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“She runs security for me.” I give her the simplest version of Gardenia’s job description. “She recently graduated from university with a degree in computer science. She was looking for a job, so I gave her one.”

“Computer science? Wow, that sounds hard.” She forces a smile. “Brains and beauty.”

“Come here.” I extend my hand to her. It’s an offer, not an order.

Her gaze bounces between my face and my hand. I really wish I had stuck to my guns and said no to today’s fucking outing. The fear that registers in her eyes as she tries to work out if she wants to be near me or not makes me want to punch the Senator.

“No.” She shakes her head, her cheeks blushing a pretty pink.

“No?” A chuckle escapes my lips. “Are you afraid I’m going to rip your panties off and rub your pretty cunt until you scream my name?”

She gasps. “You can’t talk to me like that.”

“Like that how? With the truth?” I smirk. “It’s all I’ve thought about since we left the hospital.”

“I don’t know.” She glances away, squirming uncomfortably in her seat. Oh, my little dove is already turned on.

“I think you like it when I talk dirty, Little Dove.” I sit back. “I think you’re already wet thinking about what I could be doing to you with my tongue. Your dress would get ruined for sure.”

“No, I’m not.” She releases a breath, and the color from her cheeks extends down to her neck and chest. “I’m not…wet.” She struggles with the word wet.

“Prove it.” I meet her gaze, hoping she can see in my eyes how much I want her right fucking now. “Surrender your panties. Let me be the judge of how wet you are for me.”

“I can’t.” She shakes her head.

“I won’t touch you unless you ask.” I peer at her. “Take them off, Little Dove. And put them in my hand.”

She sucks in a breath, fisting her dress around her knees. Fuck, she looks absolutely delectable when she’s aroused. Up until now I’ve only seen the agreeable side of her. I love pushing her until she begs me for what she wants. This side of her, the resolute side, is just as sweet. She thinks she can deny me. I’m very much looking forward to showing her that us not being together is a painful impossibility. But first, I need to know what her father said.

“I can’t.” She licks her lips. “William could hear us.”

“Not hearing things he shouldn’t is part of his job description.” My gaze drops to her breasts trapped in the tight bustier. She can barely breathe in that thing. I reach for her trembling hand and bring it to my lips. “When you’re ready, Little Dove. You know where to find me.”

“Archer.” She shifts in her seat.

It hurts.Her words flash in my mind’s eye. That’s what she said to me when I punished her for trying to escape. Is that how she feels now? Self-inflicted celibacy can be particularly agonizing.

I pick up my mobile again and dial Gardenia. Fucking voice mail again. Sitting back, I focus on the dark road outside while I simmer in my own lust. By the time the limo pulls up to the gravel driveway that leads to the mansion, I swear I can smell her arousal in the car, while I’m about to pop in my trousers. I want her so damn much, it’s unbearable.

As soon as the car comes to a stop at the front entrance, I open the car door and climb out. I offer her my hand, but she waves it away. I can only assume it’s because she doesn’t trust herself near me. I know the feeling well.

“After you.” I gesture for her to go on.

The door opens when we approach. “William called ahead,” Mary Jane explains when we enter the foyer. “I prepared a small meal if you’re hungry.”

“Yes, that would be great, thank you. We’ll take it in the study.” I place my hand on Paloma’s lower back out of habit, and she tenses.

“Right away.” Mary Jane offers Paloma a kind smile. “How is the Senator doing?”

“Better.” Paloma nods, and I don’t miss how she leans in to catch my scent for a split second. When she recovers, she adds, “Thank you for asking.”

“I’ll bring your supper shortly.” Mary Jane makes to leave.

“Oh, I’m not hungry.” Paloma looks up at me. “I’m tired. I need to sleep.”

Fuck. So, we’re also going back to not eating together. “Of course. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Good night, Mrs. Archer.” Mary Jane nods.