Page 54 of Beautiful Desire

“Beth…”

“Yeah, you’re right. A man like that would never have an issue getting it up. You can just tell,” comes her reply down the phone.

Jesus.

“I’m going now,” I tell her and quickly hang up before she has the chance to say anything more.

The idea of Dom going out to spend his lunch having sex with another woman sends a wave of nausea rolling through me.

A loud smashing sound from inside Dom’s office grabs my attention. I stare wide-eyed at the door, waiting to hear more destruction or for Dom to come out, but nothing happens. Reluctantly, I get up from my desk and knock on the door. Not waiting for a reply, I turn the handle and slowly open it.

Glancing around the office, I see a broken glass laying in pieces on the floor. Looking up from the mess, I notice Dom sitting at his desk, his head in his hands as he grips tightly on his hair. Loud, ragged breathing is all that can be heard as I stand and watch his shoulders rise and fall. Clearing my throat, I try to get his attention, but it doesn’t work.

Walking into the office, I gently close the door behind me before I make my way to stand in front of his desk.

“Mr. Lombardi, is everything okay?” I ask in a soft voice.

I see his eyes close as he takes a deep breath. As he exhales, his head lifts from his hands and he looks directly at me. Heat floods my body, and the hairs on my arms stand to attention, my heart racing. He looks pale and sickly; there’s a nervous energy about him, and it reminds me of how he was on the flight to Italy for Gia and Fabi’s wedding. He still hasn’t responded, and I don’t know if he’s in some sort of trance or if he’s taken something that caused him to react this way.

“Mr. Lom—”

Before I can finish repeating my question, he stands from his chair, making his way over to a glass coffee table. Lifting the jug of water, he pours himself a cup. I stand watching him, confused by what’s going on. He drinks the whole thing in one go before refilling it and sitting down on the low cream leather seats dotted around the table.

He stares at the ground and asks in a low voice, “Why did you come in here?”

My brows furrow in confusion. He’s been in a pissy mood most of today, has just smashed a glass, and he’s askingmewhy I came in here? My jaw tics as I make my way over to the sitting area. I take the empty seat across from him and watch as his eyes follow the movement of my legs as I cross them.

“Mr. Lom—”

Again, he cuts me off. “Please don’t call me that. Not now.”

Surprise and confusion hit me at his words.

“I’m sorry, but what else do you expect me to call you?” I ask, not knowing what he means.

“D. When we’re alone, I want you to call me D.”

I swallow loudly at the thought of calling him by that nickname, a name I haven’t called him in quite some time.

Shifting in my seat, I say, “I’m not sure that’s appropriate. You’re my boss.”

I know it’s a shitty excuse. Peter hated me calling him Mr. Lewis, said it made him feel old. But Dom is different. Peter never made me feel the way Dom has. The intense stare of his eyes searing right into mine sends a rush of moisture soaking my panties.

“Just do me this favor.” He doesn’t offer any other explanation.

I decide to try to change the subject instead. Agreeing to that makes me feel like I’m agreeing to something else entirely.

“Are you okay? Do you need anything?” I ask.

His eyes haven’t left mine, and suddenly this room feels too hot. I lick my lips, trying to rid the dryness that has suddenly taken over my mouth.

My eyes drop and track his movements as he sets the glass down on the coffee table. His strong forearms lean on his thick, muscular thighs, and my gaze can’t help falling to his zipper as the memory of his hard, thick, veiny cock comes to the forefront of my mind. And at that, I swear a little drool slips out of my mouth before my tongue quickly peeks out to catch it.

I can feel the heat of his gaze burning my cheeks. The electric current flowing between us makes the air in the room almost feel suffocating as my breathing picks up. The sound of my heartbeat is loud in my ears.

My eyes lift to meet his once again, and I see they’ve turned a dark midnight blue. His voice is husky as he speaks.

“The only thing I need right now is you.”

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