Page 119 of Guarded King

All of that is far too complicated to put into words right now, so I take the easy way out. “Because you’re the only woman who’s ever made mewantto break my rules.”

There’s still a faint glimmer of doubt in her expression. Rather than try to assuage it any more, I pull her to me, cup her face, and press my lips to hers until the heat builds between us the way it does so easily.

But someone will come looking for us soon, or at least get suspicious, so I feather my mouth over hers one more time, then break away. “Ask Carol if she can do some overtime this weekend. We’ll make a plan then about how to move forward, okay?”

With a nod, she turns for the door. As she slips out, she casts a last look at me over her shoulder.

I return to my seat, but instead of getting back to work, I swivel and stare out over Manhattan.

With the city spread out before me like this, it’s too easy to feel like I’m untouchable. That I’m in control of myself and my life. I’m starting to realize that both of those things are an illusion. And maybe, just maybe, letting go of those beliefs might give me a peace I never knew I wanted.

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

CHLOE

“Good afternoon, Chloe.” Phillip greets me with a smile.

“Good afternoon.” My cheeks heat as I approach him and Roman’s black town car.

God, what must he think about this clandestine Saturday afternoon meeting? He’s picking me up around the corner from my apartment instead of in front of it, as a precaution against prying eyes. But it must be obvious to him that the ‘meeting’ I’m about to have with Roman at his penthouse doesn’t have anything to do with work.

There’s no judgment in his expression, though, so maybe even if he does know, he really doesn’t care. Maybe I’m projecting my own feelings onto him.

I never thought I’d be the kind of woman who sleeps with her boss. Then again, I doubt many women would blame me. Roman is a force of nature. Beautiful and powerful and impossible to resist, but with a hidden soft side I doubt he lets many people see.

Being with him reminds me that life isn’t a color by numbers painting. Sometimes choosing to break the rules and color outside the lines results in something unique and beautiful.

So as Phillip opens the car door for me, I fight the urge to look away in embarrassment and instead smile my thanks and slide in.

When I find Roman sitting in the back seat, surprised butterflies take flight in my stomach. I wasn’t expecting him to come with Phillip, and I definitely didn’t expect to see him dressed so casually.

He’s wearing a charcoal T-shirt that stretches across his broad shoulders and wide chest and a pair of dark jeans that cling to his muscular thighs. It’s the first time I’ve seen him in anything but business wear.

My throat goes dry as I take him in. He’s the sexiest man I’ve ever seen.

“I didn’t expect you.” The words are thin, breathless.

His smile is slow and sensual. “If we only have a few hours, I don’t want to waste any of it.”

As Phillip steers the car away from the curb, Roman holds out a hand. “Come here.”

I peek at the privacy screen, which is thankfully already in place, before I slide across to him.

He wraps his arms around me and pulls me into his lap. “How’s your father?”

My heart flutters at the question. He keeps reminding me in ways just like this that, despite the air of aloofness he so often projects, he honestly cares about the people around him. I smile. “He and Carol are doing a jigsaw puzzle together. He’s happy.”

He nuzzles into the crook of my neck and inhales deeply. “I’m glad to hear it.”

“It’s because of this job. Because of you.”

Pulling back, he fixes me with a serious gaze. “It’s because of you. Because you care about him. Because you’ve worked hard to give him what he needs.”

My throat tightens, but I shrug off the praise. “That’s what family does.”

“Is it?”

His tone is so neutral it has me studying his expression. What’s going on in his head? His childhood was difficult. Does that mean he doesn’t think his brothers would be there for him if he needed them? Or does he believe he’s let them down somehow? Either way, I can’t hold back my response.

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