Something Tangible

Cracks Emerge

Author's Note: I just wanted to say a sincere thank you to everyone for the reviews and follows. It's been awesome to see them steadily go up.

This is another fun chapter but their relationship will start to get serious after this. Just a heads up, between the two of them, Katarina is more of the commitment phobic. I always thought it's cliché that men are portrayed as the ones who are scared of settling down. In my experience, women are just as likely to experience that fear, so I take it from that angle. Anyway, enough babbling, enjoy the show!

Grumpy and Mopey picked at their appetizers as they waged a silent battle for supremacy. Missy was too busy flashing Steven a gratuitous boob shot whenever he peered up from his plate to notice their feud.

This girl doesn't quit! Maybe I should chat her up to teach my own girl a lesson? He glanced down at Katarina, her countenance stoic and stubborn. Only if you want to guarantee yourself a good night's sleep on the couch Steven.

Hoping to avoid that scenario, Steven raised the white flag and reverted back to being the doting boyfriend. "Did I mention that you look resplendent this evening my dear — in your 'cute little' cocktail number?" he whispered in her ear, his warm breath melting her willpower.

God he smells yummy. I'm like a fat kid and chocolate cake when it comes to this man.

"Resplendent huh? I see you're taking a page from my thesaurus."

"Mmm hmm. And you look fucking hot when you're mad." He leaned in to nuzzle her neck.

Give it up Katarina. Resistance is futile.

"I thought only Greek goddesses were hot," she retaliated, still smarting from his little display of gallantry toward her mortal enemy.

"No they're overhyped." He bit her earlobe. "Only one goddess I worship."

"You sure know how to smooth talk or sexually manipulate your way out of most quandaries don't you Mr. Andrews?" she rasped.

He chuckled. "I suppose I can handle myself in sticky situations, though the sex part is reserved strictly for you Ms. Constantine."

"I know a few ladies who'll be sorely disappointed to hear that."

"The only one I care about seems immune to my powers of persuasion," he countered, upping the ante by covertly skimming his hand under her dress. "Though perhaps we should test that theory."

One arm draped around her shoulder and the other obscured by the heavy tablecloth, Steven ignored Katarina's half-hearted protests and got to work showing her just how good his powers of persuasion could be.

Above the table, Katarina put up the illusion of a fight, but underneath her legs involuntarily opened to Steven's sensual touch. Her skin dewy and breathing heavy, she struggled to maintain her composure — and dignity — as his adroit fingers found their mark and began caressing her sex. To everyone else, they looked like two people innocently canoodling at the table. Underneath, however, it was a different story.

Steven moved the edge of her panties out of his way and eased two fingers deep inside, leisurely sliding them in and out of her. Katarina's knuckles became translucent as she clawed at the table and shot Steven a look begging for mercy.

Shit, please don't make me come in front of all these people. We're together. I got the message loud and clear!

Fuck, if she keeps looking at me like that I'm going to blow in front of all these people. Missy and Christopher would sure as hell get the message that we're together then.