Page 31 of Coerced Kiss

For the next few minutes, I watch her murder her food, cutting and stabbing every bite before shoving it into her mouth.

She arranges her knife and fork diagonally in her plate when it’s empty and gives me a saccharine smile. “Happy?”

I point at the glass next to her place setting. “Juice.”

Holding my gaze, she tips back the glass and downs everything in one go before slamming it on the table.

My grin stretches. She’s cute when she’s angry.

“What now?” she asks with a lift of her chin. “Anything else you’d like me to eat?”

“Dessert.”

She blinks and then pales. “You said you wouldn’t.”

I click my tongue. “You have a dirty mind,tesoro. I meant dessert as in ice cream or tiramisu.”

The color returns to her cheeks with a flush. “I don’t like sweets.”

“Whatdoyou like?”

She shrugs. “Fruit.”

“What kind of fruit?”

“Whatever is in season.”

“What’s your favorite fruit?”

“Strawberries.”

“And cream?”

“Only strawberries,” she says with a frown. “Why all the questions?”

“Just getting to know you.”

Her laugh is mocking. “Am I supposed to ask what your favorite foods are now?”

“Only if you really want to know.”

An obstinate line hardens her jaw.

As much as I’m enjoying this exchange, Giorgio is waiting, and after the unplanned scene that unfolded earlier, I’ll have to go past my place to shower and change before we head to Boston.

I stand, round the table, and offer her a hand. “Come.”

She pulls back, observing me with big, mistrusting eyes.

“You need to rest,” I say, an amused smile tugging at my lips. “I’m not going to get into bed with you.”

Ignoring my assistance, she pushes to her feet. When she reaches for her plate, I catch her wrist.

“Leave that.”

She frowns. “I was just going to pack the dishwasher.”

“I’ll take care of it. To bed with you. Now.”