Rock Me Faster (Licks of Leather #4) - Jenna Jacob Page 0,36
Sebastian to make us something decadent for dinner.”
“We have rehearsal tonight.”
“What time?”
“Eight.”
“Then we’ll eat at five. Bernard can pick you up and bring you back to the hotel, and please…bring your girl. I’d love to meet her.” Sylvia darted a glance my way that was anything but inviting.
“You’re inviting the black sheep to dinner? Why? Are you dying or something?”
“Rosner, please. We haven’t spent any time together in years.” As he opened his mouth to respond, she held up her hand. “I know…I know, I’m partially to blame for that. But I’m here to extend an olive branch. Surely you’re not going to toss it back in my face. Or are you?”
“Stop trying to manipulate me,” Ross growled. “It doesn’t work anymore.”
“Fine. Do you need me to beg?”
A humorless scoff rolled off his lips. “You don’t know how.”
“Let’s stop airing our dirty laundry in public.”
“Because you’d rather, what…do that in the privacy of your penthouse?”
“No. I don’t want to rehash the past, Rosner. I just want to spend time with my son. Please…bring your girl and come to dinner.”
“I’ll think about it.” He turned, dismissing his mother
Then locked an icy stare on me as he ate up the distance between us and extended his hand. “Come on, I’ll take you to your room.”
Hand in hand, we walked past his mother, who pinned me with a pleading expression.
“Please, convince him to come.” When I didn’t respond, she turned her desperation on Ross. “Bernard will be waiting outside at five. Please…don’t make him return alone.”
I bit my lips together and remained silent until we were in the elevator, alone. “I’m sorry, Ross.”
Confusion wrinkled his brow. “What the hell are you sorry for?”
“That you had to grow up with a woman like that. She’s not a nice person.”
A humorless chuckle peeled off his lips. “No, she’s not. She’s a raging bitch.”
It probably wasn’t the time to begin chipping at his walls, but if I didn’t start soon, I might never reach him.
“Is she the reason you’re so angry all the time?”
He scowled and frowned. “I’m not angry…all the time.”
His attempt to deflect my question wasn’t a surprise. I fully expected him to tell me to mind my own business. But since he wasn’t completely slamming the door in my face, I pressed forward.
“Are you going to join her for dinner tonight?”
“Don’t you mean we?”
“I didn’t want to assume. I-I didn’t think you’d want me there.”
“I’m sure as fuck never stepping foot in her lair alone.”
The big, strong, proud man was unconsciously asking for my help.
“I’d be honored to go with you.” To support and protect you.
Ross blinked. “Why would you want to do that?”
“So you don’t have to face her alone.”
“I’m not a child or a coward.”
“I wasn’t insinuating you were. I’m simply offering to go with you so you won’t have to go alone.”
“Why?”
Because I’m trying to save your stubborn, guarded, closed-off soul.
I shrugged and smirked. “Because watching you two spar would be a lot more entertaining than sitting in my room clicking channels on TV.”
Another rusty laugh tore from the back of his throat. “Kenny was right. For a little thing, you got a lot of moxie.”
A sliver of pride slid through me as we reached my room.
“Do you want to come in? We could sit out on the terrace and…talk.”
“No. But I’ll take you up on your offer to join me for dinner with Mommy Dearest. If you’re still willing, that is.”
“I am, but I’m curious about something.”
“What?”
“Are you doing this for her or yourself?”
His lips pressed to a thin, tight line before he exhaled a heavy sigh. “I’ll meet you in the lobby at five.”
“See you then.” As I stepped inside my suite, Ross turned and walked away.
The door was still shutting behind me as I raced to the bedroom. Even before I started eyeing my clothes in the closet, dread swirled. I didn’t own a single stitch of anything that resembled elegant.
Seeds of panic were in full bloom when there was a knock at my door. After hurrying from the bedroom, I peered out the peephole, then invited Sofia and Burk inside.
“We wanted to make sure you were all right.” Sofia studied me intently. “But you look…frazzled.”
“I am.” I didn’t bother trying to hide my anxiety.
“What happened?” Burk scowled. “What did Ross do?”
“Ross?” I blinked. “He didn’t do anything. I’m freaking out because I only have sixty dollars and nothing nice enough to wear to his mom’s place for dinner tonight. Is there a discount clothing store—”