Page 76 of Matteo

“I’m sorry the world is so fucked up.” I almost reach out to touch her again, but don’t. This is going to be hard, restraining myself whenever I’m around her.

“I’m glad to hear it. Not all billionaires think like you.”

I stare at her, and my immediate instinct is to wrap my arms around her. To protect her and keep her safe. But she’d probably just kick me in the balls, because she’s tough, and she doesn’t need protecting.

Doesn’t mean I won’t. “Whatever happens between us is not going to affect that. We’ll keep things a secret.”

Her gaze dips to my lips. My cock stands to attention.

“I still want to kiss you,” I murmur, staring at her with longing.

She moves closer to me and slides her finger across my lips. I can’t help but note the perfect bow of her lips, and wonder what it would be like to kiss her delectable and seductive mouth.

“Then, kiss me.”

The words hit me like a juggernaut, and I almost think I've imagined them. Every coherent thought leaves my head as my pulse kicks hard against my ribs.

For the tiniest fraction of a second, I consider it, but then I pull away, hesitating. Her eyes are closed and her lips upturned. It's damn impossible to not obey her, but I don't want it to be like this. Not here.

Her eyes flutter open, confusion swirling around in her hazel irises. “What's wrong?”

I shake my head. “I don’t want our first kiss to be in a cold server room in a basement.”

She chuckles. “I don’t care where it is as long as no one finds out.”

I study her expression.

Her lips are slightly parted. Her cheeks are flushed. Her eyes are bright and fixed on mine, filled with anticipation. My insides are close to combusting. Blood courses through my veins, and my heart pounds like it’s trying to jump out of my chest.

The chemistry between us sizzles in the air, impossible to ignore.

“Matteo, come on. Just kiss me. We’re the only ones here. Everyone’s gone home.”

A few moments ago she'd been worried about being caught.

Now she's practically daring me.

I can't let her down, can I?

Even though I would have preferred a memorable location and setting, sometimes you just have to go with the flow. I lower my head and feel her warm, sweet breath fluttering across my skin.

My insides are going haywire.

The world closes in on me as I wrap my hands around her waist, reeling her closer. In response she lets out a soft mewl, one that speaks directly to my dick. I dip my head and lean forward, about to press my lips to her mouth when someone coughs.

We spring apart.

Joel gapes at us, looking sheepish.

“Sorry.” His gaze falls on Elizabeth. “I didn't realize you guys were still here.”

She moves away, flustered. “No, um ... yes. I was just checking the server logs.”

Me? I'm wondering what the hell Joel's doing here this late. He's usually one of the first to leave.

He shifts his weight.

“Alex asked me to verify one of the backup servers. The replication report was throwing warnings.”