Page 20 of Tempting the President

“This can’t happen again,” I say shakily, even as I make no move to leave the comfort of his arms.

“But we both know it will. Again and again.”

“I’m Annie’sprofessor, and you’re herbrother! That—”

“—makes us the perfect pair, since we both want what’s best for her, don’t you think?”

“What I think—”

“It was rhetorical,” he cuts me off. “I’d rather you don’t think, if you don’t mind.”

I bite my lip hard.

No, Jayne.

Don’t laugh at that.

Just don’t.

“But if you insist on thinking,” he says magnanimously, “then think of how right it feels, for you to be in my arms—”

Doesn’t he see he has this completely backwards?

“In my home—”

Everything about this is wrong!

“Because this is exactly where you belong.”

No, no, no!

The certainty in his voice should scare me. Should make me run as far and as fast as I can. Instead, it makes something deep inside me settle, like a puzzle piece finally clicking into place.

“I need to go,” I say, not moving an inch.

“Of course.” He presses another kiss to my forehead, then helps me sit up, his hands lingering on my waist.

I try buttoning up my blouse, but my hands are shaking too hard.

“Let me.”

My breath catches as his fingers brush against my skin, and heat blooms in my cheeks when we both notice the way my nipples have started pouting anew.

“They miss me.”

“They do not!”

Dark eyes gleam down at me, andargh!Why does it feel like I’ve already lost just by talking about my nipples like they’re actual sentient beings—

No!

I stumble back, but it’s too late, with his hand against the small of my back, and he’s holding me still as he pulls my nipple into his mouth for one last bite.

I’m fuming when he finally releases me, but Patrizio only smiles. “When you’re ready to admit what you really want, you know where to find me.”

Rule #4: Don’t let him show you his world. Or you’ll never want to leave.

IT’S BEEN A WEEK SINCEI made the worst decision of my academic career, and I still can’t sit in my office without thinking about strong hands and whispered commands and the way Patrizio Steele looked at me like he could see straight through every professional facade I’ve ever constructed.