Chapter 122 - Please

Adea

To say I wasn’t peeved was a fat lie. I was upset as I linked Ethan.

Where are you?

“Why hello there,” he said, his husky voice filling my mind. I could almost feel his breath on my neck.

Where are you? I asked again. I don’t bother to hide the irritation from my voice this time.

“I’m making you dinner. It was supposed to be a surprise but someone is a little feisty,” he chuckled.

“Way to go,” Korra chided.

I rolled my eyes. Was he sweet? Yes, but I wouldn’t let it distract me. He had some explaining to do.

I was so lost in my thoughts I didn’t even notice Ethan walk up to me until he leaned down to speak into my ear, his stubble grazing my jaw and making me crave so much more.

“Such a beautiful girl walked through my door, what have I done to be blessed by your presence?” Ethan asked and I looked up into his eyes as he wrapped his arms around my waist.

“Why are you trying to sweeten me up?” I teased, keeping my expression schooled. I was still upset with him and I wasn’t going to let him think the surprise would sway me.

“You’re already too sweet,” he murmured as he started to move us left and right.

“There isn’t any music, why are we dancing?” I asked as I gave him a tight smile.

“We don’t need music,” he said and I let him lead me.

I let out a deep breath.

“I’m not very happy with you right now,” I said.

“I figured,” he said not phased.

“Mm-hmm,” I murmured as I leaned into his embrace.

“Don’t you want to see what I’ve been getting all hot and sweaty over?”

I purse my lips. I try to fight the smile that’s fighting to break loose. I lean back and settle for a shrug.

“I can if you let me go,” I said and he frowned.

“You still can if I don’t,” he countered and I rolled my eyes.

The place was surprisingly clean, I admit when he said he was making dinner I expected the kitchen to be a mess.

As he led me to the dining area, I took the light touches he’d taken his time decorating. The dining table was dark, just a couple of candles and rose peddles gave off a romantic feel. He pulled out my chair for me and I sat in my usual seat next to his usual seat.

I watched his firm ass as he made his way back to the kitchen. I was still upset but it didn’t mean I couldn’t appreciate his assets.

“Do you want something fizzy or wine?” he asked, looking over his shoulder at me.

“Something fruity,” I said, stealing another glance at him and taking in the ridges of his back muscles as he moved.

“Coming right up,” he practically purred and I felt something ignite low in my belly.

A few minutes later, he turned around and I watched him walk over to me. I reached over and took the glass of bubbly. He returned to the kitchen and my eyes were drawn to him as he prepared our plates.

I cupped the glass of liquid courage as he headed my way with an aroma that had me salivating. He had a proud look on his face as he placed a plate in front of me before placing his plate down.

“Thank you.”

He gave me a small bow and pulled his chair out. My eyes caught sight of the muscles in his arm as he sat and I gulped. I don’t know what was going on but I was noticing him more than usual.

“Before we eat, I think it would be best for us to talk first,” he said and I ripped my eyes away from his muscles.

“I agree,” I murmured.

He fixed his gaze on me and I ignored the need to lean in and kiss him.

“I knew you’d be angry but I need you protected,” he said.

I felt shivers as they broke out down my arms. I glanced at him and felt the silence stretching between us. The silence was so loud, I could hear my heart beating and maybe his.

“I don’t need protecting, Ethan,” I said.

His eyes flickered with emotion and I couldn’t name all of them but he leaned forward and leaned his head on his hand.

“Please… let me have this,” he pleaded, his tone low and my brain was at war. I don’t want a bodyguard. I placed in the highest tier. I could obviously take care of myself but why were his begging eyes having this effect on me?

On one hand, I could feel the anger I’d been holding in and on the other, I could feel understanding. He reached out and tipped my chin up.

“I can’t always be with you,” he started.

“Well, that would be weird. We can’t always be together,” I interrupted.

“Hilarious,” he said. “Seriously though, I can’t always be there to protect you and as your partner, I have that need.” I wanted to tell him it sounded like a “you” problem but I bit my lip to stop it from coming out.

“Can you understand why I would want you to have guards?” He asked.

I scoffed, “It’s not about your reason, Ethan. You didn’t give me the chance to make a choice! I’m your partner, you didn’t ask me my opinion. I found out from Gabe.”

“Ask you?” He asked, quietly.

“Yes,” I breathed.

“There’s a lot of things I want to do to you. I want to keep you close, locked away from the world. I want a lot of things for you that I shouldn’t but I’ve held back because you aren’t my prisoner,” he admitted. “You’re my Luna, my Queen and I don’t think it’s insane.. Your safety should be our top priority.”