Chapter 56

Jack

I strode into the restaurant I'd chosen for dinner, feeling like I'd won the lottery with Juno on my arm. Although I hadn't wanted to make her feel bad about her previous attempts to look good, she was stunning now, the women who had pampered her all afternoon having taken her mind off the bruises.

It had taken all my self-control to keep my emotions in check more than once already today, and I was hoping we'd reached the end of it. Of course, it wasn't Juno's fault that she'd been abused the way she had, but it made it hard to think about her in a perfect way. Her skin was marred, even if it would fade in time.

No part of me could blame her if she didn't want to look so good that she attracted attention to herself, either. Sometimes, it was more appealing to wear plain clothes and no makeup and have the world not realize you were even you.

Now, heads turned, and I nodded at a few other celebrities I recognized before we were shown to a two-person table out of the way. I kept hold of Juno's hand as we sat down, and I took the menus for us both.

"Would you let me order for you tonight?" I asked. "They have a special here that I always get, and I think you'd like it, too."

"Sure," she replied, her eyes going a little wider and making her look even more innocent.

My groin stirred as I thought about how not innocent she'd be once I was done with her. Desire flooded through me at this almost angelic creature before me. She'd promised to be all mine and submit herself to my needs.

While I was still eager to have her tied up and entirely at my mercy, I knew there were plenty of other things I could do to her, and for now, I had most of what I wanted. She'd agreed to come to the island with me and the band, and I had tonight with her and only her before we left.

As soon as I'd ordered for us, I let my gaze wander. The new top showed off the curve of her breasts better, fitting in tight beneath them before flowing out again.

"I'm sorry you were kept waiting so much this afternoon," she said, frowning slightly. "I didn't expect that to take so long."

"It's not a problem. We're about to have several days on the island together, and as soon as we've finished eating, I'm taking you back to the apartment to do as I please with every inch of you."

"Oh, you are, are you?" she asked, smirking lightly.

"I am. And I don't expect to hear a single objection. I've earned every inch of you. Even if I hadn't, looking the way you do now, I'm certain I could persuade you."

"That sounds like you don't plan to take no for an answer. I'm pretty sure you're supposed to if I say it," she replied, her gaze fixing on my face. I could see the nervousness in them.

"Do you plan to say no to me taking you into my bed and enjoying you repeatedly?"

She bit her lip, drawing my attention to it before she shook her head.

"I don't think so," she said with an exhale, her eyes wide again.

I couldn't help but feel smug at the effect I was having on her as my cock hardened some more. If dinner didn't arrive on our plates soon, I was going to screw her right here and now. Or at least demand she wrapped that sweet little mouth around me until she'd eaten my cum as well as her food.

As soon as the thought was in my head, I wasn't sure I could shake it, but here and now wasn't the time or place for making her start a meal with me. On the island. I'd have to save that for on the island.

Juno looked away and down at her drink a moment later, and I found myself wondering what she was thinking. I felt better than I should after spending several hours in a single clothing store, but Juno had paid for everything herself, and it had been a relief that she wouldn't let me pay even when I offered.

Despite that, I was pretty sure the price of the clothes had been higher than she was expecting, the shock on her face not completely masked.

It made me worry that she wasn't ready for a world like mine, where everyone had such high standards. But she seemed to have started adapting already, and Alma and Kai liked her. That was a good sign.

"You seem lost in thought," she said a moment later. "Are you worried about something?"

"No," I replied, mostly truthful. "I was trying not to think about everything I wanted to do to you as soon as we're alone."

Her mouth fell open, and I let out a chuckle, but she quickly recovered, blushing a little and looking down again.

"Seriously. I can't wait to show you the island. I'm glad you said you'd come."

"Me too," she replied. "I was a little nervous at first, but being with you and…coming to New York…"

"Are you struggling with your words?" I asked when she trailed off yet again and shrugged.

"A little. I know. Bad form for a writer not to have the words to express themselves, but…thank you. For everything. I'm happier than I've been in a long time."

She smiled up at me, her eyes alight. I couldn't help but be moved, a warmth spreading through my torso.

Was I falling in love with her?

I wasn't sure, but it was clear something was happening between us.

The food soon came, and I watched Juno take her first bite, a little nervous that I'd ordered for her and she might not like it. But she immediately took another mouthful of the gluten-free pasta dish, letting out a delighted little moan.

Eating happily, we talked about the band, music, and the songs we'd grown up with. Once again, Juno kept the conversation moving, asking questions and offering information about herself with natural ease.

The time passed quickly, dessert and more drinks following our main course until she sat back and grinned.

"In case I forget to say it later," she said, "thank you. I've had an amazing time tonight."

I chuckled again as she smirked slightly, and I motioned to the waiter nearby to get the bill. She immediately reached for her purse again.

"No," I said. "I'll get this."

"Are you sure? I'm happy to pay. Or split it. Or whatever."

"I'm well aware that you've already spent way more than you intended today on the clothes. I'm going to insist on this one."

She exhaled and dropped her purse, and I was pretty sure she was relieved. I also noticed she didn't deny that the clothes had been more expensive than she'd expected.

I made a mental note to be more careful with her in the future and not overestimate how much money she truly had.

As soon as the bill was paid, and I'd added a decent tip, I took her hand and led her back toward the car, my bodyguards falling in around us.

I wanted to get her back to the apartment. And I wasn't waiting any longer.