Page 87 of Coldhearted King

What if it can?

I close my eyes and claim her mouth again. I’d be stupid to let those thoughts take root.

What if it’s already too late?

CHAPTERTHIRTY-THREE

DELILAH

I’m smiling as I initial the latest set of internal plans. I seem to do that a lot lately, smile at nothing. And the reason is about six foot two inches, dark-haired and blue-eyed, with a dick that doesn’t quit. I laugh to myself. I really am going off the deep end.

It can’t be a bad thing to be so happy that I’m smiling and laughing to myself, can it? As long as I don’t let myself forget that this thing Cole and I have won’t last forever.

But there’s a part of me, the part that watched too many Disney movies when I was little, that can’t help but hope that might change. I’ve noticed a difference in Cole over the last few weeks—since that lunch with his family. A softening. A warmth where once there wasn’t. It’s like he’s slowly peeling away the layers of his coldhearted persona, revealing the man underneath. And as it turns out, I can’t get enough of that man.

The sex is still intense. We’ve done it all over his penthouse, twice in his limo with Cole’s hand over my mouth so Jonathan couldn’t hear me, and in his office one night when we were working late. Then there are the moments when he seems almost tender—when he holds me in his arms or strokes the hair away from my face and presses soft kisses to my lips.

He’s started laughing more too, helped me cook several times, and shared quite a few more bottles of expensive wine with me. On the nights I go home to my apartment, he always kisses me before I leave. But just as often, we end up falling asleep next to each other in his big bed.

I’m still scared to allow myself to get my hopes up, only to be disappointed.

Although I don’t think disappointed is the right word anymore.

My phone rings and Cole’s name flashes on the screen. A thrill runs through me. I hope he’s calling me up to his office so we can see each other today. I haven’t seen him since the weekend, and it’s Tuesday now. Stupidly, I miss him. I’m supposed to go to his penthouse tomorrow night, but I’d love to see him sooner.

“Hi.” My voice comes out breathier than I’d like, but he seems to have that effect on me. And surprisingly, I don’t hate it.

“Delilah.” His voice is a little brusquer than I’d hoped, but that’s him, and I’m learning to accept it.

“Yes. Do you need to see me?” I wince. That came out a little too eagerly.

“I’d like to, but I’m heading into a meeting with the board. I just wanted to let you know that I have to fly to the UK tonight, so I won’t be able to see you tomorrow.”

“Oh...” My stomach drops. “That’s...okay. Has something happened?”

“The lawyers just informed us the prosecutors are going to offer Dad a final plea bargain. If he rejects it, he’s going to trial. Whatever the result, it’s going to have an impact. I’m heading to the UK to prep our international offices and handle whatever concerns our overseas investors might have after the news breaks. Cole and Tate will take care of any issues here.”

“Of course. Do you think you’ll be okay? You know, with whatever happens?”

He’s silent for a moment. “I want to feel bad for him, but I don’t doubt for a second that he’s guilty, and that makes me realize just how dead our relationship is. He cares more about his mistresses than he’s ever cared about his family—and that’s not saying much, considering how many mistresses he’s had. So I’m returning the favor. I don’t care what happens to him. I only care about what it means for the company.”

My heart twists painfully. I didn’t have a father while growing up, but my mother gave me all the love I ever needed. Cole had two parents and two brothers, yet he didn’t have any of the love I did. No wonder he doesn’t trust relationships. When has he ever had one worth trusting? When has anyone ever been there for him unconditionally? “Do you know how long you’ll be gone for?”

“At this stage, I plan to fly back next Thursday.”

Just over a week. I let out a quiet breath. Before Cole, I had no problem being by myself or hanging out with Alex. Even when I was dating Paul and he went away to a symposium for a week, I didn’t bat an eyelash. I just took the opportunity to spend more time on the project I was working on. This is different.

My feelings for Cole are different.

“I’ll get back late.” He interrupts my thoughts. “So make sure you’re free Friday.”

“I’ll see if I can pencil you in.” I roll my lips together.

“You will, will you? I assumed you’d be wide open for me on Friday.”

“Oh, no.” I match his suggestive tone. “I fill up very quickly.”

“Fuck.” He lets out a groan. “If my meeting wasn’t about to start, I’d have you up here and bent over my desk before you could say, ‘I’m always open for you, Cole.’”

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