Page 80 of Fifth Avenue Devil

"Look, I know you've got a thing for Annalise," Cash says, leaning in closer, his voice low and serious. "But you can't let feelings get in the way of business."

"Feelings?" I scoff, trying to brush off the obvious truth. "This is about more than that."

“Oh yeah? Like what?” Cash rolls his eyes. "You're a businessman, Nate. Don't throw away the reputation you’ve earned over some girl."

"Annalise isn't just 'some girl,' Cash," I snap back. My temper flares. "She's special."

“She’s special,” Cash mocks. “Yeah. I know Nate, you bloodied my nose about her, that was a first. Gag. Here’s what I think. You called me here to talk you into buying Gellar Industries. And I’m here to tell you yes, go ahead.”

"Yeah. It sounds like you've already made up your mind, Nate," Drew observes. His eyes flash with mischief.

I slump down in my seat.Is Cash right?

“I need to weigh everything before making a final decision."

"Look, man," Cash says. He slams his palm on the table again for emphasis. "If you don't pull the trigger, I will. You can't pass up this opportunity."

That’s all the time that Archer gave me, anyway. Glaring at my brother, I say, "I need a day to think about it."

Drew leans in. "A day is all you have, Nate. Man up and do the deal. Don't let your pathetic littlefee-feesscrew this up for us."

“Fuck off.” I slide out of the booth, dropping a hundred-dollar bill on the table. “You don’t tell me what to do.”

I stomp out of the diner, Annalise’s face in my mind.

Thirty-One

Annalise

Last night, a thought woke me in the dead of night.

I’m starting to have real feelings for Nate.

I’m not sure if it was a leftover feeling from a dream I had or just the realization that I can’t wait until the next time I see him. Whichever it was, the thought hasn’t left me since I had it.

Now the city skyline stretches out before me, a glittering canvas of lights and steel. I stand in Nate's living room, my heart fluttering with my newfound realization. Feelings for him course through me, undeniable and intense.

Feelings that are dangerously close tolove.

I take a deep breath as I walk through the penthouse.

"Annalise," Nate says, a note of surprise in his tone. He comes out of his bedroom, shirtless. "What are you doing here?"

I look at him, all six and a half feet of cut muscle, and practically drool. I need this man, right now.

"Should I go?" I ask hesitantly.

"Never," he replies firmly. He walks over, closing the distance between us and capturing my lips in a hungry kiss. My heart races as I respond to his touch, my hands gripping his shirt.

He pulls away. His silver eyes search mine. "You only make things better when you're around."

I laugh, my nerves easing a bit. "That's the first truly kind thing you've ever said to me."

"Is it? Well, maybe I'm just starting to see the light."

Running a finger down his jaw, I bite my lip. I’m horny and nothing can satisfy me but Nate.

“Kiss me,” I murmur. “Kiss me like you need me, Nate.”

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