Page 25 of Corrupt Desires

I agreed to go on a date with James, but after last night, all I’m craving is for him to take me back to bed.Stop thinking with your pussy, woman.

Realizing I have no pajamas left, I head over to James’s side of the room and dig through his drawers. Throwing on a pair of boxer briefs and a T-shirt—holy hell this is comfortable and smells just like him—I make my way downstairs.

Rounding the corner into the kitchen, I see James standing at the long counter, pulling toast from the toaster. Leaning against the door frame, I watch him move around the kitchen, plating our food. He’s dressed business casual today in a pair of black slacks and a light grey button down shirt, the sleeves rolled up almost to his elbows. Watching as the shirt hugs his frame, I can see his muscles ripple with every movement he makes.

Finally turning toward me to bring the food to the island, James abruptly stops when he sees me leaning in the entryway.

“Damn, Emilia, you look good in my shirt. You make me want to forget about breakfast and eat something else, love.”

My cheeks blush crimson under his scrutiny, but I play it off. Huffing the hair out of my face, I make my way to the island and sit on one of the tall stools. This man is such a dirty talker, and I’m finding that I thoroughly enjoy it.

“Well, as flattered as I am, I’m starving. What did you make?”

He continues to the island and sets my plate in front of me. Breakfast today consists of avocado toast topped with a poached egg, two slices of bacon, and a small side of fresh fruit.

“This looks delicious, James. Thank you for this.” I pick up my fork, and as I’m about to stab a strawberry, I feel his gaze burning into me. Lifting my eyes, I’m met with a hungry stare. If a look alone could light me up, I’d be on fire by now. The way he’s undressing me with his eyes has my body reacting in ways that make me clench my thighs together.

“Yes, Emilia, breakfast does look delicious,” he all but growls at me.

My nipples instantly harden, and I feel the evidence of my arousal pooling in the briefs I’m wearing.I’m not so sure we’re talking about the food anymore…

Stabbing my strawberry, I point my fork at the man across from me who looks like he’s ten seconds away from leaping over the island and ravaging me.

“As much as I would enjoy that, we need to talk.”

“What is there to talk about, love? I thought we said our peace last night.” He slowly stalks around the island, the food long forgotten.

Stopping just next to me, he leans his head down, smelling my hair before sweeping it behind my ear and leaning in close. “You smell so fucking good. Do you know what you do to me? Just your scent alone is enough to drive me wild. I so badly want to take you right here, worship that sweet pussy of yours, and watch you come undone on my tongue.”

My cheeks flush with heat as my traitorous body leans into his touch, a shiver of anticipation racing down my spine.No, no, no. I need to think clearly. Groaning, I lean back and push him away gently.

“Don’t distract me,cabrón. We need to talk.”

“I love when you call me names, my little spitfire.”

“Seriously, James. Can you focus for two minutes?!”

“OK, OK, fine. I’ll go back to my side of the island.”

James walks around the island, hands held in surrender and a slight smirk to his lips. Damn that frustrating man.

“Let’s be serious for two minutes, OK,” I plead, hoping he can see the seriousness in my eyes.

He takes in my face, analyzing my expression and my tone. His demeanor completely changes, the lawyer in him coming front and center.

“Please, proceed.”

“Thank you.” I exhale a pent up breath, suddenly feeling nervous with his focused gaze upon me.

“I know the past couple years I haven’t exactly been sunshine and rainbows with you. I thought… it doesn’t matter what I thought, actually. I just want to say I’m sorry. You don’t deserve the way I treated you, and I so wish I could take it all back, but I can’t. The only thing I can do now is work on the present and this relationship.”

His lips twitch like he’s fighting a smile, but I don’t stop. “And before you say anything…” His eyes light with mischief. “I know it won’t be easy, and we have a lot to learn about one another, but I’m willing to if you are as well.”

He’s silent, too silent, and I lower my eyes, starting to feel embarrassed that he isn’t saying anything. I hear him walk around the island and spot his feet beside my chair as I look down.

I feel his warm hand on my chin, and he tugs my face up to meet his eyes.

“Emilia. You didn’t need to apologize to me, but I accept it. I love your fire, your sass, and your stubbornness. I don’t want you to ever lose it. Don’t get me wrong, I love this new, vulnerable side I’m seeing of you just as much, but down to your core, you’re all fire and brimstone, love. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

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