Page 55 of Worship

Luca: No.

Me: Rain check?

Luca: Refer to above answer.

Me: Hate me?

Luca: Love me?

I don’t know how to respond.Yes, I do. I want to write “yes,” but that’s crazy. This isn’t how we’re supposed to do this relationship. He’s supposed to be single, andthenwe happen.

But dammit, he’s right. We’ve happened, and now I need to decide. Do I want him or not? Because whether or not the timing is right, Luca is coming for me. And I want him to catch me, again.

“JUST SAY YES,”IPUSH, frustrated by her refusal of my request.

She’s trying to back out of dinner.

“It’s not a good idea, Luca. You know this.”

She’s a real pain in my ass.

I smack my hand down on the counter.

“Angel, you get your ass over here and eat this goddamn food.” I throw my hands in the air. “Food I made with my own hands. Get here, woman.”

I toss the kitchen towel I’m holding across the kitchen. “I’m tired of talking to you on the phone and jerking off at night. Get here.”

Her laugh makes me more determined to bend her over this damn counter and spank that pretty little ass.

We’ve been doing it her way for two long hellish weeks, and my fucking patience has worn out. Every conversation has come to this. Her little plan has backfired, and it’s made me crazed for her.

I won’t entertain a “no” from her. And she knows it, because her willpower is never holding up against my persistence. I’m coming for this woman, and nothing will stop me, not even her morality.

“Luca, if I come over I’m going to…”

“Come,” I say immediately. “I’m over this shit.”

“Luca!” She’s sincerely shocked.

I don’t stop.

“You’re going to come all over my cock, and I’m going to hear my name screamed from those gorgeous lips. I want you, Gretchen, in my bed and in my fucking life. I know it’s complicated, but dammit, Angel. Don’t make me be the monster you know I’m capable of being.”

Her giggle immediately deflates my threat.

“You said you needed time. What’s different? And after last night…” she pushes back.

“You. Fuck, Gretchen, I haven’t even thought about Shelby in two weeks. I’ve walked away. Don’t play dumb, beautiful. I know you feel this as much as I do, and I can’t fucking take it anymore. I’m in. Whatever you want from me, I’m fucking in, and I don’t want to have this conversation over the phone. I need to see those beautiful eyes, kiss those gorgeous lips, and eat the pussy that’s mine. Give in.”

“Jesus. Fine. But if you try and fuck me before we talk, I’ll kill you. Do you hear me, Luca? You have to promise to keep your dick in your pants until we talk this shit out.”

“Fine,” I say instantly.

“Why was that so easy?” she growls at me.

“Because my tongue is the real MVP.” I grin, leaning back against my counter, feeling victorious.

She chuckles. “Your mind lives in the gutter.”It does.