Page 23 of Tarnished Hands (Chained Hearts Duet #7)

Chapter Twenty-Three

PIPER

I wore a dress for him.

And it’s not black.

I think that’s a big step.

I’m sitting, waiting for Ezra to arrive.

I picked an outdoor location where I knew we couldn’t get into too much trouble with hands sliding into places they shouldn’t be in public.

I arrived early, nerves taking hold of me and not wanting to let go.

When it gets closer to the time I told him to meet me, I start to think he won’t come, and that maybe he decided it was better not to be around me.

I would understand, on some level, anyway.

My life is not normal. Though neither is his, yes, some aspects are, but only this week, he dealt with a dead body in one of the cars.

That’s not normal unless you’re in a different field of work.

My phone buzzes, and I glance at it to see his name pop up. Opening the message, I note it is a photograph of me sitting at the table. I glance around, holding the phone and wondering where he is.

Looking back down, I type out a message.

Me: Where are you?

Bubbles appear, indicating he is texting me back.

Ezra: Spread those legs just a little, and slide your hand up your thigh. For me.

I scrunch my nose up at his words.

Me: No.

Ezra: Do it.

He’s always so demanding.

I uncross my legs and drop my hand to my thighs, which are exposed thanks to my short dress. I look around again, trying to find him, but I don’t see him anywhere. My hand pauses at the hem of my dress, and I sit there and wait.

“You are the most stunningly dangerous thing I have ever encountered.” Ezra’s words come from behind me.

I turn slightly in my seat to look at him, and his lips touch mine as I open my mouth.

My hand moves from my thigh, and his hand grips my face as he kisses me back, stealing my breath.

He pulls away, and his thumb wipes the lipstick off my lips before he walks around and sits opposite me at the table.

My eyes can’t help but trace him up and down. He looks good, but he always does, even when he’s covered in grease.

“You were early,” he states, our knees brushing under the table.

“I was.”

“Are you nervous?”

“No,” I reply a little too quickly, which makes him smirk.

“And you aren’t dressed in black.”

“What’s your favorite color?” I ask.

“Whatever color you have on.”

The waiter comes over, and I order a margarita, and he orders the same with some starters to share.

“So, a date. With no sex,” Ezra says, his hand landing on my thigh.

“Weren’t you just mad at me?” I ask.

“I was, but you made the first move, so there’s no going back now. Now I know you want it as much as I do. It’s done.”

“What if I was bringing you here to end it? I could have been doing that, for all you know.”

He leans in. “You wouldn’t have spread your legs for me if that was the case.” I try to fight the smile on my lips as the waiter comes back with our drinks. Ezra pulls back, but his hand remains on my leg. “So, why no sex?”

“People should date with no sex involved,” I tell him. “I’m sure that’s a written guideline somewhere.” I pause. “Unless that’s all you want from me?”

“That’s all you wanted from me . It was you who said just sex. I just played along.” He winks.

“So you want more than sex?” I ask.

“I always have from you, Piper.”

“Even knowing who I am?”

He nods, and the waiter returns with the food and sets it on the table. I take a sip of my drink and feel like, at any minute, I may break out in hives.

“Can I get a separate plate, please?” Ezra asks the waiter. The waiter leaves and then returns with another plate. I watch as Ezra takes the calamari and fries, and separates them before he places one in his mouth. “Are you referring to your work?” Ezra asks.

I nod.

“I know what you do, Piper. People on the streets know who you are. They know you are as sharp and deadly as that knife that’s probably strapped to your thigh.” I look down at my thigh and smirk.

“Does that intimidate you?” I ask, picking up a fry, and the crunch and flavor are out of this world.

“No, because I want you to know something.” Ezra leans in and indicates with his finger for me to do the same. “I respect that you are a bad-ass bitch. Fuck, I tell people what a firecracker you are. But want to know a secret?”

“What?”

“Only you and I know this.” My eyes find his emerald ones.

“In the bedroom, you don’t rule. You are mine, and you do as you’re told.

” Ezra pulls back, picks up a fry, swipes it through the barbecue sauce, and pops it into his mouth.

At first, I’m not sure if I’m mad or confused. Pulling back, I stare at him.

“I could rule you in the bedroom,” I state.

“Oh, I’m sure you could. But we both know you love it when I’m in charge.” He’s right. I do.

“So it doesn’t really bother you?”

“I’m secure enough in my manhood, so no. But don’t think for a second I would let any other man take what’s mine, Piper. Killing may not be something I do as regularly as you, but I know how to kill someone.”

And I have no doubt that he does.