Virgin Bride(16)

Slowly we break apart. She’s breathing deeply. “Good night,” she says suddenly and jumps out of my car.

Before I can say anything, she disappears into the building. I stare after her, totally fucking shocked.

What the hell just happened? One second she’s into me on the dance floor, and then she’s weird when I talk about the business, and then she’s kissing me, and then she’s running away. It’s like there are two versions of her and she keeps switching between them.

I can’t help but smile though. That kiss felt so fucking good, better than any kiss has felt in a long time. I don’t know what to think about that, but it’s the truth. When I put the car into gear and start heading home, I can’t stop the smile from spreading across my face. I’m practically tingling with desire and excitement.

I need to understand these two versions of Erin. That way I can isolate the one that seems to want me, and fix whatever is missing with the other. I’ll make her whole, and take what I want, sooner or later. It’s just a matter of time. She’ll be begging for more by the time I’m through with her.





8





Erin





After Griffin dropped me off and I stupidly kissed him, I had to wait in the lobby of that random building until he left. When he was gone, I snuck back out and called for a car to come pick me up.

I had an amazing time. I can’t deny it. That felt so damn good, going out with him like that and kissing him in his car. I didn’t expect to do any of that, and yet as soon as I was on the dance floor, I felt so good. His body against mine just kept driving the bad thoughts from my mind.

Everything was good until I stupidly started grilling him about his job. The things he said about my father weren’t surprising, but it just reminded me why I’m doing what I’m doing, and it terrifies me.

But I want him. I can’t deny that. There’s no going back now though. I kissed him and it felt amazing, and now I have to figure out how I can juggle both of these things. On the one hand, I need to keep doing my job for my father. But on the other, I want Griffin and I want him badly.

I’m stuck in the middle of these two polar opposites, and I really don’t know what to do.

The next morning, I show up at Griffin’s like always. He doesn’t seem any different though, it’s just like a normal morning. But right before he leaves, he corners me in the hallway.

“Last night was good,” he says softly. He steps closer to me, his eyes locked on mine. “Really good.”

I have to look away. He’s so intense. “Yeah, it was,” I say.

He tips my chin up toward him. “I want to do it again.”

“Which part?” I ask stupidly.

He kisses me softly this time. I let him linger, wanting to savor every moment. “All of it,” he says before leaving.

I stare after him, chills running down my spine. He’s just so freaking handsome and charming. I’ve never met a person who can make me feel this way.

But I’m starting to notice my lack of experience. I’ve kissed people of course, but I know what he wants to do from here. I’ve never had sex with someone though, and I just don’t know if I’m ready to give that to him.

Even if I really, really want to. Because if anyone can make my first time special and good, it’s definitely Griffin. I can already tell he has that special touch, I could feel it in his kiss and on the dance floor. The man knows how to move and he knows how to make me feel things. I don’t know what else I need.

There’s just one thing holding me back, and it’s this stupid secret that’s still sitting between us. I quickly leave the hallway and go back to taking care of Lacey.

I try my hardest to forget about Griffin while I’m with Lacey. I’m as focused on her as possible. But I still find myself drifting off to dreams of Griffin’s rough hands on my hips.

The day drifts in fits and starts. Lacey goes down for a nap, but only sleeps for a half hour. I have to wolf down my lunch in that time. She’s fussy all day, for whatever reason. Normally she’s a dream, but today she just must be feeling off.

Well, that makes two of us.

My phone rings around three, pulling me out of my funk. I answer it without really thinking, distracted by Lacey trying to put one of her toys in her mouth.

“Hello?” I say.

“Erin. It’s me.”

I pause, surprised. “Dad?”

“I need something from you.” He sounds a little hurried, a little stressed.

“What can I do?” My heart starts beating quicker as nerves tingle down my skin.

“I’m two blocks away with a team of men. I want to sweep through the apartment.”