“What are you doing?” I ask, confused, as he swaps my plate for his. “No! I can’t let you do that.”
I’m tortured between taking a bite of the steak and doing the right thing and swapping the plates back. “Do you even like steak tartare?”
He takes a bite, the picture of ease. “Love it,” he says with a wink.
“Liar.”
“What are you two doing?” Connor interjects, watching us.
“I’ve changed my mind.” Killian shrugs, a smile playing on his lips. “I fancy the tartare.”
My cheeks flush as I look at Connor, and give a dismissive shrug. I bite into Killian’s steak. Fuck that, there’s no way I’m giving this back.
As he loads the next forkful of raw food, his arm brushes against mine. Wow, that was sweet. The guy is eating raw meat for me. It must be the dad side of him.
I don’t know if it’s my pride, ego, or something else, but I wish he would see me differently.
I’m just a quick one-night fling. Correction. A fifteen-minute fling, a mistake, not a serious proposal.
My core heats as I imagine him forcing me up against the wall of my studio and fucking me.
Now I feel as raw as the damn meat.
Feeling someone’s eyes on me, I shift my gaze to the next table. They’re talking about Killian.
One woman stares at me as if she wants my organs. I narrow my eyes at her. Back off, lady. I’m his nanny maid. I don’t need negative vibes in this fancy restaurant.
“People are talking about you,” I say in a hushed voice.
His eyes crinkle. “Are they? Hadn’t noticed.”
His face is warmer this evening. He’s in a good mood. Being out with the Quinns is less weird than I expected. Killian’s mother is down to earth, despite having birthed two billionaires. Connor’s a lot of fun, too.
“So, Clodagh,” Killian’s mum begins, her eyes full of mischief. “Have you met any nice men in New York?”
Killian’s not interested in me. I might as well show him the feeling’s mutual. I swallow my bite of steak and say, “Actually, I met someone recently.”
Killian’s thigh presses hard against mine under the table as if in warning.
Oh my God, he thinks I’m talking about him.
I almost want to laugh. Does he think I’m going to blurt out about our one-night stand to his family?
Feeling his intense stare on my cheek, I carry on. “Just today, I met a nice guy in the park who wants to go out. We exchanged numbers.”
Killian’s leg pulls away from me. The drink hovers over his lips for a moment before he takes a sip.
I dare not look directly at him.
“I’m not surprised,” his mum drawls. “You must have guys queuing up in Central Park. You won’t stay single for long.”
“He’ll need to be vetted,” a low voice rumbles next to me.
I tilt my head to Killian.
With his cold eyes locked on mine, he takes an aggressive swig of his beer.
“We’re just going for coffee,” I say, wondering why my heart is racing. “I’ll tell you if it becomes serious. I won’t let him near the house without your approval.”
For the first time this evening, Killian’s expression contorts into the familiar scowl of irritation I know all too well.
***
“Ouch.” My shin slams against the toilet bowl as I attempt to squeeze the shapewear panties up over my thighs. Did the steak add fat to my ass already? “Fuck’s sake.”
I’ve been in here so long the Quinns will think I’m doing a number two. I don’t want Killian to know I poo.
The main bathroom door opens, and heavy footsteps approach the cubicles.
“Clodagh.”
My stomach dips. “Killian?” I squeak.
“I’d like to talk to you.”
“Er.” I look down at my shapewear stuck around my knees. “Just a minute,” I say in my best singsong voice.
My thighs shudder a bit as I pull on the underwear. The grunts will definitely give him the impression that I’m doing my business.
It’s pointless. Mission aborted.
I roll them down my legs and step out of them, shoving them into my bag.
“Hey,” I say breathlessly as I open the cubicle door and step out. “I was just…”
Just what?
Now I’ve made it even worse.
“What are you playing at?” he says with an angry scowl.
“There was a queue for the ladies,” I lie, mortified. “That’s why I’ve been in here so long.”
“That’s not what I’m asking about,” he growls. “I’m talking about you giving out your number to random guys in the park. Is this to make me jealous?”
“What?” I hiss, gawking at him in disbelief with bug eyes. “No. It’s to make me happy!”
He moves closer until he has me pinned against the bathroom door with his arms on either side of me.
My heartbeat goes fucking wild. The tightness in my chest cannot be ignored.
I need a doctor.
“It’s not all about you,” I say breathlessly, dropping my bag to the floor. “Arrogant ass boss. Boss ass.” Ugh. “You’ve made it clear you’re not interested in a rematch.” I keep talking. “Why wouldn’t I date? I’m not breaking your rules.”
He dips his head so that his icy blue eyes are only inches from mine.
I feel a rush of heat between my legs, which is an issue because I’ve got no panties to cream.
“You’re not dating.” He moves his face even closer to mine so that his minty breath is hot on my face. “No Sam, no Liam, no other fucking young idiot. While you are living under my roof, you don’t date.”
“But you said I was just a mistake. Why shouldn’t I date?”
His face darkens even more. “Fuck,” he hisses.
I’ve no idea what is going on, in this bathroom or his head.
“Because it’s in the manual? Is that why I can’t date?” I say, my voice hoarse.
We’re touching now. His thighs rub against mine. My chest brushes against his.
I squirm against him, trying to catch my breath.
“It has nothing to do with the fucking manual.” As if he feels the need to cage me further, he widens his stance to trap my legs between his. “You were mine the moment I came inside you. As long as you live beneath my roof, no one else can have you, understand?”
On impulse, I thrust my hips against him.
Holy shit, he’s hard.
“Understand?” he repeats more forcefully.
“Yes,” I squeak out.
“Good girl,” he growls against my lips, pressing his erection against me.
Gah. He’s killing me. I am a good girl. My legs are already opening for him.
His lips press firmly against mine with an intensity that feels like a declaration of ownership rather than a kiss.
Stop this. Push him away.
I’m in the bathroom of a fancy restaurant.
Before I can stop myself, I widen my legs and push my hips into his so his hard dick is between my legs.
His hands roam, trying to feel my ass through the dress.
He groans into my mouth. “You’re not wearing any underwear.”
“Not anymore, no,” I rasp.
He pulls back abruptly with a sharp exhale of breath. For a long moment, he stares at me, breathing heavily.
Then he runs a hand through his hair, gives me one last hard look, and storms off, leaving me stunned and pantiless in the bathroom.