Page 23 of Far

“I don’t believe you.”

He shrugs. “You’re free to verify with him yourself.”

No chance. He would definitely win if it came to a fight.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me. I have work to do.” He turns away, waving his hand.

Did he just… Is he dismissing me? If anyone dismisses someone, it’s me dismissing him.

“You should come back another time. When my father is here, and people arearound.”

“People are around.” He points at me. “That reminds me. Say cheese.” The flash of his phone blinds me. “You really should be more careful.”

“Did you just take a photo of me?” I blink, dumbfounded and confused.

“Documentation.”

“Show me some kind of proof that you’re who you say you are, or I swear I will throw that thing.”

“Adorable.”

“Huh?”

“Throw it.”

“I… Why… Ugh. I will.”

“Do it.”

Is he crazy? I won’t throw it. What if I miss, and then I won’t have anything to defend myself? Nice try.

“Fine, I’ll go.” He raises his hands in mock surrender and backs away toward the door.

Just as I’m starting to relax, he closes the distance between us in two swift strides. I stumble back, and the paperweight falls to the ground while he catches my wrist, yanking me to his body.

“There’s no need to be afraid.” The man reaches up and lowers his hood, revealing a handsome face with chocolate brown eyes that hold mine captive. Tousled brown hair and a slow, deliberate smile that makes me melt despite the situation. At least he can’t be, you know who.

He pulls out his phone again, and I reflexively shut my eyes, not needing to be flashed again. But nothing happens. I peek at him with one eye.

His phone is turned to me, and on it, there is an email exchange with my father detailing a security breach and a request to help improve said security. For all I know, it could be fabricated.

And he’s too fucking close for my comfort. “Let me go.” I struggle against his grip.

He laughs softly, his breath hot against my cheek. “Didn’t your parents ever teach you not to trust strangers?”

His face is mere inches from mine, eyes searching. For what, I can’t say. I lick my lips, and his gaze drops to track the movement.

“What happens now?” I ask.

He walks me back, pinning my wrists above my head against the wall. I gasp as he tangles a hand into my hair, tugging it to tilt my head to meet his eyes.

Then his mouth is on mine, hungry and demanding. At first, I’m too shocked to respond, but then something within me awakens, and I open my mouth, letting his tongue slip in. He groans, the sound vibrating against my lips. The grip on my hair tightens, tugging my head back as he takes control of the kiss and I’m drowning in the taste of him, a heady mix of danger and desire.

He kisses me like a man possessed, like he’s been waiting for this moment, like he knows exactly how to unravel me. AndGod help me, I’m letting him while my mind screams at me to push him away.

Any rational thought has fled, replaced by pure sensation. The rough wall behind me, the heat of his body pressed against mine, and the slick slide of his tongue. I’m lost in him, in this moment.

A whimper escapes me as he nips at my bottom lip, soothing the sting with his tongue. My head is spinning, my knees weak. If he wasn’t holding me up, I’m certain I would collapse.

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