Page 11

11

ARTHUR

The Next Night

I ’m parked next to Eva’s patio, watching Bart Collins struggle with his front door lock. Must be a surprise to see me here this late, and the concern twisting his features amplifies the thought.

“Arthur?” he yells from the door, squinting at my car.

“Hello, Bart,” I say.

“What are you doing here so late?” He makes his way down the patio, fastening the puffy robe belt around his midsection.

“Taking Eva out as part of her training. I want to run her through some impromptu nighttime drills.” I had a whole day of sitting around to come up with that lie, and it still sounds fake.

I can’t blame myself. Instead of coming up with a decent reason to take Eva out, my head’s been spinning on all the terrible things I want to do to the piece of shit who cornered her outside the restroom. I wanted to tear his fucking eyes out for staring at her all night, and it took a whole lot more than just strength to keep me pinned in my chair.

But if I want to keep watching Eva, keep her safe, I can’t just throw my weight around whenever I want. She’s still new to all this, and I don’t want to scare her.

“She didn’t mention it.” Bart scratches his chin, turning his eyes to the sky while he thinks.

“I sprung it on her, same way I’m doing with you. Be prepared for anything. It’s the best rule in the business.” If I were the kind of man to dress up in a fancy suit and tie, my lie would’ve been harder to pull off. But my usual look of jeans and a T-shirt sell it well enough.

Not that I’d care if Bart knew the truth, anyway. Eva Collins is mine, and I want the whole damn world to hear it. Get everyone else thinking twice about trying to take her from me.

These lies are for her. Until she’s comfortable telling folks, my lips are sealed.

“Makes sense. It’s good to see you’re this committed to the cause,” he says, giving me a firm pat on the shoulder.

“It’s why you’re paying me, right?” We share a chuckle.

“Mind if I ask how it’s getting on with her? The clock’s ticking down, and I want to be sure she’s safe.”

“You wouldn’t believe it, but your little girl knocked me flat on my ass the other day,” I answer. Bart doesn’t have to know it’s because I was getting ready to slip my tongue inside her.

“So she does have a fighter’s spirit underneath all the peace and love nonsense?” he asks. Just in time, too. With the final word, Eva steps out of the door exactly as I wanted.

A purple trainer top that squeezes her tits together and leaves a great view of her cleavage. Black leggings that hug the shape of her thick thighs and ass so perfectly. But what’s most appealing is the mess of golden curls framing her face.

The whole damn look sells the lie I told Bart and lights a spark in my soul.

“Hey, you two,” Eva says, flashing a precious smile in my direction. “I hope you aren’t gossiping about me.”

“Us? No, never.” Bart raises his hands in phony surrender.

“Bart was just telling me how proud he is of what you’ve accomplished in such a short time with me.” Why not stroke my future father-in-law’s ego a little? The guy deserves it after giving me the best damn gift anyone ever could.

“Well, isn’t that sweet?” Eva walks down the steps and to the passenger seat.

“Bart, it’s been nice. I’ll give you a full report on Eva’s progress soon, but we really should be off.” I shake his hand.

“Of course, of course, and keep up the good work, you two.” He shoots Eva with finger guns.

I fall into the car beside her and wait for the front door to shut. When Bart’s gone, I fling myself at her lips. I can’t believe I managed to hold out this long before getting another taste of her.

“Isn’t that a nice hello?” she says. I don’t have to see her blush to know it’s happening.

“You deserve it for getting all dolled up for me.” I start the engine and drive.

“But I’m wearing training clothes?”

“Baby girl, you could wear an old newspaper and tinfoil hat and still send me over the moon.” Cheesy, lame, and the complete truth. “Now, let’s go have some fun.”

“More fun than rolling around my backyard naked?” She snickers, leaning over to my side and pressing her lips against my neck.

“Only better place is my bed.” A pulsating heat radiates through my body.

“I’ll be the judge of that,” she whispers in my ear before sucking it between her teeth. “But don’t let me ruin what you’ve got planned. I just want you to think about how wet I’m going to be the whole night, picturing your cock splitting me in two.”

“Then you’ll love what I’ve got in store for us.” I sneak a cheeky peck on her lips. “It’ll give you some practice with a club.”

Her eyes narrow in confusion, but she makes no effort to spoil the surprise. Instead, to torture me further, she rests her hand on my throbbing cock, rubbing it through my pants while I drive.

Good God, Eva Collins is everything I’ve ever dreamed of in a perfect mate.