Page 55 of Fallen Hearts

Sure. Where are you?

Right outside your door.

19

PIA

Are we talking about the intense chemistry between us that had me wanting to toss you on my bed this morning, not giving a fuck if I was your boss?

I hadn’t been able to think about anything else for the rest of the night.

That was exactly what I’d wanted to talk about, figuring to clear the air and address the elephant in the room. Because he took up more and more space in my mind every day. Tonight it had gotten to the point that even breathing normally had become difficult around him.

Not giving a fuck if I was your boss…

With every step toward the house, the urge not to let it drop became stronger, especially strange since I’d done a great job of avoiding eye contact with him since he’d said that to me. Of course, it had been pretty easy when he took off, surprising me less than my companions.

By the time I passed his bedroom, my fingers itched to text him. The second I hit send, I’d wanted to take it back. Sort of.

The door opened.

He wore boxers and a T-shirt and an expression that was easy to read.

“I agree we should talk,” he said, his voice low and husky. “But now probably isn’t a good time.”

Of course it wasn’t. What had I been thinking? “You’re right,” I said, taking a step back.

With a sound in his throat that was part groan and part guttural growl, Mason’s hand shot out and grabbed my arm, stopping me from backing away any farther.

He pulled me into his room, slammed the door closed and pushed me up against it. Surely he could hear my heart hammering as he grabbed both of my wrists and pinned them above my head. The authority with which he moved… his intentions, which were quite clear… seeing Mason lose control, something he did rarely… It was all too much.

“Mason.”

The word sounded strangled to my own ears. It was desperate and pleading but filled with pent-up longing and a need to know what a kiss from this man would be like.

He filled the remaining space between us with his body, Mason’s chest now touching mine. His hand gripped my wrists so easily that, even if I tugged to pull them away—which I didn’t—they wouldn’t budge. So much power and strength…

“Tell me to stop, Pia.”

As if I’d do such a thing. I met his eyes, defiant.

“I am your boss. This isn’t right.”

It felt right to me. My chin lifted, but I said nothing.

“Pia,” he warned, and I could tell it would be my last warning.

Good.

Mason’s other hand moved to my face. Gripping my chin with his strong fingers, he held me in place. He wanted to dominate me?

Fine.

Kiss me?

More than fine.

But if Mason wanted me to stop this, he was in for a rude awakening. Every nerve ending in my body was ready for this kiss.

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