning in to press his forehead against mine.

Three. What if I was trouble?

Elias

The night was going differently than I imagined.

It started as a break from my regular routine of staring at four walls. Then turned into being surrounded by unruly fans hating on my team.

And finally meeting the woman I know is going to change my life.

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