I smile as I type out my reply.

Brielle: Hanging out with Kirby.

Once I’ve typed that, cold dread washes over me. What if he challenges me to do something bold…like seduce Kirby?

Hale: Is he every bit as dreamy as you recalled?

Brielle: Of course.

The words feel fake, but it’s what I’m supposed to say. The whole reason Hale is helping me is because of my interest in Kirby. Just then, angry music blares loudly from down the hall, or more specifically, from his roommate’s bedroom.

I steal a glance at Kirby, my eardrums protesting the obtrusive noise. “Does he have a heavy-metal obsession?”

He shrugs. “Not normally.”

I look back down at my phone to see a new message from Hale.

Hale: Tonight. You’re mine.

My belly tightens with nervous anticipation.

When we started our working relationship, I was under the impression that we’d meet once weekly for six weeks. We just saw each other last night, but he wasn’t about to get an argument from me. Things have begun to feel more domestic between us.

Hale isn’t my boyfriend, but hell if my brain knows that. The intimacy we shared last night, God, I can’t even think about it without my face getting hot. And I’m pretty certain that second time last night, when I reached for his hand and urged him back to bed, wasn’t part of any lesson. It was just two lost souls searching for comfort together.

I text him back, already feeling the steady thrum of my heart picking up speed.

Brielle: When and where?

Hale: You’ll see.

His reply is coy and guarded, but before I can ask what he means, Kirby rises from the couch and clicks off the TV. “You ready?”

“Sure.” I stuff my phone back into my purse, already hot with anticipation for tonight.

• • •

After several hours of touring condos in high-rise buildings around the city, I finally make my way home. There’s a large black box with a red ribbon waiting for me outside my door. Somehow I know it’s from Hale. I take it inside, eager to see what it holds.

I head into my bedroom and set the box down on my bed. It’s fairly weighty, and I have no clue what it could be. Lifting the lid, I see crisp white paper lining the inside and a square card nestled on the top. I pull the card from its envelope, appreciating how thick the card stock feels between my fingers.

The message is brief, handwritten in neat black ink.

Be at the corner of Lakeshore Drive and Grand Avenue. 7 p.m.

—H

Peeling back the tissue paper, I discover the contents of the mysterious box. A white lacy G-string and matching demi-cup bra, along with a thick knee-length wool coat in the most bright, vibrant shade of red. The coat is gorgeous. Somehow I know I’m meant to be wearing nothing but this coat and these underthings when I meet him tonight. The idea sends a small thrill racing through me. I set everything down on my bed and then head to shower.

As I get ready, my phone buzzes constantly with sweet little texts from him. One to confirm I got the package, another telling me he’s excited for tonight, and a third that says he can’t wait to see me. I’ve never had a man make me feel this special before, or put so much thought into a date.

By the time I’m slipping on my coat over my new bra and panty set, I feel desirable and ready for some naughty fun.

Chapter Eighteen

Hale

This is it. My last lesson with Brielle. All morning, I fought for perspective and failed. After tonight’s festivities, I’m going to tell her that she’s ready. That she’s learned all I can teach her.

I don’t know how she’ll take the news. Me? I’m so confused and frustrated that I feel like fucking punching something at the thought of not seeing her again after this.

I’m dressed in a suit and tie, and told her to be waiting at the corner of Lakeshore and Grand. I glance at my watch and see that I’m right on time. Watching from the dark-tinted window of the limousine, I spot her. She glances around and then checks her phone. She’s wearing the red wool coat belted snugly and holds a small jeweled clutch. The Chicago winter makes it necessary, but I can’t wait to peel the coat from her body and see what’s underneath it. See if she knew to follow my subtle instruction.

At my direction, the driver pulls to a stop at the corner beside her, and Brielle’s eyes light up. I step out and greet her, pulling her body to mine and kissing her deeply. She doesn’t hesitate; her mouth opens against me, her tongue making little circles with mine. It’s fucking heaven. She smells lightly of perfume and soap, and her hair is down, in long curls that flutter in the wind.

“Let’s get you warmed up,” I whisper near her ear.

She nods and lets me take her hand to help her into the waiting limo, which is white as I requested. I may not be a noble knight on a white horse, but she deserves one, and this is the best I can do.

“Wow. A limo? What’s on the agenda tonight?” Her eyes sparkle as she takes it all in, sliding across the leather seat with a happy smile. And suddenly all the trouble I’ve gone through planning tonight is immediately worth it.

“You’ll see,” I say.

She doesn’t know it yet, but I’m going to push her further than I ever have before. My cock twitches at the thought. I will prove to us both that this isn’t some fucking fairy tale. I have needs she can’t possibly satisfy, and she deserves a tenderness that I can’t possibly provide.

Everything will be settled after tonight. And I will send her off, ready to use all her techniques to win over the one she wants, the man who is a safe choice for her.