Page 34 of King

King’s expression darkened again, his fingers brushing against the faint discoloration with surprising gentleness. “Amara, that should’ve healed by now.” His thumb skimmed over the spot, his touch light but deliberate. “Does it hurt?”

She shook her head, swallowing hard. Her chest felt tight as she looked up at him, her pulse quickening under his intense scrutiny. In his eyes, she saw more than concern—something deeper that made her stomach flutter.

No man had ever looked at her like this, as if she was the most important thing in the world. Her heart beat wildly, and for a fleeting moment, the chaos and destruction around them faded. She wasn’t sure what to say or do. All she knew was that standing here, with him, she felt safer than she ever had.

As if her body had a mind of its own, Amara reached up, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as she pulled him toward her. Their lips met in a kiss that started slow and tentative but quickly ignited into something raw and urgent, as though they had both been starving for this moment.

King responded instantly, his hands sliding to her waist, pulling her closer. His large frame pressed her gently but firmly against the wall. His movements were controlled despite the fire between them. Amara felt herself giving in completely, her body arching into him as her legs instinctively wrapped around his hips, climbing up his powerful form as if she belonged there.

Her hands tangled in his thick, dark hair, her fingers gripping as if to anchor herself. His hands shifted to her ass, holdingher securely, his strength overwhelming but safe. The kiss deepened, their breath mingling as the heat between them grew unbearable.

A low, husky moan escaped her lips as King broke the kiss, his mouth grazing her jaw. “Amara,” he murmured, his voice a deep rasp, heavy with need and restraint.

Her heart raced, her skin burning under his touch. But as the moment lingered, reality crashed back in, and a wave of embarrassment washed over her.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, her voice trembling. She tried to pull away, her hands pushing at his shoulders, her legs loosening their grip around him. “I shouldn’t have?—”

“Stop,” King ordered, his tone hard yet not unkind.

Her struggles ceased immediately, her wide eyes locking with his. His grip on her didn’t falter, holding her securely as though he could sense she might run if he let go.

“Do not apologize,” he said, his voice softening but still laced with intensity. His eyes burned into hers, a storm of emotions swirling within them. “You have nothing to be sorry for. Nothing.”

Amara’s breath hitched, her cheeks flushing. “I shouldn’t have...done that.”

A sexy, confident smile curved King’s lips, his golden eyes glinting with mischief. “Yeah, you most certainly should have done...that,” he teased, his voice deep and smooth. But just as quickly, his expression shifted, his tone turning serious as he continued, “But listen to me, Amara. I’ve never taken advantage of a woman in my life, and I’m not about to start now, especiallynot with you. You’re dealing with a lot of emotions, stress, everything. This... this moment? It’s not about what we want. It’s about timing.”

Amara’s frown deepened, a spark of irritation flaring inside her. She stepped back slightly, crossing her arms over her chest. “I’m not a little girl, King,” she said firmly, her tone laced with defiance.

“No, you most certainly are not,” he replied, his gaze burning down her body and then back to her eyes. “But you’ve been through hell, Amara. You’re running on fumes, physically, mentally and emotionally. And I refuse to be the guy who takes advantage of that.”

Her eyes narrowed, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “I’m not some fragile doll, King. I know what I feel, and I know what I want.”

King held up his hands, his expression softening. “You’re right. You’re not fragile, and I’d never think that about you. You’re one of the strongest women I’ve ever met.” He stepped closer, his towering frame somehow comforting rather than intimidating. “As much as it fucking kills me to say...right now is not the right time.”

Amara wanted to scream in frustration, but King’s words, frustrating as they were, began cutting through the haze of lust clouding her judgment. Damn it, he was making sense, and she hated that he was right. Still, the sting to her pride lingered. She knew she wasn’t at her best right now. She was too thin, pale, and far from the vibrant woman she once was. When she got herself back together, gained some weight, and put a little effort into her appearance, he’d regret turning her down. That thought alone gave her a slight boost of confidence.

“Fine,” she muttered with a sharp nod, trying to brush past him and put some distance between them. But King wasn’t ready to let her go.

Before she could move, his hand gently caught her arm, halting her. He leaned down, his lips brushing against her ear as he spoke in a low, raspy tone that sent shivers racing down her spine. “Never doubt for a second that I don’t want you, Amara,” he whispered, his hot breath grazing her skin. “Because when the time is right, Iwillhave you... all of you.”

Her breath hitched, and she swallowed hard, her heartbeat thundering in her chest. She tilted her head to meet his gaze and saw nothing but raw, undeniable truth burning in his eyes. He wanted her just as much as she wanted him.

The world around her seemed to fade away for a moment, leaving only the two of them locked in this heated exchange. But before she could respond or do something reckless like kiss him again, he pulled back slightly, his intense gaze softening just a fraction.

“Go downstairs and eat,” he said, nudging her gently toward the stairs. His voice was firm, but there was an edge to it, as though he was trying to control himself. “I need a minute to get myself under control.”

Amara blinked, confused for a second, until she glanced down and noticed the unmistakable bulge pressing against the front of his jeans. Heat rushed to her cheeks as her face flushed crimson, her mouth falling open slightly in surprise. King, however, didn’t bother trying to hide it. Instead, he smirked, his lips curving into a wickedly sexy grin. To top it off, he gave her a playful wink that only made her blush harder.

Mortified but secretly delighted, she spun on her heel and hurried down the hallway, her heart racing. She could feel his gaze on her back as she went, and despite herself, a small, satisfied smile tugged at her lips. If nothing else, at least she knew one thing for sure now: the sexual tension between them wasn’t one-sided.

CHAPTER 17

Sloan stood at the fax machine, glaring at it like it had personally insulted him. It was six in the goddamn morning, and this useless piece of shit wasn’t cooperating. He pressed one button, then another, and the damn thing beeped and clicked in a way that sounded almost mocking. “Fuck you,” he growled under his breath, smacking the machine twice in quick succession.

The machine beeped indignantly, but nothing happened. Of course. Sloan was about one more failed attempt away from tearing the thing apart with his bare hands when he heard the door to his office open. He sighed heavily, not bothering to turn around.

“I’m not in the fucking mood,” he snapped. Whoever it was could either leave him alone or deal with his temper.

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