When You're Mine - Layla Hagen Page 0,33

wanted anymore. Mel was making me question everything.

Grinning, she scooted back, getting out of bed. She clapped her hands, looking around the room. "Since we established we've got more than one night, we could go out on the balcony for a bit and catch the afterglow."

I pushed myself up on an elbow, feeling as conflicted as she was earlier. I wanted her in bed all night—at my mercy. But I also wanted to see what the fuss was with the sunset. I wanted to know everything that brought her joy, to understand it. More than that, I wanted to join in on it.

I wanted to share with her more than pillow talk, which went against everything I thought I knew about myself.

I got out of bed too.

"Okay," I said. "But you're not wearing that underwear." I pointed to the pile of panties and bra. "It will drive me crazy knowing you’re wearing it."

She cocked a brow. "Oh really? And why do you think I'm going to listen to you?"

I went closer to her, cupping her ass and pulling her straight against me. "How about I promise some more orgasms later?"

She narrowed her eyes, tapping her temple. "Bribing me with orgasms, I see. Okay, you win. I'm not going to wear that underwear." I let her go, and she winked. "I'm not going to wear underwear at all."

Fucking hell! She knew how to play me, and I liked that she kept me on my toes.

She put on a loose black dress while I looked for my clothes. After dressing quickly, I followed her to the kitchen. The cheesecake was already on a plate with two teaspoons. I finished pouring wine in the two glasses, and we went outside together.

She had one cozy lounger and a small coffee table on which I deposited the glasses. I immediately lay down, pointing to my lap.

“Since you only have one of these, I think a great solution is we both lie on it.”

“I like this arrangement, Mr. Gallagher.” She climbed on top of me, shimmying. I groaned, watching her carefully set the plate on the coffee table.

Straightening up, she froze.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

She stood up, looking down from the balcony. I followed her gaze to a guy standing in front of it.

“Going to ignore me now too?” he asked.

I glanced back at her, taking in her body language. Her fists were clenched, her eyes narrowed and furious. I instantly felt protective of her, wanting to remove whatever was bothering her. Case in point: the idiot in front of the building.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“I told you I need to talk to you.”

She blew out a breath, clenching her fists even tighter. Turning to me, she whispered, “I’m going downstairs to deal with him.”

“I’m coming with you.”

Her eyes widened. She opened her mouth, then closed it again, nodding. “Okay. Thanks.”

I put a hand at the small of her back as we went inside, heading to the front door.

“Who is he?” I asked.

“My shitty ex. He messaged me earlier this afternoon, but I blocked him, and now I can’t believe he’s fucking here.”

I clasped her arm, turning her slightly toward me before cupping her face with both hands. “I can go downstairs and deal with him alone.”

“You’d do that?”

“He’s bothering you. I want to make him stop.”

She bit her lower lip, shaking her head. “No, I’m coming down too. He said he wants to talk to me, so I don’t think he’ll give up.”

“Mel—”

“Let’s go,” she said, opening the front door.

I followed her downstairs, and once we were outside, I took stock of the idiot, who jerked his head back.

“Who’s this?” he inquired.

“None of your business,” Mel answered.

“Not like I care. My business is with you.”

“Watch your tone,” I said.

He tilted his head, sizing me up as if weighing if he could take me on. He couldn’t, but I’d like to see him try.

He looked at Mel lazily. “I’m going to need all the presents I gave you back.”

“What?”

“The necklace and the dress, and that fucking bag. The business is bleeding money again, and I need every cent.”

What the hell?

She stared at him. “Gladly. But I don’t want to see your face ever again.”

Turning on her heels, she headed back upstairs. He made to follow her, but I stepped in front of him.

“You’re not going anywhere,” I said.

“Screw you.” He attempted to push me away, but I grabbed both his arms, overpowering him instantly. He jumped back, his eyes wide.

“You ever show up near her,