Page 22 of Shadows of Obsession

This project isn't profitable; it's actually a black hole I had to argue with our other partners about. It’s just that...to their misfortune, I don't ask permission when it comes to an acquisition. Niko started sketching a plan to make them profitable, but they're nothing compared to other projects.

"No, just that he has a contact who offered him one hundred thousand dollars if we manage to give them the prototype in a week." I see her playing with her fingers and wonder if it's from everything that's happened tonight or if there are other reasons why she's so agitated.

Apparently, my mind isn't in its right place anymore because I extend my hand and place it over hers. Her entire body freezes and she literally stops breathing. Her hand is so fragile and delicate compared to mine, but I focus on her pulse.

Fast. So fast.

Her perfume hits me then - different from the restaurant. That was all sweetness; this is bold flowers, commanding attention. Of course even her choice of fragrance fascinates me.

I breathe deep, closing my eyes, trying to lock this scent in my memory. When I open them again, I catch her watching me. Her pupils are blown wide, and knowing my touch affects her only feeds this madness growing inside me.

This compulsion to touch her isn't right. Sure, I'm curious.More than curious.

It's like staring at a puzzle where none of the pieces fit, no matter how I turn them. And I don't do unsolvable puzzles. Every piece needs to lock into place.

What if I'm missing lies because I'm too caught up in her?

I close the distance between us, watching her freeze in place. Her fingers still trapped in mine, I lean in until I can feel her breath on my lips.

"Are you lying to me, Luna?" My words are barely a whisper as I analyze every feature of her face.

I could lean in closer, could find out what she tastes like. I watch her swallow hard and wet her lips.

"No," she answers in a husky tone.

Those lips, that voice- my sanity walks out the door.

I claim her mouth, swallowing her surprised gasp. We're both wide-eyed, and I wait for the push, the rejection, the fire of anger. But after two endless seconds, her eyes flutter shut, and that's all I need to deepen the kiss.

Her lips are silk, and though I know better, I can't stop. She tastes sweet, hints of champagne making her addictive.

Her free hand lands on my chest, and the touch makes me nip her bottom lip. I feel her fingers curl into my shirt, pulling me closer instead of pushing away.

For one moment, I want to lose myself - in her scent, in how she melts against me, in the pulse I can feel racing because of me.

When my tongue meets hers, she shivers, and I know if I don't stop now, I'll have her on the nearest couch, drawing out every secret she's keeping. But before I can find my self-control, she goes rigid. I don't need to do anything more.

Luna breaks away, one hand pressed to her flushed chest, her voice shaky as she says, "Don't ever do that again."

With a calculated gesture, I run my finger over my lips, wiping away any trace of lipstick, while answering her, looking straight into her eyes.

"Next time you'll beg me to do it."

Fire blazes in her eyes. I expected rejection but not how much it would sting. Still, I prefer this - her ready to fight me - over that terror I saw earlier.

I try not to think about how she responded, that husky voice that I bet sounds like heaven after sex. Just the thought pushes my control to its limits, feeding this hunger she sparks in me.

"I'm sorry, Luna."

A lie, and judging by her frown, she knows it.

I felt how much she wanted that kiss, but for her sake, this is probably too much, too soon.

"You have my word it won't happen again. Unless you ask."

She takes a step toward me, and I marvel at how this woman can be so shy with others yet so fierce with me. I can't help the smile that spreads across my face.

"Don't hold your breath, Mr. Borisov. Wouldn't want you passing out from waiting." Her voice drips sarcasm, and I nearly laugh.

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