Page 84 of King of Pride

In the next breath, Maverick caught her arm and pulled her back.

Rose fell onto the mattress, her head landing against the pillow. Before she could recover, he was above her, bracing himself over her and leaving her completely trapped beneath him.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

Rose suddenly became painfully aware of how close he was. Her body tensed, yet a strange electricity ran through her at the same time. She swallowed hard.

“I have work,” she whispered. “I need to meet with a company about a new perfume’s launch.”

Maverick barely seemed to hear her.

His gaze lingered on her face before drifting briefly toward her neck and the edge of the sheet covering her. The unmistakable hunger in his eyes made Rose’s breath catch.

Then his gaze returned to hers.

“Why are you in such a hurry?” he murmured. “There’s still plenty of time. It’s only six in the morning.”

Before Rose could answer, he lowered his head and kissed her.

The kiss was brief but heated, leaving her momentarily breathless.

When he lifted his head again, his eyes remained fixed on hers.

“You should be careful when you tempt me like this,” he murmured, his breath warm against her skin. “I’m not known for having much restraint.”

Rose barely had time to process his words before he leaned down again, his lips brushing along her neck. A soft shiver ran through her, and whatever protest had been forming on her lips disappeared instantly.

Three hours later, Rose finally rushed down the stairs, dressed in her office clothes and already running late.

She hurried toward the door, grabbing her bag from the table.

Maverick followed behind her.

Just as she reached the entrance, he stepped into her path.

“Breakfast?”

“I don't have time right now,” Rose protested. “Maybe later. I'll just skip breakfast.”

“No.”

His answer was calm but firm.

He caught her gently by the arm and guided her toward the breakfast table. Then he picked up a sandwich, wrapped it in a napkin, and held it out to her.

“Eat.”

Rose took a reluctant bite, then immediately glanced toward the watch on her wrist.

“I’m getting late.”

“You’re already late.” He held the sandwich to her lips again. “Five more minutes aren’t going to make any difference.”

Rose sighed in defeat before finally opening her mouth and taking another bite.

His expression softened at once.

The pleased look that appeared on his face for something as simple as watching her eat made an unexpected warmth settle in her chest. For some reason, she liked seeing that expression on him. She liked knowing that she had pleased him, even if it was over something as insignificant as breakfast.