Page 26 of Dirty Play

“Enjoy the ride,” I grunt, lowering her back down before lifting her again.

Her jaw tightens, her chest rising with a sharp inhale. I lift again, slower this time, watching the way her body adjusts, how she braces herself, how her breath catches just enough to give her away.

I’ve impressed my hellcat. The thought shouldn’t be as satisfying as it is.

At the top of the press, I straighten my legs and lock the sled in place, leaving her suspended. Then I stand, rolling my shoulders as I approach her.

She’s perched awkwardly, her legs dangling slightly, her eyes blazing.

“Comfortable?” I ask, my tone dripping with mock concern.

“Rowan, bring me down,” she snaps, though her voice isn’t as steady as before.

I cock my head, studying her. She’s trying so hard to hold her ground, to stay in control, but the flush creeping up her neck betrays her.

“You climbed up there. Why don’t you get yourself down?”

Her glare sharpens. She shifts, trying to adjust her footing, but she miscalculates. Her body tilts, and for one fleeting second, I see the panic flash across her face as she begins to fall.

I move before I can think.

My hands grip her waist firmly, steadying her as I bring her down. Her body presses against me, her chest flush with mine, her breath hot against my neck.

She freezes, and so do I.

Her hands rest lightly on my arms, her fingers curling against my skin as her weight settles.

I can feel the rapid beat of her heart, the subtle shift of her hips against me.

Fuck.

I can’t resist. I pull her closer, letting her feel my growing erection through my workout shorts.

Livia sucks in a sharp breath at the contact, her eyes flicking down before back up to mine, but she doesn’t push me away.

Good.

“Do you feel that?” My voice is low as I lean in, my mouth close to her ear.

Her breath hitches, her fingers tightening. For a second, she leans into me, her eyes fluttering closed as her body softens.

Then, just as quickly, she pulls back, shoving against my chest with enough force to put space between us.

I let her go, stepping back with a smirk.

Her glare could cut steel, but she doesn’t say anything. Her chest rises and falls, her lips slightly parted and her cheeks flushed.

“Send me the details for the interview,” I say, my tone casual, as if the last thirty seconds didn’t happen.

She blinks, clearly caught off-guard. Her eyebrows shoot up, and I catch the flicker of confusion crossing her face. I push off the machine, grabbing my towel off the bench as her gaze follows me.

“You…” she falters, trying to piece together whatever response she thinks will save her pride.

“Me?” I grin, shameless, as I meet her eyes again.

She doesn’t answer, and I wink at her, enjoying the rare sight of her at a loss for words. Without waiting for a reply, I turn and stride across the gym, heading for the fridge that holds the waters and energy drinks.

Sliding open the door, the cool blast hits my face, but it’s not enough to smother the fire in my veins. I grab a bottle, twisting the cap off. This is the sacrifice I need to make. One interview, a little cooperation, and she’ll lower her guard. I just have to keep playing the long game.

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