Page 50 of Tempted

“It’s the least I could do. I figured I owed you some head after the episode in my office.”

“Reciprocation. It’s a thing.” I say, combing my fingers through his hair. The look on his face is so hot yet so innocent. Asexy combination on him. He kisses my lips so tenderly, rubbing his nose on mine in between, and the gesture is so intimate, so delicate, it almost makes a lump form in my throat. Then he looks at me, cupping my face in his hands, like he wants to say something, like something is on the tip of his tongue. “What is it, Malcolm?” I ask, almost concerned.

He licks his lips. “I just...I’m sure hundreds of men have already told you this.”

A ‘v’ forms between my brows, but my expression is still soft. “Told me what?”

“You’re...you’re just...so...beautiful.” He bites his lip. “Like...stop traffic beautiful.”

I smile. “Well, Malcolm. I’m sure that no other woman has ever told you this, but you’re stop traffic beautiful, too.”

He snorts and lowers his head to my chest, as if suddenly bashful. “You don’t mean that in a faggy way, do you?” He says as he pulls out of me, but remains on top.

I playfully lift his head, so his eyes are on mine. “No, I mean in a drop-dead sexy way, Malcolm. That dick of yours alone is so beautiful I can’t stand it.”

There’s that sexy chuckle of his again, as he lies on top of me, sharing just enough weight to make the sharing delicious, not heavy. “I think I’ve underestimated you, lass. Here I thought that the bane of your existence would be to pad a man’s ego.”

“Those that don’t need padding, yes. But you, you’re not an egomaniac. There was once a time when I thought that you were, but that time has passed. You’re just a sexy, beautiful man that I can’t seem to get enough of.”

“Aye, and I you, lass.” He says and then kisses me. His gaze leaves mine for a moment as he looks towards the window. “As much as I'd love nothing but to stay in bed and fuck you all day, there’s work to be done.”

I touch his nose with my finger. “You just be sure and let me know what happens with that cunt and we’ll be just fine. You’ll be rewarded.”

“As will you, lass.” He murmurs against my lips. “You will take your licks.”

I lift a brow. “I believe I’ve already taken them just now.”

Malcolm

There’s a new bounce in my step as I walk into the Harris Investments building this morning. But I try to focus on the fact that I got laid several times by a beautiful woman, and not fixate on the possibility that Clare’s strife may be old news as of this afternoon. I’ve learned the hard way not to count my chickens. Steph did something sneaky and it could pay off in the end, but all good intentions do not always pan out. This fortune teller could have taken her for a ride for all we know. They’re not exactly known for their trustworthiness in that business, not that I can attest personally.

But I let myself believe just a little, only because the woman behind it is incredibly shrewd and smart, much more so than the wench that once stomped on my heart. She may think that she is, but with Stephanie, Clare has met her match. By a landslide. It’s one thing to work for your da’s company, but it’s another thing entirely to run your very own and build it from the ground up. Stephanie even has me beat, and it doesn’t bother me one bit. I’m so fucking proud of her. That woman is the bomb. And in afew hours' time, she’s about to prove to me just how much of the fucking bomb she really is.

And just as I’m feeling my oats, as the witching hour approaches, and I’m getting up the nerve to meet with Clare and Angus Mackenzie, my Uncle Dougall walks into the boardroom, where I’ve arranged a meeting setup, and he takes a seat. “What can I do for you, Uncle?” I ask, praying to God that he’s just checking up on me, or that maybe he’s decided to take that fucking Farley Watson off my roster, but no, it’s nothing quite so comforting.

“Well, I’ve got some time to spare, lad. Thought I’d sit in on this meeting.” He answers, smiling too sweetly. He’s enjoying this way too much. He wants to roast me. To see me burn.

“I’ve got it covered, Uncle. There’s no need. I didn’t even ask Declan or Rush to sit in with me.”

He sits, fingers interlaced on his chest, as though he never heard me. And that’s when the front desk buzzes that our guests have arrived. But when Uncle Dougall and I rise to meet them at the boardroom door, only Clare appears. “Sorry. My da isn’t joining us until later.” She explains apologetically.

Oh shit.

This isn’t good.

Nothing can be signed without Angus Mackenzie.

Dougall’s face doesn’t waver. He serves a healthy handshake to her and takes a seat, saying nothing. He’s here to rub it in. To make me nervous. To watch me sweat. And he’s loving it. Especially since this is no longer in the bag. Now, I’ve got to dance. And Uncle Dougall just loves to watch people dance. “Please, have a seat.” I offer. “Can I get you some coffee or tea?”

“No, I just had one, but thanks.” Clare says, as she sits. “Da will be coming shortly. He’s just tying up loose ends on another deal, but I figure that gives me an opportunity to speak frankly, without him.”

Double shit.

She’s pulling out.

She knows that someone sniffed around her and she figures she’ll cut her losses.

Uncle Dougall watches her with an unreadable expression, which is unfounded. Normally, Uncle Dougall’s face is very in yours. And worse, he’s remaining silent. But, based on what I know of my uncle, I’m going to say that he’s patiently waiting for the right moment to pounce. Whether it be on me or on Clare, but I’m guessing the former, since Clare promises to bring in billions for this company.

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