Page 67 of Scarlet Mark

My stomach churned for an entirely different reason than before. “I’m starting to wonder about this Raven,” I admitted. He seemed to talk to her a lot.

Not that I had any reason to care about it.

Yet part of me wondered at their history and the easy camaraderie between them.

Did he play with her the way he did with me?

Hmm, no.He said they were only friends, that he wouldn’t jeopardize their working relationship by fucking her.

But what if he secretly wanted to? And the only reason he didn’t act on it was because of their business partnership?

Should the prospect of it bother me? Because it sort of did.

No, it really did.

Killian cupped my cheek, brushing his thumb over my bottom lip. “She’s just a friend, kitten. No need for claws.” He pressed his mouth to mine, gentle and coaxing. “I don’t mix business and pleasure. Except with you.”

“Why?” I asked, wrapping my palm around the back of his neck. “Why break the rules with me?”

“Because I want you,” he whispered, gripping my hips. “Because you’re mine.”

“Am I?” The words were a breath against his mouth. “For how long?”

“Until you say otherwise.” He kissed me hard, his hand fisting in my hair to tilt me back to his preferred angle. Always in charge. Always commanding. Always so fucking perfect.

I scratched my nails down his back, my way of signaling approval, and melted against him.

Because you’re mine. Until you say otherwise.

Mmm, I rather liked the sound of that. “What if I want you to keep me forever?” I wondered out loud, teasing.

He licked the seam of my mouth, his gaze radiating sin. “You’ll have no arguments from me, as it’ll take a lifetime to tame you anyway.”

“That’s quite a commitment. I thought you were married to your job?”

“Maybe I’m looking for a mistress.” He nipped my lower lip. “You suit well for the part.”

“Two weeks and we’re already discussing affairs.”

“I’m thorough,” he murmured, smiling. “And when I take on a task, I commit.”

“So I’m a task now?”

“You’re certainly something.” He tugged me to the edge of the counter, forcing my legs to wrap around him again. “Enough foreplay. I want to fuck you again before we go over the goals for tonight.”

I tsked. “So demanding.”

“Careful or it’ll be your mouth I’m fucking, sweetheart.” The threat caused my toes to curl. I adored his crude statements, especially when uttered as commands.

“That sounds tempting,” I admitted, licking my lips.

“Then get on your knees, Amara.”

I smiled, pushing him backward to make room for me to stand. “Yes, sir.”

* * *

Killian’s palmburned against my lower back, his presence a steady confidence at my side as we entered the Hamptons’ ballroom.