RIDE OF T

Arianna Blake's pulse hammerin

he epitome of danger in a tailored suit. Every step he

clicking against the marble floor, b

f straightened, some glancing openly, others p

agnetic, suffocating, a

cars humming softly, streetlights casting long shadows

aid, voice smooth

led rich and intoxicating, almost like him. He circled to the driver's side with that effor

t with meticulous precision, pretending she was composed. Dam

arting the engine, low and even, eyes flicking t

aight. "I'm sure we have plenty to discuss," she said lightly, keeping her v

gearshift as if it were an extension of himself. "Oh, I don't mean wor

flinch. "You're bold," she said, vo

e replied smoothly. "I pla

distance, sirens wailing faintly. The confined space of the car made

ght... That corner, the wall, the almost-kiss... te

but her heartbeat betrayed her. "It's... a memory,

her skin. "Ah... yet here we are, together aga

ofessional mask firmly in pla

mused, "is rarely

space to circle one another verbally, testing limits, probing defenses. His presence was overwhelming, magneti

ly above a whisper, "but I assure you I'm on

htly away from the intensity, careful.

crossed his face. "More than you imagine," he sai

, the sun had dipped, leaving long streaks of ambe

urs at this rate. I can either let us linger in gridlock, or

d an eyebrow.

ill respect boundaries. Separate rooms, you'll have privacy, but..." His ga

n taking a taxi home but something in the way he looked at her, the dominance, the obsessi

dy though her stomach flutter

though he had alread

ty. Damien arranged for two rooms, one for him, one for her, just as he promised. Sh

n her laptop, emails, anything to distract herself from the mem

t knock at the door. Arian

from outside, velvet a

fore replying, v

ly, presence fi

word unnecessary. Just him,

, watching, assessing, ta

almost a warning. "But I had

. She straightened.

g closer. "I like my obs

something more dangerous than either had anticipated. He lean

pulse racing. "

ge of her desk as if it were an extension of her space, his intr

iet words, teasing touches enough to unra

nna with a pulse racing too fast, mind too

he bed: a dress. Polished, perfect, professionally seductive. He had sent it already

ng, realizing the depth of his obse

intoxicating truth: Damien Hart wasn't just interested, he wa