Page 5 of Damaged Prince
“You don’t have to tell me,” I cut him off with a more serious tone. “It’s okay.”
“No,” he mutters. “I’ll tell you.”
I wait, and wait, and wait... “Well?”
“It’s Ben Dover,” he mumbles under his breath.
“I’m sorry, what?” I ask, not sure if I heard him right. “Can you repeat that?”
“It’s Ben Dover,” he says slightly louder. “Okay? I didn’t pick it. The boss did.”
My hand covers my mouth, and I try not to laugh. But really? Ben Dover.
“Don’t laugh at me,” he scolds. “Be nice.”
“Is it because you have a nice ass, and it looks better when you... bend over?” I can’t help it, a giggle slips out.
He gives me a straight face. “Actually, yes.”
“Oh my god.” I bury my face in my hands, and it’s taking everything in me not to lose it.
“Laney,” Elijah growls, and I’m not gonna lie, it’s pretty hot.
“Okay, okay. I’m done. I better get back to everyone, or they’re going to send a search party.”
“Wait.” He grabs my arm, pulling me back to him. “Before you go.” He cups the back of my head and kisses me again. This time, leaving my head spinning and my stomach in butterflies. “There, now you can go.”
I can’t keep the stupid smile off my face as I leave him and head back to my aunts.
“There you are,” Auntie Eden says. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Just tired. Would you hate me if I said I’m ready to go home?”
“No, of course not,” Auntie Sylvia replies. “Winter isn’t feeling the best either. So it makes sense to go home now.”
“Plus, that fine as hell man who just left the stage gave me a birthday lap dance and his number, so I’m one happy birthday girl.” Auntie Eden winks.
“Oh my god.” I laugh. “You’re too much.”
“Nope. I’m just enough.”
“That you are.”
We link arms and head out of the club, meeting up with Mom and Winter, who are standing outside talking.
When Winter sees me, she rushes over to me as my aunts head over to my mom, letting them know we’re ready to leave.
“Is everything okay?”
“I think so.” I nod.
“Did you go back and see him?” I nod. “And?” she pries.
“He looked like he was afraid I was going to leave him because of this.”
“And you’re not?” She’s serious when she asks me, eyes searching mine.
“Of course not. Look, I don’t know why he works here, and while I’d like to, he can tell me when he’s ready.”
