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Chapter Three
Lily
“Um… okay, no. This isn’t happening. Nope. Not kidding, and not happening,” I redundantly stammer, trying to tug my hand from his overbearing, presumptuous — which would really piss me off if it didn’t also feel safe — grip. “Trevor, I’ve almost convinced myself you’re just headstrong, so rich you’re used to getting your way, and a non-homicidal sexy man, but even so…” I take one slow step back. “This? This is too much. I’m drawing the line; right here, right now.” I swipe the tip of my shoe across the sidewalk, drawing that line, an imaginary yet crucial barrier. “Do. Not. Cross it. Please.”
Faintly, yet booming of condescension, he laughs. “Lily, this is the only way, the only avenue, you have of possibly making it to court on time tomorrow. And you’re correct, I am indeed a non-homicidal… sexy man.” He caught that… and he liked it, judging by the pride shining in his smirk. “As is Maxwell. Non-homicidal, that is. Now, come…” He holds out a hand. “Let me introduce you, and we’ll be on our way.”
I shake my head and take another step backward.
“Lily.” It’s a deep, should-be-scary-instead-of-anything-but growl, his hand now reaching. “Sweetheart, you don’t have time for this. I realize” — his tone and cobalt eyes soften as he closes in on me— “that it’s probably a bit frightening. And you’re right again, it is definitely a risk, getting in a car with a man you’ve only just met.”
He’s close enough now to touch me — which he does — the same large, capable-looking hand I’ve been keeping an eye on slowly rising to caress my cheek. “But I am no threat to you. In fact, things are quite the opposite, and I’ve employed Maxwell as my driver, without incident, for nearly a decade. You’re safe, Lily. I give you my word. Let me help you, get you where you need to be. Perhaps even join you. To ensure things go as they should.”
I glance to Maxwell, standing silent and patiently at the awaiting open rear door — proper little hat, nice suit, kind eyes — and exhale through my internal debate.
“Lily,” Trevor softly murmurs, finally claiming my hand. “If I’m to bring harm to anyone in the near future, it won’t be you.” As ominous as they are obvious, his words send a flattened chill up my spine. He’s alluding to Ethan, a stranger, in my honor… also only just but a stranger.
And suddenly, I can’t think of a single reason I wouldn’t go with him. There’s nothing enigmatic about him; Trevor Kincade proudly boasts all he is, has, and is capable of… he also happens to be the most tempting mystery I’ve ever met. And with my surrender to his lead… I’ve succumbed.
He lifts my shaky hand to his mouth, dotting it with several quick, soft kisses. “As much as I love the feel of any small, dainty part of you trembling for me, there’s no need for it, Lily. You. Are. Safe.” His eyes search mine in acceptance, and brighten in color when they find it. “Maxwell, our bags, please,” he orders, then helps me into the car.
As he walks around to the other side, I hurry to gather my breath, and wits, failing on both counts.
“Go ahead and get comfortable. Might not be a bad idea to try for some sleep too; you want to be clear-headed for court. Before you do any of that, though, call and let your attorney know you will be there.” He rattles off my list of instructions the second he’s climbed inside.
“I don’t have an attorney, and I’m plenty comfortable, thank you. I’ll catch up on my sleep when it’s all over.” With my tapered reply, I politely stop short of complete honesty, which would include: ‘Comfy would be kicking off my shoes, but with my nerves what they are, I’m terrified my feet smell. And these hose are smothering me; too bad I’ve been lax about shaving my legs. Also, I might snore, and/or drool; not chancing you catching me doing either. So, sitting up straight, wide awake, the entire ride, it’s gonna have to be.’
“What do you mean, ‘you don’t have an attorney’?” His octave bottoms out. “For God’s sake, Lily, no wonder you fear being taken to the cleaner’s; you will be! Why don’t you have representation? That’s plain ignorant, which you aren’t, so explain.” I open my mouth to tell him off, immediately rebutted by his long finger over my lips. “Hold that thought.” He’s sternly polite, then pushes a button to raise a blacked-out partition between us and our driver, the once “roomy” back seat area now feeling… intimate.
Oh, how I wish the word that just effortlessly came to my mind would’ve been claustrophobic.
Or scary.
But, it was intimate. No denying it either… my racing heartbeat, suddenly parched mouth, and the exhilarated tingle between my thighs eliminating any chance at convincing myself otherwise.
Or Trevor. His coy smirk very informative… of the fact that he’s well-informed.
“Now then.” He moves closer, laying one arm across the leather behind my head. “We’re alone, total privacy, and I need you to tell me everything. I can’t best help you if not, sweetheart. Start with… why are you without an attorney?”
In this setting, light, proximity… nuances I’d missed before currently captivate me. For instance, his eyes, which I already knew were a deep, dark brown, I now know hold a thin, so faint I feel privileged to discover it, silver ring around the pupils.
Silver.
How unique is that?
His bottom lip, naturally fuller than the top, as is the case with most any pair, has two tiny dents in it — my guess from his teeth… digging in when he’s angry? Stressed? In deep thought? And the long, inky eyelashes that brush his skin when he blinks? Again, another of his fascinating secrets he hides right out in the open.
Perhaps waiting for someone to take the time to learn of it?
Trevor Kincade is more than handsome; he’s masterfully constructed. Beautiful, even. One just has to maneuver their way past the clean, manly scent; firm, broad physique hugged in designer clothing, and disarming charm to pay it due admiration.
“Lily,” my name on his lips recaptures my lost attention.
“Hmm?”
“Why don’t you have a lawyer, my sweet?”
His sweet?
