Page 35 of Forged

My mouth finds the edge of her jaw as I whisper, “Do you feel how hard I am for you?” Her hips rock once, involuntarily, and it breaks something in me. I slide one finger along the lace with a light pressure that already has her trembling.

I lean back so she can see exactly how serious I am, though desire is still tearing at the edges of my control.

“I want you,” I say, slow enough to brand it into her. “On your knees…on this seat…in my bed. But not like this. Not rushed, and not when I can’t take my time and ruin you the way we both know you need so badly.”

She looks overwhelmed and furious about it, chest rising faster with each breath.

“When I fuck you tonight, I want you so wrecked that you forget every man who came before me.”

Her head tips back on a broken exhale, and I barely resist pulling her into another kiss.

Instead, I guide her off my lap and into the seat beside me—still close enough for our thighs to touch.

“Be a good girl,” I tell her, settling my hand over hers. “Save it for me.”

The jet rollsto a stop under a wash of neon and desert heat, the Strip glowing like beacon. The driver is waiting at the bottom of the stairs, the door already open and the air conditioning running. I guide Neomi inside with a hand at the small of her back.

The ride to the hotel isn’t long. Vegas is loud, chaotic, a beast that doesn’t sleep, but when the car turns, she inhales sharply.

Lumina Ascendant.

Glass towers and lush tropical plants come into view. Small waterfalls are featured around the entrance. A chandelier suspended above the valet drive, shaped like falling stars. The most expensive hotel in Nevada.

Neomi stares through the tinted window. “You spared no expense. This is the most expensive hotel in Vegas.”

I smile. “I wanted to celebrate a little.”

She turns toward me, confusion first, then realization. “Celebrate?”

“It’s my birthday,” I say casually.

Her eyes widen. “You didn’t tell me it was your birthday. I don’t have a present or even a card?—”

I shake my head once, “Having you here with me tonight, Bella, is all the gift I need.” I lean closer, voice lower. “You in my arms, at my side. That’s more than I’ve had in years.”

Her lips form a tight line as she searches my eyes.

The car door opens, and I take her hand helping her out. The attendant takes care of our bags, then we walk through a lobby of veined stone floors, towering columns, and arrangements of white orchids and black calla lilies.

I checked in on the ride from the airport, but we aren’t going to the suite yet. I know myself, and if I have her alone right now, we won’t make it to our dinner reservation.

I offer her my arm, and she smiles as she takes it, causing my heart to take up too much damn room in my chest. I guide us to the steakhouse just off the casino floor. It’s perfect, with low lighting, red leather booths, crystal barware, and a pianist with their back to the room, playing something slow in the corner.

At the table, Neomi studies the menu while the server sets down drinks—an Old Fashioned for me, a mojito for her. She sips once, eyes closing, and I want to ruin her lipstick again.

We order appetizers to share—bone marrow, wagyu carpaccio. And by the time the plates arrive, the conversation has shifted.

“Is Austin your home?” she asks.

I set my fork down and shake my head, “No, I’m just there for an assignment.”

“So where is home base?”

“Chicago,” I answer.

She looks at me for a moment before nodding, then takes a sip of her drink. She’s attempting to appear satisfied with my answer, but I still see questions lingering in her eyes.

Fuck, I want to tell her everything. I want it all in the open, I want her to know about my life. But I remind myself that whatever this is between us will probably be short-lived. She’s a nomad, staying in hotels. And eventually, I will have to return home.