I growl and stalk into the hall, knowing I’ll take it too far if I stay in the same room alone with her.
Ms.Baker greets me.I remind her of my extended lunch plans and give her the rest of the day off.
When she stares blankly at me for a moment, my senses heighten and hackles rise.
“Ms.Baker, may I walk you to your car?”I offer.
I can’t leave her here with Audrey even with other people around and the security cameras recording everything.
Unease worms through me as Ms.Baker reanimates and accepts my offer.I wait for her to grab her briefcase before leading her down the hall.We ride the elevator to the parking garage in silence.I play the gentleman and walk her to her car before heading to mine.Unwilling to leave before her, I wait until she backs out and drives off before turning on the ignition.
After a quick drive to the restaurant and a boisterous, extended lunch, I return to the parking garage and circle around until I’m certain Ms.Baker’s car is absent before pulling into my designated spot.
I return to an empty office and use the solitude to sift through the information and plan the afternoon.
The moment Audrey steps into view of the elevator’s security camera, I smirk in anticipation and rise.I grab the briefcase she left on the couch and meet her in the hall.
She balks when I take her tote and purse, but I hook my arm around her waist and tug her back toward the elevators.
“We’re in the office.Hands off,” she hisses.
I smile and move her bags out of her reach before stepping into the elevator and pulling her in after me.The second the doors close, I crowd her into the back corner, press one hand to the wall above her shoulder and cup her chin with the other.
“You’re all mine until it’s time for you to clock in tomorrow morning,” I growl.
She rolls her eyes despite the rapid rise and fall of her chest, and she pushes my grip off her chin.
“No.You have me until quitting time tonight—and I mean afternoon, not evening.”
I growl and inch closer to her.
“What if I have a delayed reaction to the drugs?You can’t leave me all alone.”
“You won’t, I can, and I will.Unless you have something work related to discuss, we’re done with this conversation,” she demands.
“My bodyguard made it to your mother’s bedside.I sent you her contact information and background check, but I’ve known her for years and trust her.Your mother is safe.”
Relief brightens her expression while anger sparks in her eyes.
“Thank you,” she grinds out through clenched teeth.
“What’s wrong, love?Jealous?”I prod.
She scoffs and rolls her eyes.
“Of course, Mr.Diamond.Who wouldn’t want to jump in front of a bullet for a fully capable, pompous jerk of a boss like you?”she snarks.
I press my palm against her upper chest and splay my fingers over her collarbone.
“More descriptors for your monster?I’m intrigued.This is a new kind of foreplay for me.Whisper more to me between kisses,” I murmur.
“Wow, the high and mighty Brennan Diamond has a degradation kink.Who would’ve thought?”she mumbles.
Her eyes drop to my lips, but she angles her chin away.I lean closer.
“Only when they come from your lips, baby doll,” I vow.
The elevator dings and the doors slide open.I weave my fingers through hers, but she jerks them free and gestures for me to lead the way to my car as she glances at the nearest camera.
