Page 24 of Richard

“Come to bed with me.”

Chapter 6

“No.” Somehow, she found the strength and courage to say the word. Her senses were swimming, her body so hot, she feared that any minute now, she was going to burst into flames.

Her nipples were aching, and her center was so tender and sensitive she could barely keep still. But she reached for something deep inside her and managed to say no.

Richard stared at her for a few pulsing minutes. His eyes were emerald hard with desire, his face tensed. He was still holding her pressed against him and could feel the imprints of her nipples branding his chest. He had never been so hard in his life, and he guessed he should be congratulating himself, or maybe it should be her.

His blood was feverish, his body burning with desire, and she was refusing him. There was no doubt that she wanted him too. It was not just one-sided. He was experienced enough and was certainly not a goddamn fool not to read the signs. She wanted him, maybe not as desperately as he wanted her, but it was there.

His eyes drifted to the swollen lips that were parted and wet from his kisses. She tasted like nothing he had ever experienced before. He could still feel her essence on his tongue. His want had turned into a raging need that was not going to be ignored.

“Why not?”

She pushed against him, but he held firm, his eyes demanding answers. “I am sure you are not accustomed to being turned down–”

“I am not,” his voice was curt. “But this is not about my ego. You responded–”

“I did.” She was becoming agitated; he could tell by the restless way she moved against him. “It’s natural. You are a man of the world–”

His laughter was harsh, his face hard and taut. “You are implying that’s what this is. Just an automatic response to my expertise.”

“Yes. No.” She shook her head. “I don’t know. But I cannot do this. I am sure there are women lining up to be with you–”

“I already told you I want you.”

Her eyes flashed. “And you always get what you want.”

“Not always, no. No one does. We are not blushing teenagers. We are adults and nothing is wrong in acting on our feelings. And you feel something, deny it all you want.”

“I had not planned on doing that. Yes, the attraction is there, but I cannot afford to be careless. I have to be pragmatic.”

“You think I am going to hurt you the way that asshole you were engaged to did.” His eyes glowered with anger. “I simply want the chance to be with you in an intimate manner.”

“And I told you I can’t.”

“You mean you won’t.”

“Won’t then. I am sure you will get over whatever it is you are feeling.”

He wanted to shove her away from him. He was not used to this. She was making him resort to pleading with her. He was not the most patient of men. He had always had women at his beck and call, and now that he was almost middle aged, he did not have the patience for coyness. But he had a feeling that was not what she was doing.

She had been through a hell of a lot, and he should be giving her some sort of consideration. But he wanted her more than he had ever wanted another woman before. The need for her was so intense that he could barely stand it.

“You need time," he acknowledged grudgingly. “I will give you a week–”

“No.” she shook her head. “All I want to know is if this is going toaffect the contract.”

His mouth tightened, and his eyes flared. “You think I would fire you because you refused to go to bed with me? What the hell kind of businessman do you think I am?” His growl had her flinching.

“I am sorry–”

“I don’t need your goddamned apology,” he told her tightly. “I need to feel your naked body against mine. I have a feeling we would be great together; all I am asking is that you give me a chance.”

“No!” She pushed against him. “I cannot be with you. You are–” her fingers curled into his sweater. “You are high profile. I am just a simple–”

“Dammit!” He shook her lightly. “Yes, I am in the public eye and my work often consumes me, but ever since I laid eyes on you in that restaurant, I felt something, and it has only gottenstronger.”“Restaurant?” She gave him a confused look. “What restaurant?”

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