Page 4 of Christmas with Four Tattoo Artists

His eyes filled with determination.

Without a word, he strode over my direction.

Kai’s expression was unreadable as he suddenly pulled me close, pressing his lips to mine in a fiery kiss.

Holy cow, was this a dream?

His lips crashed onto mine in an electrifying collision, igniting a blaze of passion that consumed my every breath. The kiss, fervent and intense, seemed to draw the oxygen from my lungs, leaving me breathless and aching for more.

The taste of him was a concoction, a perfect harmony of rich coffee and fresh mint that tantalized my senses.

Any sense of rational thought was swept away, replaced by the intoxicating essence of his presence.

I surrendered to the moment, my body instinctively melting into his. The warmth of his touch seared through me, his firmness providing a stark contrast to the gentle exploration of his lips.

When he finally withdrew, a soft moan of longing escaped me. The absence of his lips left a lingering ache, a sweet torment that had me yearning for the return of his embrace.

My heart raced, pounding against my ribcage. My cheeks flushed with warmth.

He turned to Steve reminding me we weren’t alone.

His gaze was steel, the softness that had been there a moment ago replaced with a warning.

"She's off-limits. Cross the line again, and getting banned from here will be the least of your worries," he warned, his voice a deep rumble.

Kai tightened his grip around my waist, causing a rush of heat between my legs, his gray eyes never leaving Steve.

"Now, unless you want to find out what happens when you really piss me off, I suggest you apologize to Julia and get the hell out."

Steve turned toward me, his cheeks flushed a deep red, his hand moving to the back of his neck. "I... I'm sorry, Julia. I didn't mean to... you know..." He trailed off, unable to meet my gaze. His voice was just a whisper, a stark contrast to his previous bravado and crude remarks.

"Good," Kai said, his gaze still fixed on Steve, "and don't forget what I told you. Julia's off-limits. If I hear about you bothering her again, well, I’ll let you use your imagination.” He cracked his knuckles, making his point without needing to say another word.

Steve nodded frantically, his gaze flicking between Kai and me. Then he turned on his heel and made a beeline for the door.

After the door closed, we stood there in silence, the echoes of Steve's humiliation hanging heavy in the air.

Kai turned his attention to me. His arm was still draped protectively around my waist, his eyes soft and concerned. "Are you OK, Julia?"

His genuine worry grounded me. "I'm fine," I said, stepping back. "But why the kiss?"

Kai ran a hand through his hair, his eyes glinting. "Needed to shut him up. It worked, didn't it?"

I nodded, still processing. The kiss had been a tactic, but it ignited something undeniable.

My heart was still beating wildly in my chest, a relentless drum that echoed the memory of his lips against mine.

He had managed to get rid of Steve, to silence his disrespect and unwanted attention, sending him packing, finally getting the point across. But that wasn't what had me reeling. It was the spark that had ignited between us when our lips met, the undeniable attraction that had been unmasked by that single, fiery kiss, ploy though it may have been.

Kai flashed me another one of those devilish grins, a silent promise that left me both eager and terrified. "Take care, Julia," he murmured, his gaze lingering on mine for a moment longer. Then, with a casualness that seemed impossible given the circumstances, he turned on his heel and disappeared back into his office.

As the door closed behind him, all I could do was stand there, my mind still reeling.

Alone, I pondered over the kiss and the unexpected feelings it stirred.

Kai was one of four compelling bosses who'd unknowingly fueled my fantasies.

His unexpected move blurred lines, igniting a mix of excitement and apprehension.

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