Page 25 of Depraved

“Thank you,” I say as impolitely as possible, still not ready to be nice to my warden. “What time is it?”

I bring the drink to my lips and take an appreciative swig, almost spitting it out as I do. Dante turns to look at me as he lowers himself down on the bed next to me and stretches out his long legs. “Two o’clock. You okay?”

I scrunch my nose and hand him the cup. “Dante. That’s not coffee.”

He takes the cup from me, exchanging it with his. “You got mine.”

I bring the coffee to my lips, sighing into the steam. “What kind of psychopath drinks orange juice?”

He runs his hand over his exposed stomach and lifts his chin to the bag in my lap before diving his hand inside.

“It’s refreshing and healthy. All that caffeine makes me aggressive.” He smirks, rummaging around for something to eat.

I’ve got something.Jesus, I’m such a whore.

“Very cute,” I chastise, pushing his hand out of the bag and grabbing the muffin. “Here.” I place the bag on his chest.

He pulls out another muffin and takes a bite, chewing for a minute before adding, “You taste better.”

I let out an irritated growl and stand up, abandoning my muffin.

“What’s going on? My head is spinning, Dante. You bully me into your home and then say you want to help…how? By bringing me breakfast? And don’t make me even have to mention the flirting.” My arm waves in the air as the other holds my coffee.

He puts down his cup on the nightstand and folds his arms behind his head. God damn him. He’s the picture of arrogance. So fucking calm in the middle of my storm.

His voice is smooth and calculated. “I didn’t bully. I passionately coerced. You weren’t exactly open to compromise, Sarah.”

“I don’t remember being given any alternatives to imprisonment,” I quip.

He turns his body toward me, propping his head up with his hand. “Then let’s make a deal.”

I’m shocked at his nerve, and my mouth drops open, my arms crossing over my chest. “A deal? You don’t know the meaning.”

Dante rolls onto his back, heaving his solid frame up, and plants his feet on the floor. His head hangs for a moment as he sits with his back to me, his muscles deliciously on display. He cracks his neck before standing and turning to face me.

“You need to hear me out, Billy,” he says more seriously. “And I’m not really open to hearing no.”

This dick!

I take a step backward, narrowing my eyes. “This is bullshit.” I turn and walk for the door, hearing Dante’s footsteps sweep over the plush carpeting.

I swing the door open, barreling through toward where I remember the living room was. It takes a minute, but I realize that we’re alone, causing me to stop abruptly. I’m instantly engulfed by Dante’s body. His arms wrap around me, stopping me from falling forward, and pull me into his body.

“Where is everyone?” I ask quietly as he rights me, my back against his chest.

There’s something about this, the way he’s holding me, the place we’re standing. It’s reminiscent of that night. I can tell he’s remembering too by his silence.

His voice drifts over my ear, goose bumps spreading over my neck. “They’re only here when I can’t be.”

His hands slide over my stomach and turn me around to face him. We’re so close. If he moved just an inch, his lips would be on mine.

And I’m not sure I’d push him away.

I lift my chin, and his eyes fix on my lips. He feels it too. The familiar pull between us.

Screw it. Kiss me. Fuck me. Let me take a hit.

Dante’s lips skim mine as my eyes flutter shut.