Page 19

Her fingers linger on my jacket, tracing the edge like it’s made of gold. She tilts her head, those blue eyes locked on mine, and her tongue slips over her bottom lip. It’s all the confirmation I need.

I lean down, one hand bracing on the bed beside her, and drop my voice low. “You always mix business with pleasure?”

She doesn’t flinch, doesn’t back down. If anything, her smile gets a little wider, a little more daring. “Only when the client makes it worth my while.”

I chuckle, dragging my thumb along her jawline, tilting her face up toward mine. Her skin is smooth, warm. “Guess I’ll have to prove I’m worth it, huh?”

Her breath hitches this time, but she recovers quick, brushing her hair over her shoulder and leaning closer. “Maybe you should.”

That’s all I need. I close the distance, pressing my lips to hers, firm but testing. She melts into it immediately, her hands sliding up my chest and grabbing onto my jacket like she’s afraid I’ll pull back.

Not happening.

I deepen the kiss, sliding my tongue against hers, tasting the faint hint of mint. My free hand trails down herside, grabbing her waist and pulling her closer until her legs uncross and she shifts on the bed.

“Eli,” she breathes, breaking the kiss for half a second before diving back in.

Her voice sends a jolt through me, straight to my gut. I tug her to her feet, wrapping one arm around her waist to steady her. She gasps, her hands flying up to grip my shoulders.

“You’re full of surprises,” she murmurs, her voice teasing but shaky now.

“Stick around, sweetheart. You’ve seen nothing yet.”

She laughs, breathless, and before she can say another word, I walk her backward until her legs hit the bed again. She sinks down, looking up at me, flushed and more than a little disheveled now.

I shrug off my jacket, tossing it onto the chair nearby, and unbutton my shirt’s top two buttons. Her eyes track every move I make, her lips parting as her gaze dips lower.

“Like what you see?” I ask, grinning.

Her laugh turns into a hum, one finger beckoning me closer. “Come here and find out.”

I step closer, kneeling on the edge of the bed. Her hands are on me instantly, sliding under my shirt, nails scraping lightly against my skin. It’s been too long, and every touch is like pouring gasoline on an already burning fire.

Her hands move lower, working at my belt, her lips curling into a smirk. “You came prepared,” she murmurs, nodding toward my black jeans, which don’t leave much to the imagination.

I chuckle, grabbing her wrist and pulling her hand away just for a second. “You sure you’re ready for this?”

Her laugh is soft, daring. “I can handle you.”

I let go of her wrist, watching as her hands finish what they started, unbuckling my belt and tugging at the waistband. I lean back slightly, giving her the space she needs.

She slides off the bed, sinking to her knees in front of me. The way she looks up at me — like I’m the only thing that matters right now — sends a rush straight through me.

Her hands are steady as she tugs my jeans lower, freeing me. And when her lips wrap around me, warm and soft, my head tips back.

“Fuck,” I mutter, my hands gripping the edge of the bed.

She’s good. Better than I expected. And as she moves, taking me deeper, her nails digging into my thighs, it’s all I can do to keep control.

The windows behind her show the city skyline, lights twinkling against the dark. But all I can focus on is her — her blonde hair fanned out, her lips moving with purpose, her tongue doing things that have my body coiled tight.

I groan, my hands sliding into her hair, not forcing, just guiding. She hums, and the vibration nearly undoes me.

“You’re fucking dangerous, you know that?” I say, my voice rough.

She looks up, her blue eyes glinting with mischief, and pulls back just enough to say, “Dangerous enough to sell you this place?”

I laugh, breathless, shaking my head. “Yeah, you’ve made your point.”