It doesn’t work
The cold bottle in my hand sweats against my palm, grounding me, and I finally sink to the floor, my dress bunching around my thighs as I go. The pill container slips from my other hand, but I don’t bother picking it up. Instead, I press my forehead to the chilled plastic, letting the cold bite into my skin in the hope it might settle the heat burning through me.
Damn me for wishing that thunder didn’t interrupt us.
16
ROAN
I shouldn’t have done that.
It’s midday now, a full twelve hours since I had Katie pressed against that wall with my fingers buried inside her, and I’ve barely touched any of the work in front of me. Every time I try to focus, my mind drags me right back to her.
The concern on her face when she saw me last night—or more specifically, the blood on my clothes. The way her eyes went wide with horror and she ran towards me without hesitation, without caring what the blood meant. What I’d initially dismissed as an act, just another layer of her deception.
But her flinch when I questioned whether she was acting… that had been real. So was the hurt that flashed across her face before anger took over. I have no doubt about that now.
Beyond my sister, no woman has ever had a reason to worry about me. I’ve only ever used them for quick fucks here and there. But that concern on Katie, my supposed enemy showing genuine fear for my wellbeing, sent a forbidden thrill down my spine and made my cock stiffen so fast the room actually tilted. In that moment, I couldn’t resist. I had to taste her. Had to steal a kiss.
And the second my mouth hit hers, she floored me. Melted into me like she’d been holding herself back for days. After that, it only escalated.
The way she reacted to my touch. Always so goddamn responsive, so honest in her desire even when everything else about her is a lie.
Kissing me back so eagerly and deeply. Her hot, tight cunt strangling my fingers like she never wanted to let go.
Fuck.
My fingers tap an agitated rhythm against my desk as the memory slams through me again, and the semi I woke up with kicks into a full, throbbing erection. I shift in my chair, trying to ease the pressure in my too-tight pants, but it’s useless. She’s still in my mind, exactly where she’s been all damn day.
I can’t believe how wet she was, how close she was to coming apart.
I shake my head sharply, forcing myself out of it—right as a short, brisk knock sounds on my door. It swings open before I can say a word, and in strides Lorik with a manila folder in his hand.
I tug at my collar, ignoring the persistent throbbing of my cock as I watch him approach. “This is a surprise.” He rarely ever comes to the estate anymore, choosing to send his reports virtually so he can spend more time in the field.
He shrugs, running a hand through the dusting of dark hair on his head. I’ve never understood his obsession with cutting it so close to his scalp—the asshole’s never even been in the military.
“I had to come meet this incredible woman in person.” He smirks as he tosses the folder onto my desk and drops into the chair across from me. “But seeing your ugly mug isn’t an inconvenience.”
My gaze narrows, my cock slowly softening as annoyance floods my veins. Thank God. “You wish you had this mug.”
He kisses his teeth but wisely backs down from that line of argument; he knows he won’t win. “Where’s that bastard, Dhimitër? He’s usually attached to your hip.”
“He’s at the docks overseeing a shipment that came in and checking on another that should have arrived days ago.” I glance down at the folder, my heart rate kicking up when I see the label: K.P.
“This is on Katie.” I realize aloud. His earlier words about meeting some woman in person suddenly make sense, and possessive anger flares hot in my chest. I scowl at him and drag the folder closer, practically snatching it off the desk. “You’re not going to meet her.”
The asshole leans forward with a knowing grin spreading across his face. “Oh yeah? And why’s that, exactly?”
I deepen my scowl, making my expression as forbidding as possible. “How about you fuck off out of here. I have work to do, and you aren’t paid to interfere with it.”
Lorik chuckles as he springs to his feet. “Whatever you say, boss. I wasn’t exactly excited for your company anyway. I guess if Dhimitër isn’t around, I’ll have to go bug Afrim instead. He still cheating at chess?”
“I guess you're about to find out,” I mutter to his retreating back as he heads for the door.
Once he’s gone, I inhale deeply and flip open the folder, ready to dive into what Katie’s life has been like, eager to discover everything about her.
Halfway through the damn report, I understand why she’s the way she is.
