Evelyn
“You know people are going to think we’re weird if you keep looking at me like that,” I said, shifting awkwardly in my seat. My attempt to maintain a composed smile was failing miserably, and the heat creeping up my neck warned me a blush was imminent.
After an exhausting hour of meeting Jacob’s business associates, Enzo’s friends, and a handful of extended family members, we had finally found a moment to sit. But Jacob-predictably-wasn’t letting the moment breathe. His eyes were locked on me, piercing and unwavering, as if I were the only person in the room.
“I don’t give a fuck about what people think,” he replied, his tone casual but his gaze anything but. He leaned in, the back of his fingers brushing against my cheek, sending a shiver down my spine. “I’m admiring my girlfriend. That’s nobody’s business but mine.”
A smile threatened to break free as I looked at him, trying to keep my composure. “You really have an answer for everything, don’t you?”
He grinned, that maddeningly charming grin of his, and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek. “I’m just stating facts,” he said, his voice dropping into a low chuckle. “And another fact? I’m having a hell of a time controlling myself right now. I want nothing more than to rip your clothes off of you. You look so goddamn ravishing, Evelyn. Perfectly-” he paused, his eyes darkening as he leaned closer, “-fuckable.”
Heat bloomed across my face at his bluntness. “Jacob!” I whispered, glancing around nervously.
“What?” he said, his grin widening into something more wicked. “Am I wrong?”
“You’ll never change, will you?” I muttered, trying to sound exasperated but failing miserably under the weight of his gaze.
He leaned closer still, his lips brushing the shell of my ear. “I can change,” he murmured, his voice smooth and deliberate, sending sparks skittering across my skin. His thumb brushed over my bottom lip, and his hand now slipped behind my neck, his fingers splaying as they held me firmly. “But do you want me to change?”
My breath hitched as his hand tightened ever so slightly, pulling me closer. “Tell me the truth,” he coaxed, his lips curling into a devilish smile. “You enjoy this side of me, don’t you? After all, you worked so hard to bring it out at Samuel’s wedding.”
The memory sent another wave of heat rushing through me. I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out. Jacob smirked, clearly enjoying my reaction.
“You know,” he said, his voice dropping to a husky whisper, “I’d very much like to bend you over this table anf fuck you hard right now. It’s taking everything in me not to.”
His words sent a shock of desire curling in my stomach, making it almost impossible to breathe. His grip on the back of my neck tightened slightly as his gaze bored into mine.
“Jacob,” I managed to whisper, my voice trembling, “people are watching.”
“And does it look like I give a damn?” he shot back, his voice deep and edged with something dangerous.
I swallowed at his words. Surely he didn’t. He never did. If he could, he would have actually bent me over and fucked me here in front of all these people.
Jacob Adriano was a man who thrived on crossing lines, on pushing boundaries-not just his own but mine as well. And the worst part? I loved it.
“But I do,” I said weakly, my voice barely audible.
He tilted his head, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. “Oh, really?” he asked, his tone teasing. “So you’re saying if I pulled you into some dark corner around here, fucked you hard and made you scream my name, you’d object to that?”
The dryness in my throat made it impossible to respond. Desire, sharp and consuming, coiled in my belly, wrapping itself around my resolve like a vice.
“Well, I-I-” My words stumbled over themselves, a feeble attempt to come up with something, anything. But nothing coherent left my lips. I stood there, utterly clueless. Jacob had always done this to me-left me flustered, overwhelmed, and a complete mess. And, well… undeniably horny.
“It shouldn’t take this long to answer, baby,” he teased, his voice laced with playful arrogance. “You’ve already admitted you care about what people say about us. So why the hesitation? The answer should be obvious.”
He leaned in, brushing his lips so close to mine that I could feel his breath, warm and teasing. My breath hitched, and his intoxicating cologne enveloped me, clouding my thoughts. At that moment, all reason evaporated. I wanted to forget everything-the crowd, the venue, the world-and tell him to rip my clothes off, here and now.
But then, it hit me.
A brutal twist in my stomach stole the air from my lungs. My head spun violently, and a slick sheen of sweat coated my forehead. Panic flared as a nauseating wave clawed its way up my throat.
Before Jacob could register what was happening, I bolted from my seat, heading straight for the bathroom. His concerned voice followed close behind.
“Evelyn, what’s wrong?”
I barely made it to the sink before I vomited, gripping the edges as my body betrayed me. The violent retching left me breathless, and I felt Jacob’s presence behind me in an instant. His warm hands gathered my hair, pulling it away from my face as he rubbed gentle circles on my back.
“Evelyn, are you okay?” he said, his voice low and full of worry.
“God damn it,” I muttered weakly, rinsing my mouth and splashing cold water onto my face. My reflection in the mirror was pale, shaken. What the hell was that?
“Wait here, baby,” Jacob said softly, brushing a hand down my arm before stepping out. He returned moments later with a bottle of water.
“Drink,” he urged, twisting off the cap and handing it to me. I didn’t argue, taking small gulps as the dizziness began to subside.
“You okay now?” he asked, his brow creased with concern.
I nodded, inhaling deeply. “Yeah. I think so.”
Jacob’s expression didn’t ease. “We’re going home, Evelyn,” he declared. “You’ve barely rested since we landed in Italy. This isn’t just fatigue-it’s wearing you down.”
“I’m fine,” I protested, my voice softer than I intended. “It’s nothing serious. Really, I just need to catch my breath.”
“You need more than that,” he shot back, crouching down suddenly. His arms slid beneath my legs and around my back, and before I could register what was happening, he swept me up into his arms.
“Jacob! What are you doing?” I gasped, instinctively looping my arms around his neck.
“Taking you out of this party,” he said with a finality that left no room for argument. He carried me out of the bathroom and headed straight for the back door.
“But-the party’s not over yet!”
“Exactly,” he quipped. “And that’s the problem. We’re done here. You need rest, not more socializing.” His protective tone made my chest tighten, and despite my protests, I couldn’t help but feel the smallest bit of relief in his arms.
“But don’t you think it’d be rude to leave like this?” I pressed.
“Doesn’t matter. I’m not risking my girlfriend’s health.” Jacob’s tone left no room for argument.
“But I’m totally fine, Jacob.” I crossed my arms, my voice carrying the frustration of someone trying to win an impossible argument.
“The hell you are.”
“I’m telling the truth.”
“And guess what? I’m not buying it.” Without another word, he carried me to the car, placing me gently in the passenger seat before walking around to the driver’s side.
I let out a dramatic sigh, but a smile tugged at my lips nonetheless. “So, I guess you’re taking me home now?”
“Yeah. We’re going home, and you’re going straight to bed,” he said, his voice firm as he started the car.
“But I don’t want to go home,” I trailed off, leaning closer to him, my finger tracing the sharp edge of his jaw.
“Doesn’t matter, Evelyn. You’re going home.” His tone was unyielding, though his eyes flicked to me briefly, softening just a touch.
I sighed again, my gaze drifting to the empty road ahead. The silence stretched between us, and an idea suddenly sparked in my mind.
“Jacob, can I ask for something?” I turned to him, giving him my most innocent smile.
“No.” His answer was immediate, and my jaw dropped.
“That’s rude! How could you just directly say no to me?”
“Okay,” he said, feigning thoughtfulness, “let me rephrase. Dear Evelyn, with all due respect, I hereby inform you that I am unable to entertain any of your requests.”
This jerk…
“You piece of-”
“Shit? Yeah, I know. Got anything more creative?” He smirked, clearly enjoying my growing frustration.
“Jacob, you’re making me mad!” I huffed, throwing my head back against the seat.
“So?” he teased, his lips twitching into a grin.
I groaned, realizing I’d have to change tactics. Desperation called for dramatics. “Jacob! I want to get some fresh air!”
“We’re getting fresh air right now, on our way home.” His tone was dismissive, his eyes fixed on the road.
“Not this kind of fresh air!” I groaned louder. “Take me on a long drive!”
“Evelyn-”
“Pretty please?” I interrupted, leaning closer, grabbing his shirt, and tugging it gently. “Please, please, please?” I threw in the best puppy eyes I could muster.
Jacob glanced at me, his resolve wavering, and after a long sigh, he muttered, “Okay, fine.”
“Yes!” I beamed, leaning in to press a flurry of kisses against his cheek. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”
“You’re welcome,” he chuckled, shaking his head, “but this doesn’t change the plan. We’re going home soon.”
“Fine by me,” I said, grinning ear to ear as the car veered off the main road.