Chapter 9

CHAPTER NINE

LAYLA

Standing in the mirror, I run my hands over the black silk hugging my curves. The plunging neckline and slit up my thigh, displaying a great deal of skin, is causing me to doubt Jorge's opinion of this dress.

Are you sure this dress isn't too much?

JORGE

Depends…

Are you taking a vow of chastity?

Or do you want him to be thinking about fucking you all night?

Who said I wanted to fuck him?

Please, sweetie.

You've been talking about this man non-stop for two days.

Wear the dress.

You don't have time to change anyway .

Reading his text, I glance at the time.

Shit!

Text me when you get home.

Love you.

Love ya.

Sending the message, I quickly shove my phone into my clutch. Looking inside, I make sure I have my keys and— just in case —a condom.

A girl needs to be prepared.

The doorman pulls the door as I approach, revealing Tristan parked at the curb on the other side. Dressed in a well-tailored black-on-black suit, he's leaning against a sleek, red sports car that almost looks too small for his massive frame.

His eyes hungrily roam over the length of my body as I step through the door— confirming Jorge was right about the dress —as he lifts a single, deep scarlet rose from his side. Stepping from the car and closing the distance between us, he extends the rose to me.

"You do know that's not a parking spot, right?" I eye the car behind him.

"I promised Fred I'd only be a few minutes." He tips his head at the doorman. His deep Irish accent catches me off-guard, and I can't help but stare at his lips as he talks. "You look bloody gorgeous. This dress might be even more magnificent on you than the one from the other night. "

Not only does he look even better than I remembered, but his deep voice and swoon-worthy accent are enough to incinerate my panties.

I'm so fucked…

"Th…thank you," I stammer, realizing I need to acknowledge his statement.

Placing his hand lightly on the small of my back, he guides me toward his car and opens the door. He takes my hand in his and helps me into the low, tan leather seat before closing the door behind me.

My gaze wanders the carpet and headliner, noting that they perfectly match the ruby red exterior. The same scarlet shade is scattered throughout the detailing in the leather stitching and the Aston Martin logo embroidered into the headrests.

This thing must cost a fortune.

"Seatbelt, darling," he instructs, taking his seat behind the wheel, and I immediately follow his direction.

With that fucking accent, he could tell me to hop on one leg and bark like a dog, and I'd probably listen.

"I didn't realize you were Irish." The words awkwardly fall from my lips as I try to make conversation.

Why would I realize? I don't know shit about him.

"What, I'm Irish? What gave me away?" He smirks. "Is it the hair?"

A laugh rattles from me, and I roll my eyes as I respond, "Yes. Definitely the hair. "

Conversation grows quiet as he drives us uptown, his gaze repeatedly wandering between me and the road. Normally, I have no issue carrying the conversation on a first date, but fuck if this man doesn't make me nervous as hell.

Driving down Fifth Avenue, he flips on the blinker and pulls up to the curb for the valet. I quickly note that he has pulled to a stop at The Peninsula, one of the most luxurious hotels in Midtown.

Crossing my arms, I sass, "Bringing me to a hotel is pretty presumptuous, don't you think?"

"Maybe." His response is deep and flirtatious as he slides from the car.

He rounds it quickly, reaching my door before the valet. Pulling it open, he gingerly takes my hand to help me from the car. Sliding out and to my feet, I find myself mere inches from him. So close that I can't help breathing in the faint, woodsy scent of his cologne.

He leans down, completely closing the distance between us to push the car door shut behind me. Heat flushes my skin as his warm breath blows against my cheek.

Slowly stepping behind me, he places his hand firmly on the small of my back and whispers, "Quite presumptuous to assume I brought you here to fuck you instead of eat."