Page 46 of The Billionaire's Temptation

Brett spoke up. “Clarissa, why don’t you initiate a meeting with Montrose? Work with Mandy to come up with some questions that you know the answers to and bring them to the meeting. I’ll be in on the meeting as well. Let’s confirm their answers afterwards. If theydon’tgive you the correct answers, then we’ll have more ammunition against them. It would give you more power to dissolve the relationship without penalties and would also protect you in the eyes of the courts. If Montrose is going to apply for trusteeship of your businesses and funds, but can’t even give you correct answers, that won’t make him look good in front of a judge.”

Clarissa smiled, nodding. “That’s a great idea. Thanks!”

The call ended and Clarissa stood up, surprised at how stiff she felt. She looked at the time and gasped when she realized that they’d been speaking with Brett for almost three hours!

“I’ve hijacked your day!” she told Levi, backing away.

He collected her notebook filled with notes, questions, and next steps. “You didn’t hijack anything, Clarissa. I’m happy to help.”

Clarissa stood awkwardly in front of him, her thoughts returning to their night of passion. As well as that night he’d rescued her from a miserable party at that Marjorie person’s house. She’d stood in front of her door that night, feeling stupid for wanting him to kiss her.

Why was she doing that again now? Why was she standing here, feeling silly because she wanted him to kiss her?

Silly, because she knew what would happen next. He’d kiss her, maybe have sex with her, then leave her with more hurt feelings.

“I want to kiss you, Clarissa,” he stated, interrupting her chaotic thoughts.

“You do?”

“Yes,” he growled, his voice low and snarly. “But you still don’t trust me, do you?”

She pulled in a deep breath, then shook her head slowly. “No. Not really.”

There was a long silence, and then he said, “Because you were really hurt the morning I rushed away from you.”

She hesitated, looking into his deep, blue eyes. Finally, Clarissa nodded. “Yes.”

He stepped closer. “I’m going to earn back your trust, Clarissa,” he vowed. “You are a beautiful, amazing, desirable woman, and I want you. But I want your trust this time and I’m going to earn it back, piece by piece.”

Clarissa’s heart thudded with those words. She’d met so many people since her “father’s” passing, so many liars, cheaters, and just…mean spirited, corrupt jerks! Was Levi different?

“I have to go,” she replied, stepping around him, clutching the notebook and her purse tightly to keep herself from stopping in front of him and…!

Once the thought popped into her mind, Clarissa couldn’t resist the temptation. So instead of rushing out of his office as she’d intended, she stopped in front of him and lifted up onto her toes, so she could brush a soft kiss across his cheek. Before he could pull her into his arms, Clarissa stepped back, then hurried out of his office.

But there was a smile on her face as she waved a hand to his assistant, Tammy. “Thank you for your help!” she called out. Clarissa was nearly to the next door when she paused thoughtfully and turned back.

Tammy’s fingers paused on the keyboard, her eyes lifting in polite inquiry.

“Levi warned me I need to hire a personal assistant,” Clarissa began, then felt Levi’s presence at the door to his office. She didn’t glance at him, focusing all of her attention on Tammy. “If you know of anyone who might be a good fit, someone who is as efficient as you are, could you pass their name on to me?”

Tammy’s smile was bright and she nodded. “Absolutely! A few people come to mind. I’ll speak with them and ask if they are interested.”

Clarissa smiled back, nodding. “Thank you!” she replied, feeling lighter than she had in a long time.

As she walked over to the door again, she glanced over at Levi. “See you later,” she called out, then left his office, feeling…powerful!

Levi watched Clarissa’s hips sway, his body aching with the need to have her. To know her in the most intimate way.

Trust, he reminded himself. When he’d first met her, he’d been wary of becoming involved, knowing that Clarissa would become a distraction. Little had he realized how much. Nor had he realized that he desperately wanted her as his main distraction.

“You okay?”

Levi turned, blinking at Tammy as she stared back at him. He chuckled, knowing that he’d just revealed too much to the woman. “Yeah. I’m okay.” Better than okay, he thought as he turned to go back into his office. He could still smell her, he realized. But it wasn’t perfume. No, this scent was all Clarissa. And he loved it!

Chapter 16

“Thanks for coming over,” Clarissa said, greeting Mandy as she stepped through the heavy door.

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