Her lip twitched into a smile. “You are a very curious bloke, Seth O’Keefe.”
Seth crinkled his brow. “What do you mean?”
She looked up at him, her eyes stealing his breath for just a second. “Let’s just say you were easier to understand when all you wanted was to get your leg over with me.”
“Trust me, I still do.” Seth flashed a devilish grin, not bothering to hide his attraction to her or his growing hunger. His eyes focused on her beautiful, full lips. They lingered there while he fantasied their taste and feel.
“That’s comforting,” Natti teased. “So why is it when I give in the slightest bit, you push me away?”
Seth was snapped from his thoughts, his guilt tugging at his heart.
“Because,” Seth grumbled, avoiding her eyes, “things . . . things became complicated.”
“Like back at the café.”
“Something like that.” Seth leaned back and exhaled.
Follow only lust, for love is for the weak, he chanted the Egyptian words, pleading with his heart to remain strong. Follow only lust, for love is for the weak.
Natti lowered her head, disappointment reflecting in her beautiful features. “Thanks for the ride home.”
He couldn’t do it. He couldn’t fight with himself any longer. As she moved for the door, Seth placed a hand on her shoulder. He ignored the cat hissing at him, his eyes locking their focus on Natti. She sat still, staring into his gaze, waiting for him to speak.
“Even if it means risking everything?” Seth shot back.
Mr. Jackson rocked back in his chair and grinned. “My dear boy, have you never had something that was worth risking everything for?”
The memory gave Seth just enough strength to speak. “Natti, let me take you out tomorrow after school. I know a great place just outside of town where we can be alone.”
There was a long pause, and Natti raised a brow. “You mean, like on a real date? Or is this another one of your attempts of having it off?”
Her remark caused Seth to laugh nervously. He swallowed hard, finding his courage. “A real date. Just you and me.”
Natti’s eyes brightened and her cheeks turn red while she thought on his offer. “Ah, okay. Sure. Maybe by then, you might actually be willing to talk. Tell me exactly what’s been going on.”
Seth chuckled. “Maybe . . .” Or maybe I’ll show you a better way to use those lips of yours. “I’ll meet you by your locker about a quarter to four.”
“I’ll be there.”
The cat growled at Seth, bearing its claws. It swung a paw at his hand. He raised it from Natti’s shoulder and eyed the cat with pure hatred.
“I think you better get that cat inside.”
Natti grinned. “What’s the matter? Don’t like cats?”
“No, they just don’t seem to like me for some reason.”
Natti laughed and stepped out of the car. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”
Seth watched her race to the door, but before she disappeared she turned around one last time. Her eyes were beaming with excitement when she smiled. His heart jumped, feeling lighter than it had in weeks. The beast stirred to life, anxious to draw her in and consume her. Seth took a deep breath in and let it out slowly. He reassured the beast that Natti will soon be his. That once alone and in his grasp, he will finally have his way with her and take her for his own. With that thought, the beast calmed into submission.
“Until tomorrow, Natti,” Seth whispered. “Until tomorrow.”
***
Seth pulled his car into the driveway to find Geoffrey, their chauffer, polishing his father’s BMW 750Li sedan. Whipping his head around, Seth spied Sean along the gardens, conversing with three eleven-year-old boys on their bicycles as he waited. They smiled and even laughed while their eyes never left Sean’s hypnotic gaze. The cutting of the Jaguar’s engine drew his father’s attention toward Seth.
A sneer spread on Sean’s face when Seth stepped from the car. “Now run along home and think about my offer. We could use lads like yourselves. Oh, and not a word to your parents.”
“Yes, sir!” the tallest boy responded. “Come on, dudes!”
The boys stepped onto the pedals and burst toward the community gates. Seth snorted, sending his father a fiery glare.
“Charming some new recruits?” He thoughtlessly tossed his keys to Geoffrey, who caught them with one swift jerk of his hand.
Sean nodded. “I merely planted the seed. The thought must grow on its own now.” He placed an arm around Seth’s shoulders. “Let us go inside. I wish to have a word.”