Page 17 of Filthy Rich Bosses

A hint of a smile plays at the corner of her lips. "Oh? And how exactly were you planning to do that?"

The air between us crackles with tension. I take a step closer, drawn to her like a moth to a flame. "I have a few ideas," I murmur.

I lean in, my heart racing, but the memory of Grayson's stern face flashes through my mind. Damn it. I pull back slightly, frustration bubbling up inside me.

"Is something wrong?" Tessa asks, her brow furrowing.

I let out a rueful laugh. "Just trying to decide how far I want to push Grayson. Apparently, he's decided to play overprotective asshole and 'ban' me from interacting with you."

Tessa rolls her eyes, a hint of annoyance crossing her features. "Seriously? I'm a grown woman, not some damsel in distress.”

"Tell me about it," I agree, licking my lips. "Trust me, I wanted to take things much further last night."

“He might be paying me, but he doesn’t own me. And he didn’t work anything about relationships into the contract—sexual or otherwise."

A mischievous glint appears in Tessa's eyes. "So, any more surprise roommates I need to worry about? Or is it just you three stooges?"

I can't help but laugh at her sass. "Nah, it's just us three. We just don’t always see eye to eye."

Tessa's lips quirk up in a smile. "Well, in that case, you should probably get back to whatever you were doing. Wouldn't want to incur Grayson's wrath, now would we?"

I groan dramatically. "Don't remind me. The man's like a grumpy old bulldog sometimes."

I grin, feeling a familiar spark of defiance ignite inside me. "You know what? Grayson's wrath might just be worth it."

Before I can second-guess myself, I let the sauna door swing shut behind me. The humid air envelops us, and I can feel beads of sweat already forming on my skin. My eyes lock onto Tessa, wrapped in nothing but a towel, and I feel my pulse quicken.

I take a step toward her. "Besides," I say, keeping my voice low and playful, "what's life without a little risk?"

Tessa's eyes widen slightly as I approach. She looks hesitant, but doesn't move away. I can see the conflict in her eyes—desire warring with caution.

"Chase," she breathes, her voice barely above a whisper.

I reach out, gently running my palm across her cheek. Her skin is soft and warm under my touch. "Tell me to stop," I murmur, "and I will."

But she doesn't. Instead, she leans ever so slightly into my hand, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment.

Emboldened, I let my fingers trail down to the edge of her towel. I toy with the hem, feeling the rough texture beneath my fingertips. "You're playing with fire, kitten," I tease, though my heart is pounding so hard I'm sure she can hear it.

Tessa's eyes snap open, meeting mine with an intensity that takes my breath away. "Maybe," she says, her voice husky, "I like getting burned."

"I'm certain Grayson's wrath will be worth it," I whisper, my lips hovering just inches from hers. The tension between us is electric, crackling in the humid air of the sauna.

Without waiting for a response, I close the distance between us, capturing her lips with mine. For a split second, Tessa freezes, and I worry I've misread the situation. But then she melts into me, her lips parting with a soft sigh.

The kiss deepens, and I lose myself in the taste of her. My hands find her waist, pulling her closer as her fingers tangle in my hair. God, she feels amazing.

When we finally break apart, both breathing heavily, I can't help but grin. "Definitely worth it," I murmur.

Tessa laughs, a low, husky sound that sends shivers down my spine. "You're incorrigible, you know that?"

"It's part of my charm," I quip, winking at her.

My hands find the knot of her towel, and I pause, searching her face for any sign of hesitation. "May I?"

She nods, biting her lower lip in a way that drives me wild. Slowly, I pull the knot, letting the towel fall away.

The sight of her takes my breath away. "Fuck," I growl, drinking in every curve, every line of her body. "You're so goddamn sexy."

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