Page 13 of Blackmailing the Mogul

"Relax, Jenna. I don't bite," I say, flashing her a reassuring smile. "I only eat green-eyed, raven-haired pretty ladies for breakfast but thankfully, it's dinner time."

She expels a soft sigh, her features relaxing into an amused smile. "Oh, thank goodness!" She says with sarcastic relief. “I was scared for a moment there.”

She gazes out the window, taking in the grandeur of my home, her eyes widening in childlike awe. "Your house is beautiful, Ryan. It's like a castle!"

I smile, strangely pleased that she likes it. "I'm glad you approve.”

I get out of the car and walk around to her side, opening the door for her. She steps out, her eyes scanning the surroundings, taking in the lush gardens and the sound of the water fountain in the background.

I lead her out through the back door to the terrace where I already had my housekeeper, Joanne, set a dinner table for two and I'm surprised to see that Joanne went all out. The table is adorned with candles, flowers, and fine China, creating a warm and intimate ambiance, the sound of the water fountain and the soft music playing in the background adding to the romantic atmosphere.

Jenna's eyes widen as she takes in the setting, and she turns to me with a surprised smile. "This is lovely, Ryan. You've gone to a lot of trouble."

I pull out her chair and help her sit down, ignoring the way my body reacts to her proximity. "It's no trouble at all, " I say, taking my own seat across from her.

As we begin to eat, the conversation flows easily, and I find myself enjoying her company. Somehow, I end up narrating hilarious stories about my escapades with Hilda as a teenager. She listened raptly and sometimes she laughed, the tinkling sound of her laughter piercing through the walls in my heart. After a while, I give up trying to ignore the effect she has on me. I realize that I like to watch her laugh, the way her eyes sparkle with unbridled joy. She seems so carefree… so innocent. But I know better.

As much as I'm enjoying her company, I have to remember that she's as cold and calculating as I am, maybe even more so. I can't let my attraction to her get in the way of my plans

Jenna leans back in her chair, clearly satisfied from the delicious steak dinner my housekeeper prepared.

Unable to resist the temptation to be close to her, I rise to my feet, holding out my right hand to her. "Stand up."

She frowns slightly at my outstretched hand, a curious smile playing on her lips. “What are you doing?”

“Dance with me, Little Fox.”

The words fall off my lips even before I realize what I’m saying. Jenna's eyes widen in surprise, but then a slow smile spreads across her face. "I don't dance," she says, her voice husky.

"Ah, come on," I say, my hand still extended. "Just one dance. I promise I won't step on your toes."

She laughs, a throaty sound, and places her hand in mine. I pull her to her feet and tug her body against mine. I wrap my arms around her, feeling her body tense slightly as we begin to sway to the music.

“Why did you call me Little Fox?” She asks, sliding her arms around my neck.

I smile, feeling a strange warmth spread through my chest. “Because you’re small, but fierce and clever, like a little fox… and because your eyes are cunning like a wild animal.”

Jenna chuckles softly, pressing her body closer to mine. "I'm not sure if I should be offended or flattered," she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Definitely flattered," I reply, my lips brushing against her ear. "I only use nicknames for people I like, Little Fox.”

I look down at her face, the delicate yet sharp features, the mischievous glint in her shiny green eyes, and the soft, and those lips… “I want to kiss you so badly.”

She meets my gaze, her full, sensual lips curving into a soft smile that sends blood rushing to my head. "I think I'd like that," she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

Chapter Six

Jenna

It feels like my chest will burst open at any moment from how hard my heart is pounding yet the moment his lips capture mine, I feel a sense of freedom, a sudden rush of euphoria that I've never experienced before. It's like I've been unleashed; like I've finally found something I didn't know I wanted but have been searching for my whole life.

Ryan's arms wrap around me, pulling me close as he deepens the kiss and I melt into him with a needy sigh. I'm beyond reasoning at this point, consumed by the feeling of his lips on mine, the way his tongue dances with mine, and the gentle pressure of his hands on my back.

I love it and yet, my guilt over what I’ve been doing to Ryan—the hacking, the spying, working as my brother’s mole overwhelms me. Abruptly, I pull back and am left staring into the chocolatey depths of Ryan’s eyes.

God, I wish the was simpler.

“Are you alright?” He asks, continuing to stroke his hands up and down my back.

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