Page 20 of Carnal

The hairs on my arms rise. I meekly reply, "No. What? Tell me."

Darkness floods his expression. "When you were lying in my arms, I actually thought maybe this could be something. Obviously, I'm delirious. I apologize for everything. I shouldn't have crossed the line with you. Have a good night." He turns and reaches for the doorknob.

He thought we could be something?

No, we can't. I work for Dante.

What if we could though?

It's impossible.

I grab his bicep. "Tristano, wait!"

He shrugs out of my hold and opens the door. "Have a nice night." He steps out into the hallway.

"Stop!" I cry out, but he bolts to the elevator and slams his finger on the button.

I rush over to him. "Don't leave like this."

He angrily spins. "Go back inside. You're in a towel."

I clasp my arm against my chest. "Come with me."

The elevator doors open. "See you later." He steps inside and slides the key into the reader.

"Please. We need to talk," I insist.

He pushes a button, asserting, "No. We don't."

"We do," I claim.

The doors shut, and he disappears.

My stomach flips. I suddenly feel like I might throw up.

How did this get so screwed up in a matter of minutes?

Shit, shit, shit!

I return to my place, lock the door behind me, and turn off the lights. I go into the bedroom and crawl into bed. The aroma of tonka bean, cedarwood, and geranium flares in my nostrils, and I groan. To punish myself further, I bury my face into the pillow, smelling as much as possible.

All I can think about is how much I screwed up and hurt him. And was he serious when he said he thought we could be something? What does that even mean? Why do I find that appealing?

Confusion continues to swirl. He's a Marino. It's taboo on so many levels and is everything I've always tried to avoid. I don't sleep with the boss. Even if he technically isn't mine, he sometimes pays me to do things for him. I've mixed business and pleasure, and that's a big no-no for me.

Visions and the memories of the sensations of our encounter flood me.

Why did I submit to him?

Why did I like it so much?

As disturbing as it is for me to admit, he's right. We were really good together. There's a chemistry between us I've never experienced, even if he dominated me. All I want is for him to come back over, forgive me, and do it all over again.

How am I going to get him out of my system?

I curse myself for reacting how I did. I can't blame him for being angry and hurt. Making this right isn't even about our professional relationship. I insulted his character in many ways, and it was wrong of me. All I feel now is regret.

I grab my cell and text Tristano.

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