Page 50 of Carnal

"Not sure," he says, then guns the engine, whizzing past several vehicles and weaving in and out of different lanes.

We don't talk for the rest of the trip. He pulls up to Dante's office building, and my stomach flips. I have limited time before the rest of the staff arrives, so I hightail it inside and through the building.

When I step off the elevator, I see Pina's back in the glass. She's in the conference room, lost in her work. Papers and file folders are strewn all over the table. Her laptop is open, and she's highlighting something.

My dick strains in my pants. I'm unsure what it is about this woman, but just looking at her affects me. I debate about what to do then sneak into the room. I lean over her, sliding my hands down her arms until my armpits rest on her shoulders. Her body stiffens, and I murmur in her ear, "You owe me a date."

She freezes, breathing deeply.

I kiss the pulse that's throbbing in her neck.

She snaps her head toward me. "What are you doing?"

"Reminding you that you're mine," I arrogantly declare.

She scoffs. "Yours? I think I made it clear this isn't happening again." She pushes her chair back. I retreat a step, and she rises and spins, blurting out, "You shouldn't be here. Someone is going to see us."

"They aren't in for another hour," I assert as I grab her hips and place her on the table. I lean over her until she's flat on the wood.

"Tristano!"

I slide my hands over her cheeks and kiss her, parting her lips with my tongue and darting it around her mouth until her body submits. She laces her fingers in my hair and a tiny whimper fills the air.

I kiss her some more then stare at her.

Her chest heaves, and her golden-brown eyes widen.

I repeat, "You owe me a date."

"This isn't a good idea," she says again, but this time, it sounds weak.

"I'll pick you up at seven tonight. Assuming you'll be at your normal place? Or should I go to Manhattan?" I question.

"We can't—"

Crap. Not seven!

"Make it eight. And I'm not leaving until you agree to see me tonight. If you try to ditch me, I'll show up here next week when the entire office is engrossed in their work. Don't test me, Pina," I threaten.

In a hurt voice, she asks, "You'd do that to me? After you promised to keep it between us?"

"Promises go both ways. You owe me a date. Don't make me be a cocksucker," I warn, then step back and pull her into a sitting position.

She glares at me. "You're already one."

I grunt. "Fair enough. But it's your choice which version you want. I'll see you at eight."

She jumps off the table and shoots daggers at me with her glare. "You aren't going to bully me into seeing you."

I arrogantly smile. "If that's how you see it, I can't help you. I'll see you tonight, or I'll see you next week. Again, you're choice." I turn and leave the room.

She follows me. "Tristano! This isn't appropriate!"

I push the button for the elevator then glance at her. "Stop overthinking everything, Pina. We're going on a date. I'll make sure no one knows or runs into us."

"How?"

"Don't worry about it. I'll handle it," I vow.

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