Page 24 of Anger

But she’d not slept with anyone since Alainen, and she had a code of certainly not dating an employee.

“Just did, and you enjoyed it,” McIntyre said, putting the box on the breakfast bar.

Lanie opened her mouth to argue once again, and McIntyre swooped. He cupped her face and held her eyes.

Panicked, she began to pull away, but McIntyre kept her close, and his lips met hers. Lanie stiffened, unsure what to do, as McIntyre slowly kissed her. Her lips popped open as he nibbled her bottom lip and sucked it into his mouth. His tongue swept into her mouth, and Lanie tentatively touched hers to his.

McIntyre drew back, his gaze speculative. “You’ve not been kissed much?”

“No.”

“Let me show you,” he said with possessiveness flaring in his eyes. McIntyre plundered her mouth again, and Lanie clung to his broad shoulders. His hand cupped the back of her head as he titled it and angled her just right.

Lanie was lost in the sensations he brought up in her and felt lightheaded as he began to end the kiss. He pulled his tongue in and nibbled her lip once more before finishing it properly.

“Wow.”

“Indeed,” McIntyre replied smugly. “Tell me you didn’t enjoy that!”

“I did,” Lanie replied honestly. “But you work for me…”

“Enough. One day at a time. But know this, when we’re alone, I’m going to kiss you and keep kissing you,” McIntyre said, and it sounded like a promise.

“Okay,” she whispered shyly, and McIntyre pecked her lips in a long kiss before breaking off to check her cuts.

Lanie knew she had a blush to her cheeks, and she was slightly panting. McIntyre began cleaning her feet. Lanie didn’t understand how she had cut them as they’d been running indoors, but she’d managed to.

“Oh, my God!” Lanie cried as she caught her reflection in a window.

“What?” McIntyre demanded.

“How could you kiss me when I look like that!?”

“You’re beautiful.”

“My hair looks like a bird’s nest. I have soot on my face and forehead, and I stink of smoke,” Lanie exclaimed as she sniffed herself.

“And you are still gorgeous. Once I’ve cleaned these, I’ll carry you to your room for you to shower. Try not to stand on them too much and please wait there until I collect you. I need to wash, too,” McIntyre said.

Lanie nodded in agreement. Despite not having been in the fire, the smoke in the stairwell had seeped into their clothing and pores. McIntyre washed her wounds to get any dirt out before she headed upstairs.

Lanie showered, wincing as she stood on her feet. She dried and dressed quickly and began making her way down towards the kitchen. As she closed in on the stairs, there were soft footprints behind her, and strong arms picked her up.

“Stop yanking me about and carrying me!” Lanie hissed, unsure how to act.

“You want me doing it. Shut up,” McIntyre retorted.

Lanie wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her down the steps and into the kitchen. She tried not to sniff him but couldn’t help it. He smelt wonderful.

“Is that Africa?” she asked.

“Yeah. I know, it’s a cliché, but I like the smell,” McIntyre said.

“Me too. It is one of my favourites.”

“Then I will be sure to wear it around you all the time,” McIntyre offered, and Lanie blushed. He stuck his head in the fridge and came out with a couple of steaks and some salad items.

“Ranson is going to be tied up for hours. I’ll be eating here unless you have a problem?” McIntyre said.

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