Page 42 of Loved By You

I don't know what I'm doing or what I'm going to say, but my feet move on their own accord, and before I know it, I'm standing in front of them, hands on hips, chest heaving.

“Ri, you okay?” Jack asks with concern.

Think, Ria, think.

“Yeah, erm…”I mumble, flitting my eyes between him and Annabelle, fury still bubbling in my chest.

Jesus, Ria, words, use your words.

A slow, knowing smirk spreads across Jack's face, his eyes narrowing.

Busted.

“I.. err… I need the key for the, erm the safe for closing. Kate asked me to get it from you.”

“Sure, it’s in my office. Come with me.” He flicks his gaze to Annabelle, briefly dismissing her. “We’ll catch up tomorrow, Annabelle.” Her eyes narrow, as a snarl curls her red lips.

Back off, bitch.I give her a sarcastic smile and turn to follow Jack back to his office. I feel myself begin to panic, my palms sweating. I don't need the key, I never get the key. I’m such an idiot. I'm a jealous idiot who doesn't know what the hell she wants.

We enter the office, which I haven't been in yet. Everything in here is leather or dark wood and screams luxury.

He opens the top drawer of his desk and takes out the key as I hover by the door that I’ve closed behind me. Rubbing my arms up and down to comfort myself, I will him to hurry up, so I can get back out there and away from him and this ridiculous situation I’ve created.

“Here,” he says, walking towards me, dangling the key from his finger. I take it and stuff it into the pocket of my skirt.

“Ugh, thanks. I'll go back now,” I rush, keeping my eyes anywhere but on him. I can't let him see how flustered I feel.

“Ri,” he says, his tone playful.

“Yeah,” I mumble.

“Look at me.”

I reluctantly lift my eyes to meet his, as my heart rate picks up.

Get me out of here.

“You didn't need the key, did you?” he smirks.

Clearing my throat and standing tall, I say as confidently as I am able. “Yes, I did.”

“No, you didn't… I think you were a little bothered by Anabelle.”

I let out the most un lady-like scoff and shake my head “What, don't be ridiculous. She doesn't bother me.”

“Oh, really,” he says, quirking an eyebrow as he steps towards me and I step back, my back hitting the door, causing me to gasp. He leans in, placing one hand above my head, leaning against the door, trapping me. He’s so close our lips are almost touching and I hold my breath.

Is he going to kiss me again?

"Does it bother you when another woman touches me?"

My eyes flutter shut for a brief moment, my body heating, and my heart feels like it's about to break out of my chest. “I… erm…”

“Because watching that man put his hands on you earlier made me insanely jealous. The thought of him touching you, being that close to you, drove me wild.”

“Jack, I…” My breathing is erratic. I need him to kiss me, touch me. I can't pretend anymore.

“Tell me to stop, Ri.” His voice is low and gravelly, making me ache for him. He lightly brushes his lips with mine. It's not quite a kiss, but it leaves me needing more.

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