I frown. “Don’t say it like that. You make it sound gross, like I forced myself on you, when we both know the reality was quite different.”
She gazes up at me, eyes wide. “Whatever do you mean?” Her voice comes out low and breathy, and despite myself, heat curls through me. Somehow, I’m both angryandturned on by this innocent little act, and all I can think about is throwing her across my knees to spank her perfect ass. To show her she can’t get away with talking to me like that.
“I mean,”—I lean in close, speaking through gritted teeth—“you were begging for it, Cupcake, and you were on your knees before I could stop you.”
Her breath rushes out hard. My pulse thrums as we stare at each other for a long beat, the air between us crackling with tension. I can’t stop my gaze from falling to her mouth, remembering how soft those lips felt on mine. Wondering what she’d do if I kissed her.
Then I catch myself, wrenching my gaze away. Reminding myself she’s John’s daughter. That my career is on the line.
“You think Iwantto be working with you?” she hisses.
“Forme,” I say, feeling the need to remind both her and myself who’s really in charge here. When I glance back, her jaw tightens even more.
“Trust me,” she spits, “you’re thelastperson I want to be working for. You’re nothing like—” she cuts herself off abruptly and, with a shake of her head, turns to look out the window.
My heart thumps as I stare at the back of her head.Nothing like what?I want to ask. Like the person she met at Marco’s? Because I’ve been having the same thought about her. She was so different at that bar. A little lost, sure, but sweet. Not at all likethe brat she’s been since she stepped into my office; storming off to her father, refusing to use the calendar, throwing my coffee in the trash in a huff.
“So, quit,” I challenge her. “If you don’t want to work for me, tell your father you’ll find another job.”
When her eyes return to mine, something sad swims in their depths. “I can’t.”
“Why on earth not?”
“It’s…” A long breath gusts out of her. “It’s not that simple.”
I shake my head. Why is she doing this? If she hates this situation as much as I do, why won’t she do something about it? Save us both the trouble?
She folds her arms and looks away, chin lifted in that stubborn little tilt that makes me want to shake her. Or kiss her.
Frustration rises hot inside me. I should be thinking about a way to get this studio project over and done with, not arguing with Iris.
Not imagining what my handprint would look like on her ass.
“Most women your age are out there making things happen for themselves,” I mutter. “Not leaning on Daddy to fix their problems.”
Her mouth pops open, color draining from her face before rushing back in a fierce flush. It sounded harsher than I intended, but maybe it’s for the best. Maybe it’s what she needs to hear.
“I don’t need this,” she mutters, leaning forward to ask the driver to pull over. “I can walk back to the office from here, thanks.”
And with that, she steps from the car and slams the door.
10
IRIS
As I stalk away from the Uber, I’m fuming. How dare he say that? There’s only one person who gets away with talking to me like that: my father. Because that’s what he’s always done.
And I’ve always hated it.
I sigh as I turn onto Fruit Street. Pin oak and ginkgo trees stretch like skeletons toward the gray sky, and I pull my coat tighter in the freezing air.
This week has gone from disaster to absolute shitshow. I thought working for Dad would be my problem, but somehow Aidan isworse. Uptight. Unforgiving. Andinfuriating.
Not to mention infuriatingly handsome. There must be something seriously wrong with me, because I can’t stop noticing things I shouldn’t, like his warm, spicy cologne, the low rumble of his voice. Even his glares are hot. My heart jumps whenever he looks at me, even when it’s with disapproval. Especially when it’s with disapproval.
And Ican’tstop thinking about that moment we stole together at Marco’s. The way his hand gripped my hair as he fucked my mouth, like he was done being nice and wanted to berough, but wasn’t sure if I’d like it. Maybe that brutal side has been there all along.
Because he’s damn brutal now. Cutting me down at every turn. Telling Dad I’m not capable. Threatening to fire me. The man has been nothing but awful since I showed up at the firm.
