Page 37 of Ruthless Lullaby

Jesus Christ, I’m going to lose it if she keeps this up.

I rise from my seat in one fluid motion, slowly stalking towards where she is sitting with her arms wrapped defensively around her. When I'm mere inches away from her, I lean in so my next words are practically murmured against her ears.

“I wish to re-negotiate your work contract.”

This catches her off guard. A sharp gasp escapes her lips as she looks up to face me. Her eyes, wide and startled like a deer caught in headlights, flicker down to my lips for a fleeting second before darting back up. There’s a mix of fire and uncertainty in her expression as if she’s fighting an internal battle with herself. Our eyes remain locked and I swear her nipples become even more erect under her robe, straining visibly against the thin fabric.

"What are you talking about?" Mindy whispers, her voice hoarse. Her lips are inches away from mine, but for whatever reason, she doesn’t move away.

"Let's call it... a reassignment,” I say without breaking eye contact. “You were never officially terminated, Miss Williams, because I haven't agreed to it yet. It's an automatic email sent from HR. When the AI bot recognizes a severe violation ofcompany policy, it sends out the email. Nobody has seen your photos and your video. Nobody, except me, of course."

Her mouth falls open slightly as she gapes at me, realization visibly dawning. "You... you let me think I was fired? This whole day, the struggle, having to take this degrading gig just for money..." Her eyes suddenly blaze with a fire that makes my groin stir appreciatively.

"As I said, HR was just doing their job," I answer vaguely. I pause, considering my next words carefully. The truth is, I wanted to see how she'd react. Would she crumble under pressure or rise to the challenge? Letting her believe she was fired was a test - one she'd passed with flying colors. Her resilience, her determination to survive even in difficult circumstances, it all confirms what I already suspected about her: Mindy Williams is a fighter. A survivor. Exactly the kind of woman I need by my side.

But she doesn’t need to know that. Not yet. "But nevermind that,” I continue. “My point is, you are still very much under the employment of Global Media... and its CEO. If you want it, of course."

I allow a meaningful pause to stretch between us, letting her mind whir as she processes what I just said.

"I have to think about it," she says, the challenge back in her tone. "And even if I continue working for you, I’m going to take more singing gigs on the side. I need the money right now, and I can’t afford to rely on Global Media alone. Especially after what happened this morning.”

I lean close to her and whisper into her mouth. "There's just one problem, Miss Williams. I'm not happy for other men to see you naked."

“Who says I’ll be naked?” She whispers in a voice that almost makes my dick erupt in my pants. She is fucking intoxicating. Even more so than I remembered. A fucking sex-goddess with lips that taste like ripe fruits, ready to be savored and devoured. She keeps her eyes locked with mine, without moving back an inch, and I can’t fucking take it anymore.

"I do," I murmur. "Just not the way you think."

Chapter Sixteen

Mindy

His lips crash onto mine, urgent and demanding.

His tongue ravages my mouth with an intensity that sets me ablaze, leaving no room for thought or resistance. Not that I want to resist. Not anymore. Despite my common sense screaming at me to run, my body decided that I want him. The way his lips mold against mine, claiming yet tender, fierce, and fully present, makes me feel like the only woman worth kissing in this entire world.

I kiss him back with equal fire, consumed by the moment and unconcerned with any of the possible consequences. Our tongues entwine in a perfect dance until he grabs my hips and pulls me closer, his grip strong and possessive.

What the fuck are you doing, Mindy?

Maybe I'm making a terrible mistake. Maybe this is all wrong. Either way, I can’t force myself to push him away. I want him. I’ve been wanting him too much, for too long.

As our kiss intensifies, the tension between us builds like waves colliding into each other with raw power. Our tongues explore every inch of each other's mouths, our breaths becoming ragged and desperate. Maron's hand roams greedily over my body, squeezing and caressing before tangling in my hair, pulling me even closer to him. His other hand slides downmy hips, sending electric jolts through me as his fingers brush against my inner thigh. With a single, deft motion, he tugs at the delicate fabric of my robe, revealing my bare breasts. His eyes devour the sight of me like I'm some masterpiece crafted only for his pleasure.

"Fuck, you're gorgeous.” His hands find my soft flesh, cupping and kneading my breasts with an urgency that sets my body on fire even more.

I want to respond, but I can’t find my voice. All I can do is moan. I lean forward, allowing him to capture my hardened nipple between his lips, his tongue swirling and flicking over the sensitive bud.

"This is all I wanted since I saw those photos," he growls, his breath ghosting over my yearning skin. "To taste the real thing."

Holy shit, he’s hot!

His words send shivers cascading down my spine, igniting a fire deep within my core. I part my thighs, inviting him closer, desperate to feel his body pressed against mine. With a deliberate roll of my hips, I grind myself against his hardened cock. He throws his head back in ecstasy. "Blyad," he growls, "you're unbelievable, Miss Williams."

"I'm no easy woman to please, Mr. Korolev," I purr. "You think you can handle it?"

A wicked smirk tugs at the corners of his mouth, welcoming the challenge. "Only one way to find out, Miss Williams," he rasps, while his hands grip my waist with possessive force. In one fluid motion, he flips me onto my back, his powerful body hovering over mine, pinning me beneath him.His oaky scent, his flexing muscles, and the ink sneaking up his neck from under his shirt are beyond intoxicating.

The pink robe pools at my feet forgotten, as Maron's strong hands grasp my thighs, spreading them wide. Before I can utter a word of protest, he drapes my knees over those insanely broad shoulders, his face mere inches from my glistening center. Without any hesitation, he buries his mouth against my drenching wet pussy, his tongue delving deep, devouring me.

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