Zahra grins. “It’s a shame you don’t laugh more often.”

Because I don’t have many things to laugh about. I tug at my tie, loosening its hold around my neck. “Don’t get used to it.”

“I wouldn’t dare. I kind of like the fact that it’s a rarity because it makes it even more special.”

Me: Who hurt you? Do we need to find their HP address?

Zahra: Haha so funny. Are you expanding your talents to the computer hacking business?

Me: For you, I’d consider it.

And I mean every word.

Lucifer: I’m losing my patience.

Me: Then go buy some more.

Lucifer: Funny.

I laugh to myself. Him admitting I’m funny makes my heart slam into my rib cage at an uneven pace.

Lucifer: Please tell me where you are?

Me: Look at you using the word please. And people say old dogs can’t learn new tricks.

“If you scoot any closer to the edge, you’ll fall out of the cart and get hurt.” He speaks over the haunted sounds.

“I thought you didn’t care?”

“Hmm. Maybe I found some fucks to give after all.”

“Why are you really spending so much time with me? Don’t you have other things to do and people to torment?”

He offers a noncommittal shrug. “Maybe I enjoy hearing your screams.”

“Freak.”

I’m surprised Rowan doesn’t send me straight into cardiac arrest when he winks. My heart thuds in my chest, and my skin tingles in response.

She feels perfect in my arms, and I’m tempted to keep her tucked beside me where I can protect her from all the darkness in the world, including myself.

My chest tightens. “Zahra, I’m sorry. Hear me out—”

“I don’t want your apology. It means nothing coming from someone who wouldn’t know the first thing about feeling remorseful.”

I feel as foolish as motherfucking Mr. Darcy.

You’re comparing yourself to the fictional characters she loves now?

You’re fucked. Absolutely fucked.

It fills me with deep satisfaction knowing this version of Zahra is all mine. No amount of money, fame, or power could steal her away from me. I’m the one she’s desperate to have between her legs. It’s my name that she screams up to the ceiling as I insert a third finger into her.

She’s all mine.

Her fingers reach out and trace the outline of my cock. I grab onto both her wrists and lock them in place by her head. “This isn’t about me tonight.”

I mean it. I didn’t invite her over for sex, but her in my bed happens to be a bonus.

She pouts. “You don’t want me to help you with that problem?”

“Take a man out to dinner first.”

“Does my pussy count?”

“Fuck.”

“Just to be clear, should I scream your name or Scott’s when you fuck me?”

I shove her down against the bed, and she laughs as the air gets knocked out of her. “I dare you.”

“Spoiler warning—if you do, you might not be able to walk home tomorrow.” I trace her pussy with the pad of my thumb. I sink two fingers inside of her and withdraw them to find her still soaked.

“Walking is overrated anyway.”

Zahra’s eyes remain enraptured as I line up my cock and slowly push inside of her. Her legs wrap around my hips, keeping me locked in place.

As if I would ever leave paradise now that I’ve found it.

“I have one last question.”

She growls at me, and I find it hot as fuck.

I rise, tracing the curve of her body before giving her ass a squeeze. I withdraw my shaft a couple of inches before slamming back into her. The whoosh of air that leaves her makes me grin. “Do you still want that measuring tape? I can go find one now and settle the debate.”

“All good. I’m pretty sure I can feel you in my throat.”

Rowan grabs a remote and chooses the streaming app. “Which version of Pride and Prejudice are you up for tonight?”

“Maybe I’m in the mood for some horror film.”

“Isn’t romance considered a subgenre?”

His eyes glint as he takes a little bow. “Pardon my mistake then. Will you do me the honor of gracing me with your presence tomorrow evening for dinner and cocktails?”

“Emphasis on the cock?” I raise a brow.

“Are you always this nervous on a first date?”

She frowns. “I’m not nervous.”

“You drank a two-hundred-dollar glass of wine in ten minutes.”

Her entire face pales. “Two. Hundred. Dollars?!” she whisper-shouts. “Why would you spend that much on a bunch of old grapes?”

“Would you rather go skinny-dipping in the middle of the ocean or run naked through Dreamland in the middle of the night?”

“I hate running but I hate sharks more so definitely running naked through Dreamland.”

I smile. “Naughty girl. You could get caught.”

“Good thing I know the boss,” she taunts.

His eyes lighten as I shoot him a smile. “I like the way you make me feel.”

“And that is?”

“Like I’m a real person.”

I roll my eyes. “If these are your standards, there’s nowhere to go but up.”

He laughs again, and this time, I join him.

“Do you plan on staring at me all night or are you going to get on with the show?”

His gaze remains focused on my chest. “I like the view.”

“I’d like mine better if your face was between my legs.”