Page 48 of The Protégé

The embers in me burst into a bonfire, and I kissed him back. I’d been yearning for this, and now I knew he wanted me just as much. My body fell against his broad chest. Hiscock throbbed against me.

I moaned as his tongue coaxed my lips apart, darting in to greet my tongue. My legs wobbled, so I looped my arms aroundhis neck, wanting to be closer to him. He lifted me up, and I wrapped my legs around his waist. He pushed away the fabric of my dress, cupping and molding my ass. Sensations roared through my body.

“You taste even better than I imagined.” He sucked on my tongue and dragged an open mouth down my neck, carrying me somewhere.

I felt the cool surface of the wall on my back while his lips lingered on the junction of my shoulder. The stars sparkled everywhere in the dark room. It felt so magical that he was adoring me underneath the stars.

A hand skimmed up my body, feeling and touching everything. When he cupped a breast, I arched into his hand and moaned.

“You’re so beautiful, Elena.”

I met his gaze and saw the hunger he had for me.

“So are you, Slingshot.”

His eyes sparkled as he kissed me again. He angled his headfor a deeper kiss. I wanted to feel him everywhere. Desire leaked out of me, wetting my panties, but I didn’t care. His handsqueezed one buttock and found its way under my pantie to cup my sex.

“Fuck. You’re so wet.”

I gasped when he shoved a finger in me. It was glorious. I loved the feel of his long finger pumping me while his powerful hand secured me against the wall.

“Oh my God.” I moaned into his neck, inhaling his scent.

Right now, he smelled of musk and sex,a predator enjoying its prey. I bit into his neck, and he groaned. I dropped kisses along his neck and came to the necklace.

I held it in my hand. “Interesting ring-pendant.”

Orion froze. He pulled out his finger and the lustful expression disappeared. He gripped my hand and tore it from the pendant, looking angry. He released me and stepped back.

Saying nothing, he walked to the door and paused. “Your office is two doors down. The assignment is in the folder.”

“What just happened?” I asked, feeling confused.

He stopped in his steps for a second, then turned around. “A test.”

“A test?” My body was still vibrating from the passion we’d just shared, so I couldn’t thoroughly comprehend what he meant.

“I wanted to see if you were attracted to me. You are.” He smiled. “Just like all the other women.”

My heart cracked. Shame overwhelmed me. I’d never felt so used and discarded like this.

“So I’m like all the other women you kissed in your office?”

He lifted a shoulder.

“You’re an asshole.” My heart raced with indignation.

“I never said otherwise. It’s best that you don’t romanticize me. After all, I’m your boss.”

I fumed, anger tightening my chest. If I didn’t need the money, I would’ve just quit on the spot. He’d already given me an advance. If I were to quit, I couldn’t pay him back.

Oh, Elena. Why do you always get yourself involved with assholes?

“Don’t think about quitting. There’s a clause in the agreement that states you’ll have to pay for my search for a replacement if you quit during the first week of employment. The fee is costly, Ms. Sanchez.”

I couldn’t believe this.I’d signed the agreement mere days ago, but I didn’t remember that clause. But then again, my stressed brain had overlooked a few things lately.

Orion was friends with people I knew, so I wasn’t on guard with him.

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