“And I wouldn’t want you to let me go.”
This is sentimental in our own way.
“If you’re sure.”
I nod as I thread his belt out of the loops with firmness and confidence. Walking backward, the back of my knees hit the edge of the bed, and I sink down, our eyes staying intact. I quickly discard my dress while he undresses.We meet right by the headboard.
Slowly with purpose, I lie down and stretch my arms over my head against the pillow. He loops the belt around the bars of the headboard, bringing it through to bind me tightly, and I flinch slightly.
We hold our gaze and get lost in one another’s eyes.
"Safe word," he reminds me.
“I trust you.”
His thumb does that thing where he caresses my cheek, so delicately, reminding me of the soft side of him that is overflowing with care.
“You may be tied up right now, but I want to make love to you long and slow.”
My heart blooms from his wish. I thought for sure he would take the opportunity to fuck me hard for lost time.
“Deep, too,” I add with a half-smile, and he has a crookedgrin. I want him to make me come undone. He has the power to do that.
He kisses me again before he plants his forearm on the mattress next to my head, and his other hand travels along my body, moving lower. “Whatever you desire, you get.”
His heart.
That’s what I desired.
And it’s what I already have.
31
SAVANNAH
I’m not sure I appreciate that Julian is trying not to sputter a laugh as I stand before him in his office. As silly as it may be, I want to do it my way, even if it is only mental gratification.
He leans casually against his desk with his arms crossed and his closed mouth stretched to one side. It’s that swagger in him that displays he is waiting for me to take the lead.
I glare at him to get it together,ignoring any temptation to veer off course.
“Mr. Haven, I respectfullyresign. That is not the same as quitting.”
“Right. It’s the classy way of quitting, basically.” Is he doing this to rile me, or is this Julian being serious? For once, I’m not sure of his humor level of the day.
“Well, I’m a classy lady.” My palm flies up to stop him as his mouth is about to open. “Except quitting that one time, which does it count? Because there were extenuating circumstances.” My voice entwines with a question. “Anyway, I resign, which means you will need to find a replacement for me, and I will no longer be reporting to you.”
“No. You’ll be under me,” he retorts.
I roll my eyes, but I feel the droll smile on my mouth.
He pushes away from his desk and takes a few steps in my direction. Always a dangerous move. Only made worse when his hands lightly take hold of my upper arms. “I don’t accept your resignation.”
“You have to. We can’t maintain our professional dynamic this way. Too many gray areas, and I really don’t want to be in a foul mood when I’m cooking you bacon for breakfast, all because you forgot to read your very organized calendar.”
The corner of his mouth turns up into a soft, comforting smile. “You are staying in your role, and I’m promoting you.”
My body sinks into exhaustion. “No. No. No, you are not. That makes it even worse. That screams that I’m sleeping with the boss and got my role. So not a solution.”
