“Fine.” He chuckled, the sound vibrating through me. His hands slid from my stomach to my hips, holding me tight. “Just dance with me.”
He spun me to face him. We moved together, hips rolling in a slow grind that matched the thundering bass. Brent Faiyaz sang "If we make love tonight, will it change us for the rest of our lives?"
Julian’s forehead dipped to mine, eyes locked on my mouth. He was so blatant and hungry that I changed my mind about going home early. Then his mouth crashed down on mine. It wasn’t a gentle kiss. I kissed him back with equal ferocity, my fingers tangling in his hair.
He broke the kiss. “We’re leaving.”
He didn’t wait for an agreement. He grabbed my hand, weaving us through the crowd. Outside, a fine misting rain was beginning to fall. Julian didn’t pause. He pulled me into it, backing me against the rough brick wall of the building.
“This,” he said, rainwater catching on his eyelashes, “is where you belong. With me.”
The rain soaked through my thin dress, plastering it to my skin. “Let’s go to our apartment,” he said.
He called itourapartment, but it was the top three floors of a converted factory. He’d told me he was housesitting for a friend for free when I’d asked about the price. Sneaky ass. The door had barely shut behind us when he pinned me against it.
“Tell me you want me,” he demanded.
“I want you,” I whispered.
The last of his restraint snapped. He pushed me against the door hard enough to make the wood groan. He growled low and crashed his mouth down on mine, his tongue claiming me like Iwas the last thing he’d ever taste. I clung to him, like if I let go, I might shatter.
“Fuck, I’ve missed you. You can’t leave me again,” he whispered, his hands sliding down to grip my ass. He lifted my leg, guiding it around his waist. He rolled his hips against mine, and the thin fabric of my dress couldn’t hide the heat. I gasped, nails digging into his shoulders as he marked my throat with his teeth.
His hands moved fast, unbuttoning his jeans and discarding my panties. Cool air brushed my skin, but his touch was fire. When his fingers slid through my folds, I whimpered.
“Fuck,” he groaned. “You’re so wet for me.”
He positioned himself and pushed in inch by inch, splitting me open. My walls stretched around him. He felt so good—thick, deep, perfect. When he bottomed out, I couldn’t breathe. He began to thrust, every hit bouncing me against the door.
“Cum for me, Elara,” he growled, his fingers finding my clit and rubbing in tight, relentless circles. “I need you to cum before I do.”
I shattered. My body convulsed, walls pulsing around him as my orgasm ripped through me. He jerked, groaned, and followed me over the edge.
Then he pulled out, slow, and caught the mess sliding down my thigh with his fingers. Brought them to my lips like it was a communion.
“Taste us,” he said, voice scraped raw.
I opened my mouth and sucked his fingers clean, staring him down.
I smirked. “Round two?”
“You’re gonna kill me,” he said.
“Then die well.”
His laugh was deep as he pulled me toward the bedroom before I could answer.
Chapter 12
Elara
When Monday morning arrived, my body still ached in places only Julian ever reached. The rain-soaked heat of last night kept replaying every time I blinked. A deep ache sat low in my belly—and lower still. I was exhausted. When I woke up, Julian was already gone. I’d expected to have to kick him out; I won’t lie and say it didn’t feel wrong.
Off-balance. Backward.
I was usually the one slipping out before sunrise. I didn't want to think about the implications of that feeling, so I shook it away. I needed to concentrate. He already had me arriving at work late.
I took the elevator to the 30th floor of the high-rise—we owned everything from 25 up. The moment I stepped onto the executive floor, I felt the shift. The air was thick with a tense, weird energy. Employees I’d known for years offered only tight smiles before practically scurrying away. My assistant Mira’s desk was empty.
