Page 29 of The English Billionaire's Obsession

“I was—am—obsessed,” I go on, walking toward her, wishing her expression was easier to read.

It’s like she’s holding a lot back. I wrap my arms around her, using white-knuckle discipline to keep my hands above her waist. Cradling her as gently as I can, I lean down and kiss her cheek softly.

“I know it’s a lot to take in.”

“Obsessed,” she repeats. “Overme?”

“Don’t sound so surprised. You’re an amazing person.”

“You hardly know me.”

“Who cares?” I growl. “I know how I feel. I’m certain aboutthat.”

At least she’s not jumping at the chance to be with me, immediately telling me she feels the same, but a clever person wouldn’t do that. They’d hold back, make it seem like they weren’t sure about it.

Stop.

I hear a message from inside, primal and urgent.She’s mine. She’s not tricking me.

She stands on her tiptoes and wraps her arms around me.Sheinitiates the kiss, moaning passionately as we hold each other tight, pressing our bodies together. I break my above-the-waist rule when her moans become even more urgent. I can feel her lust bursting through her. I guide her away from the window, out of view, and massage her hips and ass as the kiss intensifies.

“Have you ever… you know… over the video?”

She’s flushed as she asks the question, vivacious in the extreme, all her youthful energy bursting out of her.

“Yes,” I growl. “Quite a few times. That outfit, the hip-hugging skirt, damn, it drives me insane.Feralis more like. You’ve got no idea how beautiful you are, do you?”

She shakes her head slowly. “I’ve always been proud of my figure, but nobody else has ever noticed.”

My hands tighten on her ass, causing her to shiver captivatingly. “Good, and it better stay that way.”

“This isn’t a trick, is it?” she asks. “It just sounds so unbelievable. My self-esteem isn’tlow,but look at you, Tommy. Then look at me. Do you think anybody would think we matched?”

“I don’t give afuckwhat people think,” I snap. “When I saw you, I knew I wanted you. Now we’ve met, I know it with even more certainty. That’s enough for me, and no, it’s not a bloody trick.”

“Are you sure, though?”

“I was sure the second I saw you.” I kiss the edge of her mouth, moving toward another full-on kiss. “That’s why I asked George to hire you.”

“Wait…”

She leans back in my embrace, her eyes glinting as she stares up.

“You told him to hire me?” Her voice cracks with heavy emotion. “I thought I got the job myself. I was so happy, jumping around the house like an idiot. I thought it was my video and the art piece I submitted, but… but…”

Damn. I’ve ruined it.

She tries to slip out of my arms, but I hold her in place. When she tries again, and I still don’t let her go, she forcefully moves away. It’s either set her free or wrestle her to keep her still. She takes a step backward.

“I… I need to use the bathroom.”

“Ami—”

“I’m serious. Please. Where is it?”

I point in that direction, and she walks away from me quickly.

“You were the best candidate,” I call after her, but I’m not sure she hears me.

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