Page 43 of Revelation (Love Isn't What It Seems 3)

Maxim shrugged. “Who knows what my brother is cooking! All I know is that you don’t want to go around him now. He’s bellowing and barking at everyone.”

I chuckled. “Well, it serves him right. He should have told Livy about the publishing house.”

“He’s stubborn. Worse than a mule.”

“God help him and Livy if they decide to have children.”

We both chuckled at that. My sister was stubborn, there was no denying it. It was a trait we shared. I wouldn’t change her though. Those two would work it out, I had faith. They just had to overcome their past together.

So good at giving advice,I made fun of myself.

Our food came and we focused on talking about his company, where I should focus my efforts first when I start and then shifting back to Brandon.

“Speaking of Brandon,” I glanced at the time, “I have to go pick him up. I wanted to get him a bit earlier so he has some playtime at home.”

He flagged the waiter and paid the check. “I’ll walk you to the car.” He stood up and pulled out a chair for me.

“That’s okay. I actually took a bus.” The expression on his face was priceless.

“Why?”

“I didn’t want to call Charles, my driver, nor a cab,” I shrugged my shoulders. I took the bus plenty of times growing up. Besides, my grandfather would take the driver services away as soon as I cut ties with them or he found out that I got this job. Whichever came first.

“You’ll take my car then.”

I laughed uncomfortably. “I don’t want to drive your car.”

“I meant to say, my driver will take you.”

We walked through the restaurant, headed for the exit. I gave him a side glance.

“It really isn’t necessary, Maxim.”

“Maybe, but you will have it anyhow,” he justified like it made sense. “Besides, the sooner you get home, the sooner Brandon gets to play with his stuff.”

He had me there. We headed to the back of the building. “Are you taking me to the back alley where you’ll kill me?” I joked, my eyes traveling around.

His hand rested on my lower back, the touch comforting and exciting at the same time.

“Funny,” he chuckled. “My driver is back here.” We approached the luxury vehicle and noted it sat empty. “He’s probably grabbing some food. I’ll text him that we are here.”

Once he was done with that, he shoved his phone back into his pocket. We both stopped by his vehicle. Our eyes met, and slowly his gaze lowered to my mouth. There was hunger and desire in those blue depths, reflecting what I felt. One part of me wanted to tamper down these feelings he stirred within me, but the rest of me wanted to beg him to fuck me.

There was an untamed desire pull between us, blaze running through my veins turning into a full-blown inferno. His eyes lingered on my mouth. I should pull away, but I found it impossible to move. Damn it, who was I lying to? I didn’t want to move. He closed the distance between us, and instinctively my chin lifted. I wanted him to kiss me.

He trailed a finger over my lower lip, his touch light. I held my breath in anticipation, waiting.

“Fuck it,” he groaned and crushed his mouth on mine. He wasted no time, ready to conquer. His tongue thrust between my lips, tangoing with mine. My hands moved to his neck, pulling him closer, our kiss fast and desperate. He tasted amazing, perfect, and I’d forever be hungry for him.

A tiny groan echoed from his throat, fueling my own desire. My hands drifted up to his neck, intertwining my fingers in his dark hair. My insides clenched with the need for him. His hands roamed down my back, till he roughly cupped my ass, pressing me hard against him. A moan escaped me and my hands pulled him closer to me.

“Layla…” His voice was strained against my ear.

“Mr. Caldwell,” a voice penetrated my mind, and I startled, taking a step back like I just got burned. Because I did. I played with the inferno and tasted the flames. I had never felt anything like this, the consuming need that threatened to swallow me whole. The overwhelming desire made my body tremble.

I shook my head slightly, hoping to clear the pounding need for him and the beat of his heart that I felt banging against my chest.

“Layla,” Maxim started but I quickly cut him off.

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