Page 40 of His Dark Pact

Chapter Thirteen

Denied

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“THANK YOU, AMY.”

The knowing gleam in his eyes told Amy what his mouth had failed to.

That he always won.

Hewouldalways win.

The floor beneath her felt shaky as the realization dawned. She’d assented to come into his world and join his staff, but she’d had no idea what that truly meant. His influence wasn’t just about legal documents or what the money he’d offered would mean for her life; it was visceral, as though her every move depended on his command.

“Let me look at you.”

Rising to his full height, he stood opposite her, his concentration falling to her chest. He was only an inch from her tightening nipples, yet despite the way she seemed to sway at his approach, their bodies never touched.

Swallowing at his powerful scrutiny, she rolled back her shoulders. If he wanted to look, then let him look. Amy wasn’t ashamed of her body, and however consuming the wave of embarrassment that sought to drown her was, she appreciated the carnal way his eyes widened.

He wanted her. Just as she wanted him.

The symbiosis should have been everything she desired.

She just hadn’t envisioned their passion for one another transpiring the way it had—with her obligated to strip while they ate an evening meal together.

She wasn’t his, wasn’t anyone’s, but standing there, his possession was so penetrating, she may as well have his brand burned into her skin.

They remained there in silence for heavy, lengthy seconds, her every breath amplified in the oversized room until, eventually, a smile stretched wide at his lips.

“It’s good to be right.” The loose strands of his dark hair fell past his eyes as he reached, not for her breasts, but her face. Brushing his fingers along her cheek, his digits settled lightly on the back of her neck. “You are utterly beautiful.”

She wanted to hate him for belittling her, longed to flinch from his caress and kick him in the shin, but staring into the astonishing blue pools of his eyes, she noticed something else. Her body softened at his touch. Even though it made no sense, even though she should have tensed, it was as though his attention eased some of the tightness from her muscles.

“Thank you, sir.”

She met his eyes finally, her head still whirling as though shehadconsumed the red wine.

“Is it so bad?” His deep voice was a soft purr. “To be exposed to me?”

“No.” Her answer was immediate, and a subdued facet of her will wished silently that she’d held back her reply or made him wait at least. But no. The word was out there instantly, revealing her true feelings. “I just didn’t think you’d want me like this in here, sir.” She glanced around the room, vaguely cognizant that they were still in the dining room, with Leonard only a couple of doors away.

“So, youhadthought about it?” His fingers stiffened a fraction at her nape.

“No, I...” Her voice trailed away as she realized his words had managed to entrap her. Shehadimagined the two of them together, and surely, he could ascertain the truth from her flustering face alone. “I just mean—”

“It’s okay.” His thumb massaged small circles at the base of her neck. “I’ve thought about it, too.”

“You have?” Had that absurd squeak come from her?

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