Page 134 of The Owner's Temptation

When I opened a door and saw the big painting, hanging in an office, there was no more doubt.

It was the one from the art gallery. The big one I was looking at when he asked me about it.

Trust.

It can’t be a coincidence. Everything tells me Lucian is the Devil and the man breaking all his rules for me.

HARPER: You’re not even pretending to be casual about this, are you?

HARPER: HE HELD YOU AND KISSED YOU GOODNIGHT?

HARPER: DID HE TUCK YOU IN AND WHISPER SWEET DEATH THREATS TOO??

HARPER: I am so proud.

I can’t help the grin that pulls at my lips.

HARPER: So, what are you going to do about it?

I bite my lip, looking out the window again. The Ledger skyrise peek out at me as we turn the corner.

SIENNA: Make him admit it or make his life hell.

HARPER: That’s my girl.

* * *

Iknow he’s the Devil.

The one who tied me down. Took me apart with his mouth. Made me forget my own name and moan to the heavens instead.

And now he’s pretending like it didn’t happen.

Lucian Vale ignores me all damn day.

Doesn’t even look at me. He has Eve give me a list of client profiles to review.

Boring. Dry. Useless.

Like I’m a secretary stuck doing homework while my sponsor pretends I don’t exist.

The tension between us? Still there. Stillsuffocating. I see it in the way his jaw clenches when I walk past. The way his hands fist on the desk when I get too close.

His gaze lingers just a second too long on my lips, like he’s remembering what they tasted like last night. Like he’s forcing himself not to look at the bite mark he left on my neck.

So if he wants to play games? Fine.

It’s nearly closing time. The office is quiet. Empty. Everyone's gone.

Except me and Lucian.

I slip into his office and close the door behind me. No knock. No hesitation.

Lucian’s at his desk, reviewing contracts. He doesn’t look up.

“You can be dismissed for the day,” he says, tone clipped.

I saunter toward him, keeping my voice sweet. Innocent.Devious.

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