Page 45 of Ardent Desires

I dig my nails into his shoulders, my body moving with his, the intensity of it all consuming me. Every thrust pushes me closer to the edge, the pressure building between us, and I have to bite my lip harder to keep from crying out.

“Someone’s going to hear,” I whimper, but the words are lost as he covers my mouth with his hand, muffling any sound I might make.

“Shh,” he whispers, his voice dark and full of promise. “No one can hear us. Just take it, baby. Take it all.”

His words push me over the edge, and I gasp against his hand, my body tensing as pleasure crashes over me in waves. He follows right after, his grip tightening as he buries himself inside me one last time, groaning into my neck as he comes.

For a moment, we stay like that, our bodies pressed together, both of us catching our breath. I can feel the rapid beat of his heart beneath my hand, and I lean against him, my body still trembling from the intensity of it all.

“You okay?” he murmurs after a moment, his lips brushing against my ear.

I nod, pulling back slightly to look at him. “I feel better now,” I admit, smiling softly.

He grins, his hands trailing down my sides, gentle now, as if he’s savoring the moment. “Good. Because I hate seeing you upset.”

I pause, biting my lip before asking, “Can I ask you something?”

He nods, his eyes curious. “Anything.”

I take a deep breath, my fingers idly playing with the collar of his shirt. “Who was that ex? The one who sent the gift?”

His expression darkens slightly, but he doesn’t hesitate. “Vanessa. We were on and off for a while, but it’s been over for a long time.”

“What did she get you?”

“Just a watch. I am sending it back today.”

“Do you think she’s the one who sent that text?” I ask, my voice quieter now.

He frowns, his thumb brushing over my cheek. “I can check the IP address…”

I nod, though something still nags at me. “You don’t have to check. It’s… it’s fine. I don’t care.”

He chuckles, that low, deep laugh that sends a shiver down my spine. “My cock’s that good, huh?”

I smack him playfully on the chest, rolling my eyes. “You’re insufferable.”

He grabs my hand, pulling me closer again. “But you love it.”

I can’t help but laugh, shaking my head. “You’re impossible.”

He leans in, kissing me softly, and I melt into him, the lingering tension from earlier fading away completely. When he pulls back, there’s a teasing glint in his eyes. “Can we still do dinner tonight?”

I nod, my fingers tracing the lines of his jaw. “Yeah. Dinner sounds good.”

“Perfect.” He kisses the top of my head, his voice softening as he adds, “I’ll send you some emails later—contractors and architects for the project. Do some research on them when you get a chance.”

“Okay,” I murmur, already thinking about the work ahead.

He cups my face, his thumb brushing over my lips. “Sorry I ruined your lipstick.”

I smirk, leaning into his touch. “Are you really sorry?”

“Not even a little,” he grins, his eyes darkening with mischief. “

I laugh, leaning in to kiss him one last time before sliding off his lap and straightening my skirt. As I smooth down my blouse, he watches me, his eyes still filled with that dangerous hunger, and I know it’s only a matter of time before we find ourselves tangled up in each other again.

Lena’s stare feels like daggers on my back as I leave Alexander’s office. I don’t even bother acknowledging her; I’ve had enough for one day. My mind is racing from everything that’s happened, and the last thing I need is more attitude. I walk to my desk and try to turn on my computer, but the damn thing won’t even start.

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