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NIKOLAI

H er walk makes his body react with startling intensity.

Taraji Briefs captivates him completely.

Five-foot-eight with ebony skin so smooth he fantasizes about tasting it.

Those full lips beg to be claimed. Her cat-like eyes pierce through him.

And her body, divine curves that a man like him appreciates fully.

He's not lacking in any department.

Every aspect of Taraji calls to him, her mind, her body, her spirit. He knows she can handle what hecan offer. Now that her man has failed her, she'll be his.

But first, he needs to handle this fool.

"Do you know Taraji is one of my best employees?" he keeps his voice level but firm.

"Yes, sir. It won't happen again." Jerome shifts uncomfortably. "My old lady and I just have some disagreements. We'll sort it out by tomorrow."

"She said it's finished and you're over. I don't typically involve myself in staff relationships, but she's left you for cheating, and I won't let you harass her." Jerome's face registers shock. "Understand? "

Jerome puffs up his chest and steps closer. "With all due respect, sir, Taraji is my woman. I'd appreciate if you stayed out of our business."

So he has some backbone. Too late.

"It became my business when you started sleeping with Mary-Anne. Man to man, I've wanted her for a long time. Now that you've messed up, I intend to make Taraji mine."

Jerome's face darkens. "You can't do that. She'd never go for a white boy like you. I'm all she needs and the only one who can handle her."

We'll see about that.

"I guess we'll find out when she's screaming my name and only mine. Now get back to work and have a lovely day." He pauses before adding, "One more thing, if you come near her, I won't hesitate to fire you."

Nikolai walks away, leaving Jerome to stew. The man truly thought he could intimidate him. He's gravely mistaken.

Yes, he may be white and she's Black, but that means nothing to him. His feelings have grown too strong, and no one, not even Taraji herself, is prepared for what's coming.

He's always been determined throughout life. In college, in business, nothing stops him from claiming what he desires. Though he never thought he'd have a chance with someone so perfect. He can't wait for her to feel comfortable enough to reveal her little side.

…

When Taraji enters his office, her eyes are rimmed red. Without thinking, he offers her his handkerchief.

"Thank you," she whispers, dabbing at her eyes.

"Are you alright?" he asks, his hand resting gently on her shoulder.

She nods, then shakes her head. "I don't know. Four months he's been cheating. How did I miss it? "

"You didn't do anything wrong," he assures her. His thumb traces small circles on her shoulder. "Some men don't recognize treasure when they have it."

Her eyes meet his, questioning. He holds her gaze longer than professionally appropriate. When she reaches for the water glass on his desk, her fingers tremble, spilling drops onto her skirt.

"I'm so clumsy today," she mutters, flustered.

"It's been a difficult morning," he replies, moving closer to help blot the water. Their hands brush, and he notices her breath catch. Something childlike flickers in her eyes before she blinks it away.

Perhaps her little side is closer to the surface than he thought.