Page 56 of Carnal

Damn him for knowing so much about me. I can't deny that tardiness drives me insane. Ye,t him pointing out he understands this only unsettles me further. It's a reminder we shouldn't be doing this, so I blurt out, "This isn't smart. Let's forget about last weekend and move forward."

He shoots me an exasperated look, then steps inside, shuts the door, and spins me so fast I gasp. He pushes me against the wall, palms my chin, leans down, then puts his lips against mine, challenging, "I'll make you a deal."

Blood pounds between my ears. As I take his bait, my voice is weak. "What's that?"

He pecks me on the lips then below my ear. Tingles burst throughout my spine. He licks my lobe then murmurs, "One date. If you have a good time, we keep seeing each other. If you have a bad time, we stop." He walks his fingers to my belly button then moves lower. He stops above my slit.

My heart beats so hard, I'm sure he can feel it. I hold my breath, swallowing hard, feeling like this is a trap.

He kisses my jaw until his provoking stare is back on me. "What's wrong, Pina? Afraid you'll have to keep seeing me?"

I square my shoulders and lift my chin. "Don't be so cocky."

"Then you agree? Or are you too scared?" he taunts.

One date, and I can end this.

God, his body feels good against mine.

Stop! Not helping!

Why does he smell so freaking good?

Ugh!

His lips twitch. "Never pegged you for a woman who won't accept a challenge."

"I'm not," I claim, stepping to the side of him and heading toward the door. "Let's go." I grab my evening bag off the table then reach for the knob.

Tristano's fast on my heels. He grabs the side of the door above my head and puts his palm on my ass.

I hurry out of his grasp and head toward the elevator, my head spinning with anticipation that I need to somehow shut off. But it's impossible.

He steps next to me, sliding his arm around my waist and tugging me into his warm frame. His lips brush the side of my forehead as he claims, "You're going to love where I'm taking you."

"Where are we going?" I ask.

"It's a surprise."

My chest tightens. "How do you know no one will see us?"

Arrogances washes over him. "Pina, give me some credit. You need to trust me."

I tear my eyes off his chiseled face, focusing on the silver metal of the elevator door. I admit, "That's not easy for me."

He snorts. "Yeah, I know, Ms. Control Freak."

I smirk. "Spoken like someone who can identify."

The doors open, and he guides me off the elevator and through my building. The cold air slaps my face, and we rush toward the SUV. The moment I slide inside, more panic erupts.

How could he be so stupid?

Why didn't he drive?

Flex glances at me in the rearview mirror. His expression is just as cocky as Tristano's. I hold myself back from lunging across the seats and slapping him. He nods. "Pina."

I hit the button to close the divider window.

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