Page 12 of Mine to Ruin

Why does he have to open that sinful mouth to ruin it? It shuts me up for a second.

“But not like this,” I say, my voice cracking, and he frees my face and darts away like I’ve burned him.

“I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.” He clenches his jaw; it might snap with the pressure he applies.

It’s not the kiss. It’s not him. It’s him being my boss.

I lift my gaze to him and bow my head in a small nod, even though my inside roars in a fit. I am one unlucky woman. Here is the one man that caught more than my interest and I can’t explore it.

“I can finally concentrate better.”

My brows draw together. “Why?”

“You had sugar in the corners of your lips.”

He shoves his hands in his pockets, a restless energy coursing through him. A hot wave of embarrassment floods me and I wipe the corners of my mouth with my fingers. He snorts and arches a brow.

“I think I got that cleaned, don’t you?”

“You’re making it worse.”

“Just your presence makes it worse.” His body vibrates with frustration, resembling a wired cord ready to snap.

We’re locked in a battle of heaving chests for ticking seconds. Kian returns to his place at his desk, steepling his index fingers against his mouth once again.

“You are a very talented artist.”

“Thank you.”

“Did you read the contract?”

“Yes.”

“Do you have questions?”

“A few.”

“Please.” He gestures for me to sit.

“What brought you into liking art?”

He throws his head back and laughs, and the raspy sounds awaken butterflies in my stomach. “Not about me, but about your contract.”

“I have some of those, too.”

“Go ahead, then.” His gaze smolders as he levels it at me, and I try to focus.

“But...”

“Miss Dewine,” he says stoically, “anything regarding me is none of your concern.”

His icy tone kills every butterfly swimming in my stomach, and my emotions are all scattered around.

“I’m sorry. I can’t do this.” I jump to my feet and squeeze my eyes shut. “I am not usually this unprofessional,” I tell him. I’m ruining my chance of doing what I love and getting paid for it because my emotions are all over the place. Embarrassment and frustration flood me and I fight back tears.

“Me either.”

This was my chance, and I ruined it. His chiseled features soften.

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