Page 116 of Nine Months to Bear
He doubles down. “She’s a fool who can’t see what’s right in front of her.” He pulls me until I’m straddling his lap, the robe knot slipping and falling open. “I didn’t invest in your clinic because you needed saving.”
“No?”
“I invested because you refused to compromise your principles even when it would have been easier. Integrity is the rarest thing in this world, Dr. Aster.”
“Stefan—”
“I believe in your methods. I believe in your research.” His eyes lock on mine. “I believe you’re brilliant and capable and worth every fucking penny.”
It’s the conviction that does it for me. The absolute certainty.
No one has ever believed in me like this. Not my parents. Not my professors. Not even myself.
“Why?” I croak.
“Because I know what it’s like to build something from nothing. To have everyone doubt you.” His hand moves up to cup my jaw. “To prove them all wrong.”
With that, I do the only thing left to do.
I kiss him.
Stefan groans against my mouth, one hand tangling in my hair while the other pulls me tighter against him. I can feel him hardening beneath me, and it sends a bolt of pure need straight to my core.
“We shouldn’t,” I gasp when we break for air.
“No,” he agrees.
Then he kisses me again.
His hands are everywhere. Sliding the robe off my shoulders. Skimming up my thighs. Cupping my breasts through the silk. I arch into his touch, grinding against him like my life depends on it.
“Fuck,” he mutters against my throat. “You’re going to kill me.”
He bites down where my neck meets my shoulder, and I see stars. “Stefan?—”
He stands abruptly, lifting me with him. Papers go flying as he sets me on the desk and steps between my legs.
“Tell me to stop,” he says.
“No.”
“Tell me this is just the contract.”
“It’s not.”
“Tell me?—”
“You can’t make me say anything that will make this feeling go away, Stefan. I would know—I’ve tried.” I grab his face and pull him down to me. “So just shut up and touch me.”
He does.
His mouth travels down my throat while his hands push the robe completely off. I’m left in just the silk panties, exposed and trembling under his gaze.
“Beautiful,” he murmurs, then leans down to take one nipple in his mouth.
I gasp, my hands flying to his hair. He lavishes attention on one breast, then the other, until I’m writhing on the desk.
“Please,” I beg.
