Page 55 of Carnal Games

Even though I didn’t orchestrate or bet on us being alone today, I still dressed thinking of him. And I mean every single item. Including my pink lacy panties and bra set, along with the garter belt.

Men find women sexy in tight pencil skirts, don’t they?

As long as it wipes the memory of him seeing me as a bride-to-be from last time, I’ll be over the moon. It’s why I also removed the engagement ring and put it in my purse on my way up.

He still hasn’t spoken a word, once again challenging me to a staring battle.

What is he testing me for?

Does he like me scared? Intimidated? Feisty? Shy?

At the moment, I’m feeling shy. Just his attention alone makes me feel more alive than ever. Especially in broad daylight and inches apart.

I never imagined my type being an older and brooding man with eyes that ensnare you. Yet here I am lusting after one who is fifteen years older than me. And it sends chills down my body.

The longer he doesn’t utter a word, the more I want to squirm. Doesn’t he have a meeting in a few minutes? Why is he wasting time?

Or maybe he’s secretly enjoying making me nervous.

Suddenly, I forget why I came here for. Tucking my hair behind my ear, I lower my gaze, bowing under the force of his stare.

As though he was waiting for just that, my sweet defeat, his quiet order cuts through the air in the room. “Have a seat, Miss Mannan.”

Chapter Fifteen

Iris

The rich and deep baritone of his voice raises goosebumps on my skin.

My feet move before my brain can issue the command. Like my body is no longer my own, but his to master and control.

I stare anywhere but at him as I walk into the adjoined room.

The tension in the room thickens, making me feel like I’m a schoolgirl marching to the handsome but strict headmaster’s office.

Everything south of my stomach clenches at the image of him bending me over the conference table and spanking me with his belt. Each lash is a punishment for being a mouthy brat and calling him my brother-in-law to catch him alone in a room.

Whoa there, Iris. Get a grip!

Damn you! Rosa, and your addictive smutty books. They’ve corrupted my brain.

Reaching the closest chair, I slide it out before slowly lowering myself onto it and resting my purse on the table. With nothing left to do, I tip my head and meet his gaze. My stomach somersaults as I notice his pupils aren’t as cold as when I entered the room.

I blink and they’re back to being chilly.

I don’t let it ruffle my feathers and straighten in my seat. I briefly notice some papers spread out in front of him and a fountain pen lying on top.

“Hi,” I say. It comes out as a breathless sigh. Flustered, I raise my hand to brush my hair over my shoulder when suddenly the temperature in the room drops. My breath hitches in my throat as I find his gaze drilling holes into my hand.

Mylefthand, where the engagement ring is supposed to be.

I immediately drop my arm underneath the table.

Steel eyes slowly drag back to my face. “Lost the ring?”

“No.”

“Does your fiancé allow you to take it off before meeting strange men?” he asks, running a finger over his bottom lip.