Page 198 of The Forbidden Note

“Like I said, you can survive breaking laws and moral codes. I can’t. You won’t be able to see me if I’m in jail,” I snap.

“I’ll wait for you to get out.” He’s half-smiling.

I don’t smile back.

Zane is pushing hard on the defenses I have around my heart.

But us together?

It’s impossible.

We both need a reality check.

I make my tone intentionally sharp. “What do you expect, Zane? That you and I get to walk into the sunset together? That this…” I gesture between us, “thingturns into love? Arealmarriage?”

“Why can’t it?”

“That’s not happening. That’s never happening.”

Slowly, he unclips his seatbelt, not breaking eye contact. He slides across the seat. “Should I remind you who this body belongs to? Because it sounds like you need a refresh.”

I lift a hand and set it on his chest before he can put his weight on me.

My heart is beating loudly. “As far as I’m aware, I’m single.”

“You’re mine.”

“You’re too young for me.”

“You’re perfect for me.”

I scowl. “You should date girls your own age.”

“Is that what you tell yourself? That you should date someone your own age?” His fingers slide down the front of my shirt. “Because I don’t think that’s what you really want.”

I twist my head and notice the cab driver staring at us.

Shoving Zane off, I quickly fix my shirt and tuck it back into my pants. My body is aching, desperate for more of his touch. “Control yourself. People are watching.”

I’m not just talking to Zane, but to myself.

“Yes, ma’am,” Zane says in that deep, mischievous voice that warns me that he’ll never listen to instructions.

My skin prickles with heat everywhere his hands brushed and I cross my legs tightly.

Zane stiffens. “We’re almost there.”

I look out the window and notice the restaurant coming into view. My stomach tightens with nerves. “I hope this doesn’t take long.”

“Keep in mind that if he touches you, I’ll beat his face into the pavement.” Zane curls his lips up in a bitter smirk. “Just in case that isn’t clear.”

“You’re going to beat him with one arm?”

“I don’t need two arms to fight, tiger.” He winks.

“You’re that confident?”

“Come to my room tonight. I’ll show you what I can do with only one hand.”