Page 32 of White Pawn

“Oh, I do. But you see,” I take a step toward him, close enough that I can feel the heat of his skin lick mine, “I don’t believe in fairytales. I like my love stories to be bloody and violent.”

“Shit.” He laughs. “I want to be on the cover of your books then.”

“I’d put you on one, but only because you’re pretty.” I trail a fingertip up the deep indention of his chest, up his neck, over his lip. “You’ll be at the signing in South Beach next weekend, right?”

“Yep. You?” He tips his beer back, his eyes dancing dangerously with dirty promises.

“Um-hmm.” I bite at my bottom lip. “You staying alone?”Planning, Justin. I’m always planning...

Chris leans down, sweeping my hair to the side as his lips brush my ear. “Depends on if you end up in my bed.”

I shove him away. “You’re dirty, aren’t you?”

“You’ve no idea.”

“Mmmm.” I allow my eyes to drag over his body like he’s something cheap I want to buy. And this is the art of playing someone, knowing what makes them tick. Justin—it’s disinterest, denial. Chris, well, all it takes is a whore. “Take a picture with me,” I say.

He reaches for the stool behind him and takes a seat, patting his thick thigh. I giggle and sit gently on his knee. He wraps his arm around me, takes my phone from my hand, and holds it out.Click. Click. Click.The last picture, he’s kissing my cheek. And it’s perfect.

“Want to get out of here?” he asks, his lips pressing against my neck, and I cringe.

I stand and turn around. “I’ll see you next weekend.” I wink as I back away from him, smiling. I’m barely out of the bar before I’ve got that picture uploading to Facebook.#ChrisTalon #SwoonWorthy #AuthorsAndModels

The queen has moved. All the pawns are on the bored.Justin, you will either love me, or I will ruin you.