Diamonds and Toads: A Modern Fairy Tale by K.E. Saxon Page B

you know, just
to feel him out. He was so crushed by the thought, especially so
soon after Mom’s passing, that I just couldn’t do it to him.”
    Delilah tried to keep her heart from
softening, but failed miserably. “I understand. You had no choice.
I would have done the same in your shoes.” She narrowed her eyes at
him. “But it doesn’t excuse you giving me your ex-fiancée’s
ring! And worse, you had sex with me under false pretenses. You
used me! And I gave you my virginity shit-lick. With a huff,
she turned her head. “I truly hate you for that.”
    Hate. The word sucker-punched him in
the gut. How do you fight that? He couldn’t breathe. He had to
admit, seen through her eyes, what he’d done was indefensible, but
he couldn’t just leave that destructive word hanging in the air
between them as if all she’d accused him of were true. “First of
all, I made love to you because I was on fire for you and I
literally could not stop myself. What we shared was no mere lay—it
was combustible and rare. I know you’re inexperienced about these
things, so I’m giving you a little latitude for not knowing the
difference. And God only knows, Dee, I did try to do the noble
thing by you. I did. But my desire for you was too strong.”
    He watched in the rearview as her angry brow
relaxed. She was still, quiet, but he knew she’d listened, was
thinking about what he’d said and, hopefully, finding the truth in
it.
    “As for the ring—I was an idiot. I—I knew better, but did it anyway. This is no excuse, just a
reason, but Dee, you walked into my office like an answered prayer
at the exact moment I was living my worst nightmare.”
    Her back went up again. “And you went
straight for my Achilles heel. You made me—and my family, by
association—a laughingstock all over again. All my stepmother’s
society friends are no doubt salivating to tell her what you did to
me.” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears when she turned her scowl
on him once more. “She never was convinced you gave a fig about me,
and now she, I, and everyone else, knows it’s true.”
    His heart wrenched. He opened his mouth to
deny her claim, but snapped it shut again. Too soon. She wasn’t
ready to believe him. Besides, they were just about to pull into
the parking garage of the hotel. Maybe, just maybe, with a little
help from his father and friends— Fairy, you listening?— he
could convince her for once and always that he truly loved her.
    * * *
    “You’re kidding, right?” Delilah said,
tugging to get her hand released from Chas’s before he could manage
to get her out of his car. “I’m not going in there dressed like
this.”
    “You were out on the street in this getup, so
it can’t embarrass you that badly, and I’m running out of time.
You’re going to have to go in with me. Come on.” With a final yank,
he had her on her feet and jogged, with her an unwilling cargo
pulled behind him, directly for the elevators leading to the
ballroom.
    “That was different and you know it!
This—these people—argh!”
    He pushed her into the elevator and crowded
her into the corner. “This outfit is driving me crazy, by the way.”
Before she could take a breath to retort, the hungry contact of his
lips upon hers swept it away. His hand slid under the strap
covering her nipple and he stroked his thumb across it. Her womb
tightened with need and despite herself she melted into his
embrace. Evidently believing he’d dispelled her anger and distrust
with one brief sexual interlude, he said, “When I get you home, I’m
going to enjoy exploring—thoroughly—all the treasures this leather
conceals.”
    What a jerk. She shoved him away. “No
thanks, I’m busy.”
    Chas’s eyes narrowed slightly as he studied
her in silence for what seemed like eons before turning and facing
the doors.
    Well, what did he expect? Oh, she knew
exactly what he expected: Her to roll over, forgive his lies, and
play the goody-two-shoes sweet