Page 42 of Consumed By You

I want to jump up and down with joy when he takes my suitcase with one hand and my hand with the other. I’m surrounded in a euphoric state as we wait for the elevator.

Before I remember something. “Wait. How are we going to do this?”

His brows narrow in confusion. “Do what?”

“This. I still work for you for another month. Do we have to hide it?”

He surprises me when he shakes his head. I thought for sure he would say yes. “Why? Do you want to hide it?” he asks, his voice betraying a hurt suspicion.

“I just don’t know how this works.” We step into the elevator; he’s still holding my hand. “I don’t want to push you too far. I know this is new for you.”

“I don’t think we should start anything with a lie. Besides, I want you to keep working for me.”

“This was all a part of your master plan? Wasn’t it?” I tease and he winks. God, he’s hot. “Well, it’s not going to work. I still can’t work for you.”

He rolls his eyes exasperatedly as the bell chimes and we reach the first floor. “Why not?”

“Because you’re my boss, Benjamin.” We shuffle out of the confined space and I think I see Evan’s eyes pop out of their sockets at seeing us together.

“Good night Mr. Scott…Miss Fontaine.” When he knows Ben isn’t looking, he gapes at me in awe.

Is it going to be like this with everyone?

Steve has the same look on his face, although he thankfully doesn’t say anything. We make our way to Benjamin’s shiny car.

“After you,” Benjamin offers, holding the door open for me. I slide in and his astonishingly large body fills the space next to me in a moment. The tension we create in silence is thick. After the past few days and his confession just minutes ago, I’m desperate for his touch, for his lips. That’s what he’s done to me. I knew the moment I laid eyes on him he’d ruin me for everyone else. I focus on my hands instead of him, trying to retain some sort of self-control I seem to have lost since I signed across the dotted line.

My raging hormones win. I can’t help but drag my gaze to his bewitching emerald-colored irises, and there’s nothing else to say. We crush together, my hands combing through his tamed hair while his strong arms pull me closer into his body. My lips collide with his.

His probing tongue invades my eager mouth and I’m immediately overwhelmed by the relief that washes over me. I had no idea how much I needed this. He pulls back too soon, nudging my parted lips caressingly, seeking only affection. He leans his forehead against mine and we sit in silence, listening to each other calm. I savor the feel of his hands gliding over my prickled skin, exploring and memorizing. I hear him chuckle and wonder what he’s thinking about.

Pulling back, I raise an eyebrow and he grins. “The car isn’t moving.”

I look out the window and discover he’s right. Holy shit, Dimitri has been sitting here this whole time, waiting for Ben’s order.

“Oh my god. Does he think…?” I’m about to ask if Dimitri thinks we’re sleeping together back here but stop myself when I feel a pang in my chest. The harsh pang of reality. No doubt Dimitri has waited in the front seat while Benjamin ravished women in the back seat of this expensive vehicle. The thought is not one I want to dwell on for long.

“What’s wrong?” Benjamin tilts my chin up with his fingers to meet his eyes.

I try my best to conceal my worries. “Nothing. Where are we going?”

Leaning over, he presses the black button and tells Dimitri to head to a place I can’t even pronounce the name of.

“Of course, sir.”

The way Benjamin’s arms constrict tighter around me before finally releasing me doesn’t go unnoticed.

“I’m sorry.”

His confession startles me. “What are you saying sorry for?”

“For whatever I just did.”

I really can’t hide anything from this man. I grimace with regret, frustrated by the fact that I am so transparent.

“You didn’t do anything.”

“Don’t lie to me, Darcy. No lying. Ever.”