Page 4 of Entangled with the Enemy

I hesitate, glancing at my watch. Part of me wants to turn and walk away, to avoid the complications that are bound to arise from whatever this is. But another part, a traitorous voice in the back of my mind, is intrigued. Curious to see where this might lead.

"Alright," I concede, nodding toward a quiet corner table. "But just for a few minutes."

We settle into the plush chairs, and I take a sip of my coffee, letting the rich, bold flavor ground me. Holden watches me, his gaze unwavering.

"So, what do you think about what happened last night?" he asks, cutting right to the chase.

I set my cup down, considering my words carefully. "It's... complicated. We have a lot of history, and it's not easy to just move past that."

A flicker of understanding passes across his features. "I understand. But maybe we can start fresh, get to know each other without the baggage."

His willingness to address our past openly surprises me, and I find myself nodding slowly. "Maybe we can try."

The conversation flows more easily after that, and I catch glimpses of a side of Holden I've never seen before. He shares stories from his childhood, revealing a softer, more vulnerable side beneath the hard-edged businessman exterior. I find myself opening up in return, telling him about the challenges of rebuilding my life after my parents essentially abandoned the family business.

"It was tough, feeling like they just abandoned everything we worked for," I admit, my fingers tracing the rim of my coffee cup. "But it also made me stronger, more independent."

Holden nods, his expression one of understanding. "Funny how parents shape us, isn’t it? Mine always pushed me to be the best. It's probably why I can be so ruthless in business."

As we continue talking, our conversation takes on a playful, flirtatious edge as we tease each other about our coffee preferences and work habits. It's easy, natural, like we've known each other for years rather than just met.

The conversation inevitably shifts to the topic of the upcoming Annual Emerald Ridge Gala, which everyone in town has been buzzing about for the last few weeks.

"Are you planning to attend the Gala next weekend?" Holden asks, casually leaning back in his chair.

I nod. "Yes, I'll be there. It's kind of expected of people in positions like ours, isn’t it?"

"It is," he says with a sigh. "It's a great networking opportunity, though not always the most exciting event. Although…” he trails off mischievously. “Perhaps the company this year will make up for it.”

I smirk to hide the flush I feel painting my cheeks. "Maybe we can make it a bit more interesting this year."

Holden grins. "I'd like that."

As we look at each other across the small space, the divide between us no longer seems so big. He's just a man, flawed but sexy, sweet in his own way, not the boogeyman I'd made him out to be all these years.

For the first time, I consider that maybe Lilith was right.

Too soon, it's time to leave, and we linger on the sidewalk outside the cafe. The morning air is crisp, carrying the promise of a beautiful day ahead, but all I can focus on is how Holden looks at me, his blue eyes intense and unwavering.

He leans in, and my breath catches in my throat as I take in the sharp lines of his jaw, the faint stubble that hints at the man lurking beneath his polished exterior.

"You know," he murmurs, his voice low and teasing, "last night ended a bit abruptly."

I raise an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at my lips. "Are you suggesting we pick up where we left off?"

"Absolutely," he replies, his eyes darkening with desire. "I'd hate to leave things unfinished."

Then, his lips are on mine again. This time, the kiss is hungry and passionate, his hands sliding around my waist to pull me flush against him. I gasp softly against his mouth, my fingers tangling in the soft fabric of his shirt.

Holden's tongue teases along the seam of my lips, seeking entrance, and I readily oblige. I can taste the faint sweetness of his coffee, mingling with the pure masculine scent of his cologne. It's heady and intoxicating, clouding my senses until all I can focus on are the firm planes of his body pressed against mine.

A soft moan escapes me as his other hand drifts lower, fingers splaying possessively across the curve of my hip. The rough pads of his fingertips drag over the sensitive skin left exposed by my shirt riding up, sending delicious sparks skittering across my nerves.

I'm drowning in the intensity of his touch, my body thrumming with want, aching for more. Rational thought flees as primal need takes over. In this moment, there are only Holden's heated caresses and the dizzying sweep of his tongue.

Finally, when the need for air becomes too great to ignore, we break apart. My chest is heaving, my lips swollen and tingling. Holden's eyes are dark with banked desire, his gaze roving hungrily over my flushed face.

"When can I see you again?" he asks, his voice a husky whisper that sends a shiver down my spine. "Properly, this time. No surprises."

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