Page 34 of His to Teach
I grab her hand, beginning to pull her from the booth. “Philip will explain.”
To my surprise, and great annoyance, she pulls her hand back. “I’llexplain.”
I level her with a glare. “Harper we’re leaving. Now.”
She crosses her arms over her chest. “Excuse me. You’ve made it perfectly clear that you arenotmy dom. And I’m pretty sure that means I don’t have to do what you tell me.”
God, she’s gorgeous. Even when she’s defying me. Her brown eyes flash at me, her chest rising and falling rapidly with her anger, her golden hair shining under the dim lights. My naughty little angel. How had I ever thought I could stay away from her?
I grab her by the elbow, leaning in close. “Keep pushing me, angel. See what happens when you test my limits.”
Her breathing goes a little unsteady, but she stands her ground. “I’ll be right back.” And before I can argue she’s turned on her heel, heading towards the bar.
I watch as she huddles with Emma. Harper’s friend, though beautiful, couldn’t be more different. Emma is taller and curvier, her red hair bold, flashy. Even her clothes stand out, a skin-tight, throwback style pin-up dress that screams sex appeal. There’s something in the way she carries herself that speaks of vivaciousness, confidence. I get the feeling that Emma is here for the thrill of it, not because of any deep or hidden yearning.
As she casts me a worried glance, I amend my assumption—maybe she’s just here to support her friend.
Philip comes to my side. “Everything okay?”
“I’m taking Harper home. I trust you’ll see to her friend?”
He nods. “Of course. You want me to show her around first?”
I think about that, not entirely sure I want Harper’s best friend to see what happens behind that steel door. God knows what she’ll think of me then. She strikes me as someone who looks out for her friend, and I don’t want her warning Harper off of me.
“I’d rather you stay out here. Let her watch one of the performances on the main stage. That ought to be enough to satisfy her curiosity.”
“And if she asks to go behind the door?”
I rub a hand over my face. “Only if she asks you. And keep it to the tame stuff.” I watch as Emma hugs Harper, the red-head shooting another worried glance my way over her roommate’s shoulder. “Reallytame stuff.”
“Understood.”
Harper and Emma’s conversation seems to be wrapping up now and it’s a good thing. I’m feeling antsy, anxious to get out of here. I’m about ready to go over there and throw Harper over myshoulder, which I’m pretty damn sure wouldn’t help me to gain Emma’s trust.
Philip clears his throat and I tear my eyes away from Harper to glance at him. He’s watching me, concern on his face. “What?” I snap.
He doesn’t blink at my tone. “You seem awfully worked up about this girl, Nate.”
“And that’s a problem?”
He holds up his hands. “I’m not saying it’s a problem to be worked up. But you and I both know there’s a lot riding on this for you. I don’t want to see you get in too deep.” His tone softens. “I don’t want to see you get hurt. Not again.”
Not again. He’s referring to Renee, of course, and the reference shoots a little dart of pain into me. The emotion is tinged with dread, and I try to push it down. I don’t want to think about that right now. This is nothing like Renee. I won’t let it be.
“I’ve got it covered.”
That’s a lie and we both know it. I don’t have this shit covered, not at all. There’s something about Harper that has me careening off balance, losing control. She’s dangerous for me.
And I sure as hell am not safe for her.
I take a deep breath trying to calm the emotion coursing through me. Across the room Harper is finally leaving Emma’s side.You can do this,I tell myself sternly. I can regain my control. Control is what I do best. And I have a hell of a lot of practice.
If I can just get her out of here, get her somewhere where I can think straight, then I’ll be okay.
Philip sighs. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
I keep my eyes on Harper. She’s walking towards me now, her expression growing more nervous with each step. She meets my gaze and a flush comes to her cheeks when she catches me staring.
