Page 40 of Tempted By Eden

But that’s dangerous thinking. And Cora’s already bringing out too much of that in me.

Before I can dwell too long on those thoughts, the door to my office opens, andshewalks in, accompanied by Dameon. The moment she steps into my office, I feel it again—that unsettling pull in my chest, the one I can’t name. It’s not just lust; it’s deeper, and it lingers too long after she’s gone. Every time I see her, it claws a little further into me, harder to ignore, harder to shake. And I hate it as much as I need it.

Cora is radiant in a tight black dress that perfectly highlights every inch of her body. It’s a battle to keep my composure, especially when all I can think about is bending her over my desk. If only Dameon would fuck off, I could do exactly that.

She takes a seat across from me, her beaming smile momentarily taking my breath away. God, she’s beautiful. Too beautiful. The way her smile reaches her eyes messes with my head. I’m not here for feelings—I’m here for power, for pleasure. Yet, every time she looks at me like that, the foundation shifts beneath me, and it’s a reminder that I’m not in complete control. Not of her, and sure as hell not of myself. This feeling is getting harder to keep buried. Whatever it is, I know one thing: I feel a hell of a lot more alive when she’s around.

“Thank you for meeting with me today,” she starts, her voice smooth and polished, though she flashes a sly smile my way. “And more importantly, thank you both for your active participation in yesterday’s session.” Her cheeks flush the faintest shade of pink, and it immediately sends blood rushing south.

I will never tire of making her blush.

She pulls out two reports from her bag, handing one to me and one to Dameon. I flip it open, but my focus is only half engaged—my mind is too occupied with thoughts of her spread across my desk.

“I’ve conducted my research and interviews,” she continues, “and I’ve put together a formal recommendation regarding a few employees.”

I set the report down. “Which is?” I ask, a darkness creeping into my voice. I don’t tolerate any bullshit in my company, especially not when it comes to harassment or bullying. If that’s what this is about, heads will roll.

“There are three employees in upper management,” Cora says carefully, her gaze flicking between Dameon and me. “Jenny King, Allan Davies, and Alysha Holland. I believe they’re at the root of the toxic culture and the workplace bullying that’s responsible for the company’s high staff turnover.”

My blood pressure spikes instantly.Those fuckers.I had my suspicions, but with no concrete evidence, I’d been forced to let it slide. Now, though? I have all the proof I need.

“Consider them gone,” I say coolly.

Cora nods solemnly. “Once they’re out, you should see a significant improvement in morale.”

“Excellent,” Dameon chimes in, his eyes sharp. I know that look. He’s thinking exactly what I am—losing their jobs isn’t punishment enough. But there are limits to what we can do. Legally, at least.

Cora rises from her chair, smoothing her dress. “The next leadership session starts in ten minutes. I’ll see you both there, yes?” She arches a delicate brow.

Dameon groans theatrically, making me chuckle. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he drawls.

Cora claps her hands with exaggerated enthusiasm, a bright smile lighting up her face as she heads for the door. The scent of citrus and vanilla lingers in her wake.

Intoxicating.

When the door closes behind her, Dameon glances up from the report, his expression hard. “They shouldn’t get away with this.”

“They won’t,” I respond, my voice like steel. “They’ll be blacklisted. I’ll make sure they never work in media again.”

For a moment we sit in silence, lost in our own thoughts.

“You know… I like her.”

I frown, not following. “Who?”

“Cora,” Dameon says, lacing his hands behind his head, watching me closely. “She’s good for you.”

I scoff. “She’s good at giving me head, but that’s about it.”

Dameon quirks a brow. “Keep telling yourself that.”

I roll my eyes, tilting back in my chair. “What? You want me to say I like her? That I care?”

He doesn’t answer, just holds my gaze until I look away. I don’t have time for this. For her. For… whatever the fuck this is.

***

By the time Dameon and I step into the auditorium, the session is already underway. I hate being late, but a phone call had been unavoidable. Still, when Cora’s glare locks onto me from across the auditorium, arms crossed and brows drawn, a chuckle slips out.

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