Page 118 of Prey Tell
PS: In case you’re wondering, yes, I know your favorite coffee shop. Even when you thought I wasn’t paying any attention to you, I couldn’t look away.
Xo
My hand is shaking slightly as I take another sip of coffee, wondering how I’m going to quell my nerves enough to deal with romantic Chase. And with coffee fueling the adrenaline…
You’ll need your energy for tonight.
I set my cup down and drive to his apartment in a daze, parking in Jackson’s spot. I drink the rest of the coffee as I take the elevator up toThe Penthouse, and as the doors slide open, I laugh when I see Miles standing against the foyer table, holding a black envelope.
“Did he put you up to this?” I ask, taking the envelope he’s holding out for me.
“He certainly did,” Miles grumbles, frowning. “First, he insists we leave New York early, and second, I’m told to wait here until you arrive—”
I cut him off and lurch forward, wrapping my arms around him in a tight hug. He goes still, and as I pull away, he’s looking down at me with careful consideration.
“I’m not really the hugging type, Juliet,” he grumbles, adjusting his tie as he takes a step back.
I smirk. “Right. Sorry. Thanks for this,” I tell him, holding the envelope up.
“Oh, and Juliet?” Miles asks, crossing his arms. “I know I should give you the whole ‘don’t hurt him’ speech, but we both know you’re helplessly in love with him, so I suppose I’ll save my speech for the wedding day.”
His words send a cacophony of butterflies through me, and all I can do is nod before the elevator doors closed. I’m already ripping at the envelope. I expect to see an invitation, perhaps something pertaining to the castle, but all that’s inside is a single, folded slip of paper. I unfold it as the doors open, walking quickly to my car before reading it.
Once seated, I squint down at what looks like a contract—and upon further inspection, is a revised copy of my original contract. Well, the abridged version at least.
Chase Charles Ravage and Juliet Marie Parker agree to the following, effective from today to the end of this calendar year, at which time this contract will end or (hopefully) be renegotiated. Any participant may also choose to end this contract before that time, for any reason (but the Dominant hopes this doesn’t happen). Other terms to be agreed upon in person at The Black Rose.
I smile as I start my car, my heart beating in my chest as I turn right and head for The Black Rose. It’s only a few blocks away, and as I pull up to the valet line, it doesn’t surprise me that there’s no one else waiting, and only one parking attendant. He smiles and opens my door, obviously expecting me, and I walk inside the very same restaurant from a few weeks ago. The arching pergola leading into the dining area is twinkling with lights, and I gasp when I see the main dining area empty save for one table—with a large bouquet of black flowers.
And sitting at the table is Chase, dressed impeccably in a black suit.
I cross my arms and stop walking a few feet away from the table. “Is sending me on a wild goose chase really how you’re going to try and woo me?”
Chase smirks, watching me from his casual position. One leg is resting over the other, and his left arm is slung around the back of his chair.
“Truthfully, I only meant to do the pros and cons list. It spiraled out of control after that once Jackson and Miles got involved.”
I open my mouth. “Oh?”
“Jackson was smart enough to suggest a caffeine boost, and Miles was dying to hand you another sealed envelope.”
I scoff. “Very funny.”
Before either of us can say anything else, Chase stands up and walks across the restaurant toward me. It reminds me so much of the times he marched across a room, furious and blazing with power. Tonight, he’s relaxed, and… happy. His eyes are crinkled in the corners, and he’s wearing a small smile as he stops an inch away from me. With one hand, he grips my waist, pulling me flush against his body.
“I’m sorry, Parker. For all of it. For rejecting you that night eight years ago. For talking to Jackson before talking to you. For being a jealous asshole with Dylan—though I can’t promise that will change all that much. I did warn you that my one hard limit was sharing.”
My lips twitch as I gaze into his eyes, my body bent at the waist. I place my hands on his chest, mulling over my words before they tumble out of my mouth.
“Well, then it’s a good thing I’m yours and only yours.”
His cocky expression flickers for a second, giving way to something vulnerable and open. But then he pulls me up to his lips, pressing his tongue into my mouth, and everything else falls away. I moan as both hands come to my waist, squeezing me and pulling me into his hard body. As his tongue sweeps into my mouth again, one hand comes to the back of my hair, and he fists it gently, growling into my mouth when I whimper.
“I had a whole dinner planned, but now I’m thinking I want to eat you,” he murmurs, breathing hard against my lips.
“Fine by me,” I tease, smiling.
“As much as I want to devour you, it will be a long night. Let’s eat.Food,” he clarifies.
