Page 31 of ’Til You Break

“You’ll have to give them my apologies. I have a meeting on Saturday and won’t be home until late.”

“What time’s your meeting?”

Not the response I expected. I am also distracted by the outline of her nipples, pressing through her shirt.

I answer without giving the question much thought. “Sometime in the evening.” I regret the answer immediately.

Hannah practically bounces where she stands. “It’s an invitation for lunch,” she says gleefully. “There’ll be plenty of time to eat and still get back before your meeting.”

“Why do you want me to go, Hannah?” I turn the question back on her.

Two hours ago, she wanted nothing to do with me. She’s spent days avoiding me after what happened at Mark Anderson’s club.

Unless...

Perhaps she’s finally beginning to accept that she belongs to me. After the way I made her scream on the dining room table, it wouldn’t surprise me.

“Because it’ll be good for both of us. You haven’t seen either of them in such a long time.”

“By choice.” That should put an end to any romantic notions she has about my relationship with our parents.

“But why?” She backs towards the wall until her ass rests against it.

“They’re not my people.”

“Both of them? Or just your dad?” She crosses one leg over the other and plants her hands on her hips. She has the uncanny ability to look alluring without making any effort.

I have to force my hands to remain at my sides regardless of the pose she adopts. Somehow she’s worked her way through every defense I’ve built. She’s torn them down until even looking at her has become a test of self-control.

“It doesn’t matter.”

It matters a great deal.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Yes—provided it isn’t about this.” Keeping my voice polite takes considerably more effort than it should.

My thoughts would much rather return to her body. Her oversized clothes do a remarkably poor job of hiding what’s underneath. And I don’t need to imagine the rest.

I’ve already seen it.

Hannah ignores the warning anyway.

“What happened between you and your dad? I know things aren’t great between you, but—”

“Let me stop you there.” I raise a hand.

“Making you come wasn’t an invitation to learn more about me. File those questions with the rest of my rules.”

Hannah draws in a sharp breath before nodding.

“Fine, but I still think we should go. It’s only for the afternoon, and he’s your dad...” She continues listing reasons I have no interest in hearing.

She’s becoming far too comfortable around me. That’s my fault, of course. A few days ago, one warning would have sent her running. Now she absorbs it without flinching and simply carries on.

I’m not sure whether I should be impressed, or irritated.

“Fine.” I cut across whatever point she’s making. “I’ll go with you.”