Page 83 of Fifth Avenue Devil

“Fuck, Kitten.” He reaches out to caress my face and tenderly tuck a piece of my hair behind my ear. “I love you too. I've been obsessed with you for months, Annalise.” He sucks in a breath. “I know what I said about not wanting to fall in love. I know what I said about how we’re nothing but business rivals. But with your intelligence and beauty, what choice did I have? You’ve proven yourself to be more than a match for me in every way.”

Hearing Nate say that is everything I’ve ever wanted. His approval plunges into my body, courses through my veins, sinks down to my marrow. "I think I've always loved you," I admit quietly. I trace my fingers along the sharp lines of his collarbone. "From the moment I laid eyes on you."

He kisses me then, slowly and meaningfully. We haven’t given our love a timeframe yet, but I feel my soul vibrate with connection. I want this man. Not just right now, in this moment. I want himforever.

If I have any say in the matter, there will be lots of lounging around naked, declaring that we love each other, and talking about the future together to come. For now, I just bask in the glow of Nate’s love.

Eventually he jumps up. He disappears into the bathroom and I hear water running. He returns and I watch as he uses a gentle touch to clean me off with a warm, damp cloth. The tender care he takes is in stark contrast to the raw intensity we shared moments ago.

He leans down and captures my lips in a slow, lingering kiss. His gray eyes are locked on mine. His touch sends shivers down my spine.This man will ruin me. And I’m going to love every second of it.

Is it possible to be drunk on a feeling? Because if it is, I’m love-drunk.

"Stay with me tonight?" He murmurs his offer against my lips. His voice is a mixture of desire and vulnerability. Strange, I think this might be the first time he hasaskedme to do anything.

"Of course," I reply. “I can’t imagine wanting to be anywhere else.”

When Nate lies down beside me again, I can feel the steady rhythm of his heart against my back. His strong arms wrap protectively around me, cocooning me. I close my eyes, enjoying the sensation, drifting pleasantly.

As the seductive lure of sleep tugs at my body, making my limbs heavy, I become vaguely aware of a sudden vibration. I try to focus on it for a second and then realize it is coming from Nate's phone on the bedside table. He stirs behind me, disentangling himself from our embrace. He grabs the device and the screen flashes on.

Even half asleep, I catch the low, frustrated curse that slips from his lips. I crack an eye, watching him read a message on the screen.

“Fuck,” he utters. He glances at me, his features pulling into a look of worry. “Kitten, I have to go.”

“Now?” I ask. “It’s so late.”

Nate shoves a hand through his hair. “It’s an emergency.”

"Is everything okay?" I mumble sleepily, fighting to keep my eyes open. I’m not entirely sure what’s happening.

"Nothing you need to worry about." His tone is dismissive, but I can sense the tension in him as he hastily dresses. "I'll be back as soon as I can. Try to get some sleep."

"Promise you’ll be back soon?" I force my eyes open just long enough to catch a glimpse of his conflicted gaze.

"Promise," he confirms. He leans down for a searing kiss before striding out the door.

As I lay there, drifting back to sleep, Nate's absence leaves me with a hollow feeling in the center of my being.

Thirty-Two

Nate

It’s the dead of night in downtown Manhattan. The lobby of my office building is quiet. The night concierge nods at me as I cross the echoing space. If he’s surprised to see me, he doesn’t show it.

I take the elevator up to my office, almost vibrating with anger.

911. Your office. Now.That’s all Cash texted me.

The tension in the air is palpable as I stride into my office. The windows are dark, and only a single small lightbulb glows at my desk. Drew and Cash sit on my couch, waiting for me. Their sober expressions raise my hackles.

“Which one of you two idiots was complaining the last time we had a meeting?” I ask, striding over to the sitting area imperiously.

They exchange a glance. Then Cash clears his throat. “We need to talk about Gellar Industries. We have found out some pretty serious information that complicates things with the purchase.”

I wave a hand. “And this couldn’t wait? You had to tell me right now?”

“You’re such a prick,” Cash mutters. Drew doesn’t say anything, but defiance sparkles in his eyes.

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