Page 71 of Emergence and Ascendance

"Self-defense classes and that’s your fault."

"Nah, the blame is all yours. You shouldn’t have been dancing like that.”

She rolled her eyes. “I wasn't dancing."

"What would you call that shit you were doing with the bedpost?"

"Organizing. How long were you watching me?"

"Long enough to hope you’ll let me get a private show with a lot less clothes involved and without that right hook."

"I'm not a dancer, so no."

"I disagree.”

"Did you need something? I’m kinda busy?" She motioned to the stack of clothes on the bed.

"I picked up dinner on the way home. Come eat with me."

"I'll be down in five minutes."

I nodded and backed out the door. "Take your time. I need a minute to recover from the assault. Might have to ice this." She grinned and shot me a bird.

"Next time announce yourself like a normal person."

"And miss the performance? Nah, I can take the good with the bad." I winked and she grabbed a pillow from the bed and threw it at me. I caught it and tossed it back.

"Five minutes. I’m starving.”

"For food?"

“And other things.”

I left her room with a hard dick, knowing this arrangement was going to test every ounce of restraint I possessed.

thirteen

Scotlyn.

When I made it to the living room Christian was arranging takeout containers on the table in front of the sofa. He was out of his suit and back in joggers but this time had on a T-shirt looking sexy and relaxed.

"Smells good. What did you get?"

"Mediterranean. Wasn't sure what you liked, so I got a variety."

He ordered enough for half the city but all of it looked amazing. Hummus, pitas, kebabs, salads, and at least three dishes I couldn't identify.

"Planning on feeding an army?"

"Planning on learning your preferences. Makes future meals easier." He lifted a plate and handed me one.

The casual way he noted future meals made my stomach flip. He made it sound like this, and us, could be normal.

"How's your jaw?" I picked up a skewer of grilled chicken and bit the end.Ohh, that’s good…

He rubbed the spot where I’d hit him, grinning. "I'll live but next time I’ll be ready to block."

"There won't be a next time if you announce yourself instead of sneaking up on me."

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