Page 119 of King of Pride

No matter what she wanted, he somehow always managed to make her give in to him.

She glared at him, but it had absolutely no effect.

Finally, she marched around his desk.

Maverick barely had time to lift an eyebrow before Rose grabbed the back of his chair, turned it slightly, and settled herself onto his lap.

His hands immediately came to her waist, steadying her before she could lose her balance. His grip tightened as he pulled her closer, while Rose slipped her arms around him, one hand resting at the back of his head and the other gently caressing his cheek.

“Maverick,” she murmured sweetly, “I want to go home. I need to get some rest before we play in bed tonight. How are we supposed to enjoy ourselves if I'm exhausted and fall asleep before you even get home?”

His eyes shifted.

The darkening look in them told Rose she'd hit exactly the right spot.

She fought back a smile.

She was beginning to realize just how easy it was to get her stubborn husband to give in when she knew exactly how to tease him. And, perhaps more dangerously, she was starting to enjoy it.

Rose leaned closer and pressed a soft kiss to the corner of his mouth.

“I’m just going to go home and rest,” she whispered, her fingers brushing gently over his cheek. “Then I need to get ready for bed. You remember that red lingerie you bought me last weekend? I think it’s about time I finally wore it for you.”

She paused, watching his reaction with a mischievous smile.

“And then I need to see if I can get on my knees while I’m wearing it.”

Maverick’s gaze immediately sharpened.

Rose smiled innocently, as though she hadn’t just said anything provocative.

“I really want us to have a nice time tonight,” she continued softly. “I don’t think my knees are going to cooperate if I don’t let them rest before all the exercises we have planned.”

That was enough.

Maverick’s hand tightened around her waist and pulled her closer. His mouth covered hers before she could say another word.

The kiss quickly deepened, his lips moving against hers until Rose’s fingers curled into the back of his hair. When his mouth finally left hers, it moved along her neck, making her breath catch—

The office door suddenly swung open and footsteps echoed across the room.

Rose shot out of Maverick's lap so quickly that she nearly stumbled.

Her entire face turned bright red as she stood beside his desk, staring toward the doorway in complete embarrassment and shock.

Maverick's eyes lifted toward the doorway, and the irritation that had been building in his expression sharpened when he saw Lucious walk in.

His jaw tightened, and for a moment, it looked as though he was about to snap at him.

Lucious looked between them, then raised an eyebrow.

“Did I come at a bad time?” A faint, amused smile tugged at his mouth. “I can come back later.”

“No.” Rose's face was already burning. “I-I'm leaving.”

She didn't wait for either man to respond. She hurried toward the door, but just before stepping out, she glanced back at Maverick.

“I’m going home.”