Page 3 of The Beast's Obsession

I watchLily's slim figure retreat down the manicured path, my fists clenching at my sides. Damn her. How dare she make me feel this way—this maddening cocktail of rage and desire churning in my gut.

I turn from the window, pacing across my study like a caged animal. The plush carpet muffles my footsteps, but can't silence the turmoil in my head. This is just a momentary lapse, I tell myself. A fleeting distraction. Nothing more.

But even as I form the thought, I know it's a lie. The intensity thrumming through me is like nothing I've felt before. I want to possess her, to claim every inch of that soft skin as my own. To make her yielding body bend to my will.

I force myself to take a steadying breath, smoothing my features into their usual mask of cool indifference. This is nothing. She is nothing. Just another disposable employee.

A discreet cough breaks through my spiraling thoughts. "Sir?" my butler inquires from the doorway. "I have some information you may find...interesting."

I arch an eyebrow, silently prompting him to continue.

"It seems Miss Hart's family is facing some rather severe financial difficulties," he says, his tone carefully neutral. "Medical bills, I believe. For her mother."

My pulse quickens as possibilities begin to unfold. "Indeed," I murmur, mind already racing ahead. "That will be all, Jenkins."

As he bows out, I settle behind my desk, fingers steepled in thought. Having her here, under my roof...it's risky. This growing obsession is a weakness I can ill afford. And yet...

The benefits are undeniable. To have her at my beck and call, day and night. To slowly peel back her layers, learning every secret. Until she belongs to me completely.

A plan begins to crystallize. A way to keep her close while maintaining the upper hand. My lips curve into a predatory smile.

Lily Hart won't know what hit her.

I press the intercom. "Send Miss Hart to my office. Immediately." My voice brooks no argument.

The wait is interminable. I pace behind my desk, a caged predator scenting its prey. When the door finally opens, I freeze, drinking her in.

Lily steps inside, all hesitant grace. Her eyes dart around, never quite meeting mine. God, she's exquisite. Soft curves barely contained by her simple uniform. A stray tendril of hair curls against her neck, begging for my touch.

I want to devour her whole.

"Miss Hart," I growl, hating how my voice betrays me. "Please, sit."

She perches on the edge of the chair, hands folded primly in her lap. So demure. So utterly fuckable.

I clear my throat. "I have a proposition for you."

Her eyes widen, confusion evident. Good. Keep her off-balance.

"Your family is in need of financial assistance, correct?" I don't wait for confirmation. "I'm prepared to offer you a position. Live-in personal assistant. The salary would more than cover your mother's medical expenses."

Shock flits across her face, followed by a flicker of...hope? My chest tightens. No. I can't let her gentleness affect me.

"I...I don't understand," she stammers. "Why me?"

I lean forward, pinning her with my gaze. "Because I want you here, Lily. Under my roof."

Her breath catches. I can see the war raging behind those innocent eyes. Desire. Fear. Desperation.

"What do you say?"

I can't stop myself. I lean closer, invading her space. Her scent hits me—vanilla and something uniquely Lily. It makes my head spin.

"What's wrong, little one?" I murmur. "Cat got your tongue?"

She swallows hard, her pulse fluttering visibly at her throat. I want to taste it.

"Mr. Wolfe, I..." she starts, voice barely above a whisper.

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