Chapter 8 8

I wasn't just wet I was drenched. If this was a game, I'd already surrendered the win without even realizing it.

His cologne wrapped around me, dark and expensive, mixing with the faint tremor in my hands. The tension between us was a live wire, thrumming, dangerous and the worst part was, nothing had even happened yet.

"There's no need for that, sir," I breathed, pushing against his chest even though I wanted him to fuck me senseless. It was like trying to move a wall. He didn't budge.

"But did you enjoy the way they looked at you?" His voice was low, accusing. "That bastard in the corner practically had drool on his chin watching you."

What the hell was wrong with him?

"We have people waiting downstairs," I tried, my voice taut. "If we're gone too long, they'll start asking questions."

"Just answer me," he demanded, eyes locking on mine. "Did you like the attention?"

"What's it to you if the men in the room were staring?" I shot back. "I'm a woman it happens."

The words hung between us.

Okay maybe I shouldn't have said that.

Slowly, he stepped back. The absence of his body heat made me shiver, and I hated that I missed it.

"You're right," he said finally, voice clipped. "My mistake. It won't happen again. I promised we'd keep things professional, but I broke that. I'll... learn to control myself." He turned and walked out, leaving me in the quiet. Relief wasn't the right word for what I felt. It was more like my nerves were trying to convince my body we were calm but my body wasn't buying it.

I glanced down at my dress. The wine stain still glared back at me like a scar.

This dress probably cost a fortune and this wine doesn't look like it'll go away with just water.

After a moment, I stepped out and made my way downstairs.

"Congratulations again, Rachel," Mr. Ricci's smooth voice floated over the crowd. "A stunning hotel and stringing interior designs, but I'm afraid I have to take my leave."

Good. I couldn't stand another minute breathing the same air as Rachel. She always gave me that look like i snatched her high school boyfriend.

"Can your secretary stay a little longer?" one of the men asked. His eyes were fixed entirely on me, oblivious to the sharp look Ryan threw his way.

"If she wants to, I won't stop her," Ryan said without even looking at me.

That caught me off guard.

"Sorry, sir," I replied quickly. "It's been a hectic day. I'd rather go home." Before they could respond, I was already walking toward the exit.

The cold night air hit me like ice. Our ride hadn't been brought around yet, so we stood there waiting. Ryan had his hands in his pockets, his gaze distant, as if lost in thought.

I rubbed my arms, trying to create some warmth, but it wasn't enough. If this were a movie, he'd shrug off his jacket and drape it around me. But this wasn't a movie, and Ryan Ricci wasn't the type to play the gallant hero. I don't even know if he has a romantic side or something.

When the car finally arrived, I rushed inside, forgetting all about him. He followed without a word.

Ryan's POV

Being rejected over something so small is not what I'm used to.

I told myself I wouldn't lose control around her. We had a deal. But somewhere between that red dress and the way every man in that room devoured her with their eyes, I snapped.

When she walked out earlier, all I wanted was to drag her into the dressing room and make her scream loud enough for the entire boutique to hear, then watch our liquids flow out of her hole. I had it under control, until I saw them staring. Some couldn't stop looking at her breasts. And the thought of any man touching her ...touching what's mine ...made something in me burn. Before I knew it, I'd done something petty and childish like spilling wine on her.

I knew she'd go to clean it up. I knew I'd follow. And when I cornered her, she fought, but I could feel it , she wanted me. She was holding the line for the sake of "professionalism," but that line was wearing thin.

Professionalism my foot.

I knew the kind of woman she was although she surprises me everyday with her new attitudes bur apart from that she wanted to be claimed and fucked.

Now, sitting beside her in the car, the air between us was electric, heavy with things unsaid. The slit in her dress revealed just enough of her thigh to make my mind go places I shouldn't. Was it accidental? Or was she teasing me?

I tried to think of something else and not how many positions I can put her.

We reached her place. The driveway was too small, another car already parked there, so the driver stopped a little way off.

"Thank you, sir. I had a wonderful time," she said. If only she were saying that after I'd been buried inside her, hearing her beautiful moans and squeaks, the hole squeezing my wood... but I'd take what I could get.

"Good night," I said.

"Good night," she echoed.

Sha stayed on her spot for a moment then turned to leave.

I stayed in the car, watching until she got to the door. I wasn't leaving until she was inside.

As a boss I do have to ensure the safety of my employees.

But then, something moved.

A figure, half hidden behind the flowers. He straightened, walked toward her door. The shape of him... familiar.

The door didn't open, so he slipped toward the back of the house.

I opened the car door, striding toward her and then her scream tore through the night.

I ran.

Pounded on the door. No answer.

"Fuck," I muttered.

What the hell was going on inside?