Page 16 of The Payment

Jarek found himself leaning forward, drawn in by her passion and expertise.He was surprised to find himself wondering what it would be like to have that fire directed at him again—not in anger or hatred, but in the pure joy of living she now reserved for her work alone.

“The quarterly projections are conservative but promising,” she concluded, then seemed to remember who she was talking to.Her expression closed off like a steel door slamming shut.

“Ah...just when I started enjoying your company,” he droned with a slight smile curving his lips.

Jarek wasn’t fooled.She had allowed a weakness to slip through.Under her carefully constructed walls of ice, the Tatiana who sparked to life with his touch still burned bright.He just had to find a way past her defenses—by whatever means necessary.

Tatiana shifted uncomfortably under his penetrating stare.He suspected his knowing look made her feel exposed, as if he could see right through her carefully constructed walls.

She shot to her feet.“I’m going to bed.”

His hand caught her wrist, tugging her off balance until she landed in his lap.He rearranged her until she straddled him.“Tony would never forgive us if we skipped his Valentine’s dessert.”His arms locked around her waist.“Besides, I have a gift for you.”

Her body remained rigid against him.“Save it for your lovers.I’m sure there are plenty eager to accept your expensive trinkets.”

“Perhaps there were,” his breath tickled her ear.“But I burned that little black book the moment we got engaged.I may be a bastard, but I’m a faithful one.”

She snorted.“Why bother?You never loved me.This was all orchestrated before we even met, so drop the pretense.”

“True, I had plans, but I always intended to make our marriage work.”His fingers traced patterns on her hip.“If you stop wearing blinders, you will realize it, too.You hate the life your grandfather lives and the control he forced onto you through your company.”

“And you controlling me is different?”She struggled against his grip.“Stop the word games, Jarek...and let me off your lap...NOW!”

His chuckle vibrated against her neck, but instead of complying, his hands clamped tighter around her hips as he nuzzled her throat.

Tony beamed as he appeared with dessert.“Ah, now this is more like it!Should I take these back?It seems you have something spicier in mind.”

Tatiana wrenched herself free as Jarek relaxed his hold, allowing her to escape.

“Looks like we’re having crème Brulé after all, Tony.”

Tony served them with obvious satisfaction, pleased his romantic efforts hadn’t been wasted.Jarek laughed as Tatiana attacked her dessert, clearly rushing to finish and flee.

He matched her pace deliberately.The moment she set down her spoon, he grabbed her hand and pulled her toward his bedroom.

“Now for that spicy dessert Tony mentioned.”

Her protests echoed down the hallway as he dragged her along, his determination fueled by her resistance.

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