Page 21 of Grumpy Alien Boss

"Only if we let it." His large hand cups my cheek. The heat of his skin burns through my professional facade. "Tonight, just be with me. No past. No future. Just now."

My heart pounds against my ribs. I've never been good at living in the moment - always planning, always thinking ahead. But when his thumb traces my bottom lip, my carefully constructed walls crumble.

"Just now," I whisper.

His eyes flash with triumph. The predatory gleam should frighten me. Instead, it sets my blood on fire.

Dar leans in close, his breath hot against my lips. My mouth parts in anticipation, ready to taste him. But he pulls back with a wicked smile, denying me the kiss I crave. The tease sends electricity crackling through my body.

"You so rarely wear your hair down, Olivia," he rumbles, his voice deep and rich like aged whiskey.

My scalp tingles where his fingers thread through my loose waves. No man has ever paid such careful attention to me before, drinking in every detail like I'm a masterpiece in a museum. I can't help preening under his intense gaze.

"Should I wear it down all the time, then?"

"Yes." His command is sublime. "Put your hands behind your head."

A laugh bubbles up from my chest - this feels so deliciously naughty, like we're playing at something forbidden. But the sharp crack of his palm against my bottom cuts my laughter short. His huge hand leaves a stinging heat that radiates through me, igniting something primal.

I lift my arms slowly, linking my fingers behind my head. My pulse races as I realize we're crossing into new territory. This isn't just flirting anymore - this is surrender, dominance, submission. And God help me, I want more.

"Turn. Slowly." His command sets my nerves tingling.

I pivot on my heels, keeping my fingers laced behind my head. The weight of his gaze caresses every curve as I make a full circle. A deep, rumbling sound of approval vibrates through the air - almost like a purr, but deeper, more primal. My silk blouse and pencil skirt might be office-appropriate, but the way they hug my body makes me feel deliciously exposed under his scrutiny.

My heart thunders against my ribs. I've never felt so... desired. So wanted. The heat of his stare makes my skin flush.

"Do you like what you see?" I say breathy and bold.

"What do you think?" His voice drops an octave lower.

My eyes drift downward, following the lines of his powerful body until... oh. My cheeks burn as I take in the obvious evidence of his arousal straining against his tailored slacks. The sight makes my mouth go dry.

But Dar's not done teasing yet. I can see it in the wicked gleam of his red eyes, the way his lips curl into that devastating smile that makes my knees weak.

"Take off your clothes, Olivia."

His words send lightning down my spine. This isn't a request - it's a command, delivered in that voice that brooks no argument. The voice that makes me want to obey, even as it makes me want to challenge him just to see what he'll do.

I arch an eyebrow and slowly unbutton my blouse. "Not man enough? Or should I say... not alien enough?"

"Or perhaps I fear if I release control for even a moment I will shred those garments right off of you." The growl in his voice makes my toes curl. "And you look so fetching in them."

My fingers pause on the third button. Note to self: hit the discount stores this weekend. The thought of those powerful hands ripping through silk and lace sends molten heat straight to my core. But for now, this $200 Ann Taylor ensemble needs to survive the encounter.

I take my sweet time with each button, letting the silk whisper against my skin. His hands grip the arms of his chair tight enough to make the leather creak. Good. Let him squirm.

The blouse slides off my shoulders, floating to the floor in a whisper of fabric. I reach for the zipper of my skirt, drawing it down tooth by agonizing tooth. The rasp of metal fills the silence between us.

"Patience is a virtue," I tease, letting the skirt pool at my feet.

A muscle ticks in his jaw. "I'm not feeling particularly virtuous right now."

I step out of the skirt, now standing before him in nothing but a matching set of cream lace and my heels. His gaze rakes over me like a physical touch, leaving fire in its wake.

"Should I keep going?" I reach for my bra strap with deliberate slowness.

"Keep going," Dar commands, his voice thick with desire. "Show me everything."

---