Page 65 of Abandoned Oaths

His face dropped. “Already?”

“I have a meeting this afternoon.” I lied in my best disappointed tone.

He scooted back and stood, hurrying to help me up. It was a nice gesture, and I had to bite back my normal retort of being able to do it on my own.

Keep the venom down. I’m not a viper right now.

I faced him, not accounting for how close he was. I tilted my head back to look up at him and tried not to let his sweet scent of citrus and sea salt get to me.

“I’m really glad you stopped.” He dipped his knees until we were nearly eye level.

“Me too,” I admitted without thinking.

“I want to see you again. Maybe for longer than a few minutes.”

Dammit. I was smiling before I had to even remind myself. Careful, Emilia.

“I’d like that.”

He bit his bottom lip while staring at mine.

Oh, no. He wanted to kiss me.

Which was great. Perfect. The next step in seducing him.

But . . . Cruz.

No.

Dias was the mission. This was my job.

Before I could overthink it, I lifted onto my toes just enough to press a brief kiss against his warm lips.His hands went to my waist, holding me as he tilted his head to deepen the kiss. His lips moving with mine in a way that made me dizzy.

I stepped back and took in his dazed expression. He looked like we’d done much, much more than exchange an innocent peck.

“Millie.”

I tapped my plate, drawing his attention. He smiled at my clever, if not messy, note. Then I turned and hurried down the stairs toward my waiting yacht. Cruz scowled as he helped me across the short gap.

“What was that?” he asked as soon as I was on board.

“What?”I was still reeling from that incredible kiss and running down the stairs.

“You kissed him. He didn't even initiate it.”

It took too long for my brain to catch up with his words. He was mad. Fuming, actually. Because I kissed Dias. The man I was here to seduce.

“Excuse me?” I took a step back.

“Are you actually into him?” His eyes flashed behind me, and I spun to find Derek standing at the entrance to the cabin.

I caught the hurt on Cruz’s face before he turned.

“Let’s go,” he called to the captain.

“Cruz?” I called, but he slid the glass door behind him.

Derek watched me, and I faced off with him. “We’re all here for one reason. I’m doing my job. That’s it. None of you get to make me feel bad for that.”

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