Page 50 of The Christmas Trap

"Thank you. I appreciate your support."

"Any time. Brains and beauty. That’s a lethal combination." He flashes her a smile.

A burning sensation fills my chest. Is he flirting with her? I close the distance to them.

Kingly’s features turn serious. "I was wondering if you’d like to join me for a?—"

"Ms. Monroe"—I step between them, forcing them to move apart—“I have an urgent issue I need to discuss with you.”

Lark scowls at me. “I was talking to Kingly.”

“Who was on his way out.” I glare at Kingly, indicating to him without words that he’d better fuck off.

Kingly must get the message for he clears his throat. "I, ah, guess I need to be getting along." He heads out.

The door shuts behind him.

In the silence that follows, I scan her features. She raises one eyebrow, as if to say:What was that all about?Something I'mnotgoing to study too closely.

I have the distinct impression she's trying to keep a straight face, but her eyes glint with excitement.

Her lips twitch, then she gives in to a big smile.

I can’t stop myself from grinning back. “You killed it.” I’m notsure who moves first, but suddenly, she’s in my arms. “That was bloody exceptional. You were mesmerizing.”

“Oh my God, did you see their faces?” She leans back in the circle of my arms.

“They were bowled over by your intelligence. Your charm. Your beauty. They couldn’t get enough of you. I couldn’t get enough off you.” I tuck a strand of hair that’s come loose from the sleek coil she’d twisted it up into. "I gave you the chance to prove you belong at this table. And you seized it. You did me proud, Lark.”

She flushes at my praise. Her pupils dilate. And when her lips part, I lower my gaze to her mouth. Damn, those luscious lips of hers are a siren call. As is that jasmine scent of hers; with a hint of coconut, it makes my mouth water.

I want to kiss her so fucking much. It’s a physical ache that turns my muscles to rock and lights fire in my veins.

"Thank you.” The husky note in her voice only ramps up my desire.

The air between us spikes with desire.

A part of me, that possessive, animalistic part that wanted her the moment I saw her insists I throw her down on the conference room table and ravish her.

As if she senses my unspoken question, she raises her chin. My heart begins to race. The blood pounds at my temples. I want her so fucking much. And holding myself back because she belongs to someone else is pure torture. Surely, I could kiss her? Just one teeny tiny kiss?

And if someone were to walk in here to find us in this compromising position? I would probably walk away unscathed. But she’d have to try doubly hard to prove herself. And even then, something like this would dog her footsteps for a long time. I cannot put her in a situation where that's even a possibility.

So, with a superhuman effort, where I tell my dick to calm down and order my brain to take over, I force myself to let go of her. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

Surprise filters into her eyes, then understanding. She looks stricken at the kiss that did not happen and takes another step back.

“So… What are your plans for the rest of the day? After that stupendous performance, is your fiancé taking you for a celebratory dinner?”

Her face falls. I curse myself for bringing him up. But I had to do it to remind myself of her engaged status. I’m grasping at straws here to keep my distance from her.

“Uh, he’s out of the country." She turns away, but not before I see the sadness in her eyes. “Guess I’d better return to my desk and get through my agenda for the rest of the day.”

She gathers up her various devices and papers, then begins to head toward the doorway. I get the feeling she’s embarrassed. Which she shouldn’t be. It’s that wanker of a fiancé who needs to be taught a lesson for treating this goddess like she doesn’t matter at all.

“It’s good that you’re going to be here. I need your help with one of the proposals related to driving company culture and leadership development.”

She pauses halfway to the door. “You do?” She turns to me.