As his grunts filled the room, I looked at him to see his eyes flashing with pleasure. I let go of my inhibitions, moving faster, grinding against him as I sought my pleasure. Now, he let go of the armrests, as if he also could no longer handle the distance between us. His hands were firm on my hips, directing me, and I was lost in the sensations, my breath coming in short gasps.
 
 “That’s it, faster. Find your release.”
 
 I was propelled towards the edge, moving erratically as the pleasure built within me. My breasts bounced with each thrust, and my hair became unpinned and tumbled around my shoulders, wild and free. He’s devouring me, and it only added to my arousal.
 
 “Laurel,” he ordered, his voice hard. “Let me feel you come around my cock.”
 
 His command pushed me over the edge, and I cried out, my body shaking with the force of my release. I could barely breathe, let alone think. But I could feel his hands tighten on my hips, holding me in my place as he rammed himself into me. Deeper. Harder. Now dictating the movement, as if he wanted to both reach the peak himself and prolong my own pleasure. I choked on my own moans, completely at his mercy as he continued to move in and out of me. Moments later, he spilled into me, his neck arched and his eyes closer.
 
 I fell forward, my hands braced on either side of his head, with only my breasts crushed against his broad chest, touching him. I felt spent, exhausted, and yet, strangely satisfied.
 
 He released his grip on the armrests and brought his hands up to frame my face, his thumbs brushing away the hair that had fallen over my cheeks. His eyes searched mine, his expression unreadable, and a shiver ran down my spine.
 
 “You’re exquisite,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble. “Absolutely exquisite.”
 
 I was keenly aware of his cock still buried deep inside me, but was too weak to move in any way. Unsurprisingly, Rex took the lead. He slowly guided me off his lap and wrapped a throw around my shoulders. I shivered, but it wasn’t from the cold. My body still thrummed with the aftershocks of pleasure, and I felt boneless and sated.
 
 Rex gathered my discarded clothes and folded them carefully, placing them over his arm. His actions were deliberate and unrushed, and he didn’t speak a word. It was as if what had just happened between us was ordinary and expected.
 
 He came to stand beside me, his body a welcome source of warmth, and gently slipped his arm around my waist, guiding me out of his bedroom. I leaned into him, unable to resist the comfort of his touch, and he tightened his hold, leading me towards my room.
 
 A part of me was still reeling from the intensity of what had just transpired, and another part was aware of the complicated nature of our arrangement. I was drawn to him, to the power he exuded, and yet, I was wary of giving up too much of myself.
 
 Once inside my room, he released me, and I turned to face him. I wasn’t sure what to say or do, so I remained silent, searching his face for some clue as to what he was thinking.
 
 “Get some rest. You have a full day ahead of you tomorrow.”
 
 I didn’t know why the steadiness of his voice disturbed me. I nodded, feeling dismissed, and he turned to leave, closing the door quietly behind him, and I was alone.
 
 I sank onto the bed, my mind reeling, and stared at the closed door. Yet, Rex’s casual dismissal of me afterward was a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play. He held all the cards, and I was merely a player in his game. I had been warned after all, and I had agreed to it.
 
 With a sigh, I rose and prepared for bed, my thoughts swirling with uncertainty. I pushed through, but as I pulled the covers up to my chin and snuggled into the pillow, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was already in too deep, and there was no going back.
 
 As I drifted off to sleep, my mind lingered on the enigma that was Rex Compton. His froideur, his intensity, and his undeniable allure both attracted and terrified me. I knew I should be running in the opposite direction, but instead, I found myself drawn like a moth to the flame, unable to resist the temptation.
 
 Chapter 13
 
 Laurel
 
 I straightened my skirt as I made my way to the Art Institute's private lounging room. I reserved it for my meeting with August Mendelson, and one of the assistants ensured that there was coffee, pastries, and all the necessary office equipment for the project. First impressions were everything, and I wanted him to know that I was fully committed to this, even if my mind was far from work. From the moment I stepped into the office, I could barely focus on my usual tasks. My thoughts kept drifting to last night and the way Rex touched me. The way I rubbed myself against him… the way I had climaxed harder than ever before in my entire life.
 
 A small lump formed in my throat as I chased those unholy thoughts away. I could not allow myself to think about it right now. I didn't see him this morning as I woke up late, barely having time to shower and get into the outfit he had laid out. That was probably for the best. The last thing I needed was reminders of what I had done.
 
 The dark red business suit was clearly worth more than my entire wardrobe. Not a color I usually chose with my auburn hair, but it suited me, and my mood. Also, it covered me from neck to knees in a way I wanted right now, as some sort of shield, until I got my bearings back at least.
 
 I turned the corner in a rush, when I collided with what felt like a solid wall. My breath escaped me as I stumbled backward, teetering on the edge of falling. Strong hands gripped my arms, steadying me before I hit the ground.
 
 I looked up, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment, to find August Mendelson's eyes looking down at me. His tall frame towered over me, exuding an aura of power and confidence.
 
 "Mr. Mendelson! I'm so sorry," I stammered, trying to regain my composure. "I wasn't looking where I was going. Are you alright?"
 
 August's lips curled into a charming smile. "No harm done, Ms. Bowers. I'm quite alright. Though I must say, you made quite an impact this morning."
 
 His hands lingered on my arms for a moment longer than necessary before he released me. I straightened my suit jacket, still flustered by the encounter.
 
 "I'm glad you're okay," I said, offering a small smile. "I was actually on my way to meet you. I hope I haven't kept you waiting."
 
 August shook his head, his demeanor relaxed and gentlemanly. "Not at all. I arrived a bit early myself."