My chest brushed his midsection, and my nipples tightened in response. Heat pooled between my thighs. I might have been a virgin, but I knew what it felt like to want a man. I didn’t let on though. I simply existed in the moment and let myself fantasize that this could be more than it was. That he honestly cared for me. That we were on a date, and soon, he’d take me home and kiss my cheek as he bid me farewell.

“You’re beautiful.”

My eyes flickered open, and I blinked up at him. His gaze was serious. Almost tender.

“Beautiful, and strong,” he murmured, low enough that no one else could hear. It felt like we were in a bubble, separate from the rest of the world. “Why do you hide behind a persona?”

I frowned. “I’m not hiding anything.”

His lips pursed. “People think you’re cold. A proper, polite princess.”

I laughed. “Then people are deluded. I’m no princess.”

“You are,” he said. “You just don’t see it.”

Tingles began low in my belly and traveled upward. “You think you know me?”

He gave a tiny shake of his head. “I think very few people truly know you.”

Someone bumped into him, knocking us both to the present.

I glanced around, suddenly aware of Tom standing near the bar with murder in his eyes.

Ronan followed my gaze. “Let me give you a ride home. My conscience won’t let me leave you with him when he’s looking at you like that.”

“It’s okay. Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve had to deal with one of his tempers.”

“But you don’t have to. Why not let him cool off and see him tomorrow?”

Wouldn’t that only be delaying the inevitable?

At this point, did I even care?

“You know what? I’d like that. You can drop me off outside my apartment.” I didn’t want him to think he’d be getting an invitation to join me inside.

“Perfect. Come on.” He took my hand and led me from the floor.

I kept an eye on Tom. He was fuming but didn’t try to stop us. Ronan extricated his phone from a pocket and fired off a message—to his driver, I assumed. The moment we got outside, a shiny black car pulled up to the curb.

“What’s your address?” Ronan asked as we slid inside.

I gave it to him, and he passed it along to the driver. I drew my phone from a hidden pocket in the dress and sent Tom a message.

Willow: Heading home. See you tomorrow.

A moment later, a call came in. Tom’s name flashed across the screen, but I ignored it. I wasn’t going to give him the chance to yell at me in front of Ronan. After a while, he gave up. I relaxed. But then a text arrived.

Tom: What the hell were you thinking? I can’t believe you left with that man in full view of everyone. Do you know how hard I’ve worked to assure Adrian you aren’t dating him?