Page 53 of Fated Love with You

“Let me get a taste of that unique sandwich that couldn’t possibly be made here,” Ryder says, taking half. “Chopped up steak, cheese, peppers… Hard to find gourmet ingredients here.”

“It’s so cheesy!” Adele moans as she takes a bite. Then she slides my sandwich to me.

I can’t feel my stomach anymore.

“Taste it, Miss Jane…” Ryder motions for me to unwrap it. “I’m sure it has the familiar taste of defiance that you love so much.”

“Are you going to the mayor’s upcoming masquerade ball, Miss Jane?” Adeline asks me, completely oblivious to the tension in this room.

“No, I don’t think so.”

“She’s going,” Ryder says. “I got her a ticket.”

“You have to let me help you pick out a dress.” Adele looks giddy. “I’ll make sure you have the best one there.”

“I wasn’t aware the mayor has a masquerade ball.” I try to soften the tension.

“It’s like Seattle’s version of the Met Gala,” Adele says. “Dad only goes because he gets work done there.”

“Yes,” Ryder says. “Lots of work…”

Adele’s cell phone buzzes against the table, and she sighs.

“It’s Miss Temple,” she says. “I’ll need to play a couple pieces for her. Will you excuse me?”

“Yes,” Ryder says, and she rushes away, leaving me alone with him.

I push back from the table, ready to stand, but he’s already circling around. He closes the space between us in seconds, stopping just short of my chair.

“Why are you sweating, Autumn?” he asks.

“I was approached by an FBI agent,” I say. “She threatened me with prison if I don’t fold or meet with her.”

Ryder blinks a few times. “Is that all?”

“Isn’t that a problem?”

“No, just tell her what you know,” he says.

“Which parts?”

“The bonuses, the sex, everything.” He trails a finger against my bottom lip, slow and possessive, like he’s daring me to flinch. “Especially the orgasms. She probably has no idea what those are, so it’ll be the highlight of her year.”

“You’re being sarcastic, aren’t you?”

“No,” he says. “I ask you to pick up things for me, which you do. And you are sleeping with me, so these are just facts. Just don’t bring up Adeline.”

I nod, still stunned.

“I’ll even drive you to meet her if it comes to that.” He clenches his jaw. “Don’t worry about it.”

“I’m sorry,” I say.

“I’m sorry, too.”

“For what?”

“Not fucking enough fear into you.” He glares at me. “Clearly I was too gentle because here we are again, with you defying me and thinking this shit is a game.”