Page 113 of Enthrall Shadows
My company would see a CEO returning with a healthier attitude. Being a Cole carried a heavy responsibility. Now, I could envision not having to endure that future alone.
Still, we needed more time before the press discovered Lotte—or, more specifically, her profession. I could protect her from that only to an extent. Keeping her a secret for as long as possible was the wisest decision.
I paused for a second, considering whether to discuss what had happened between us a few hours ago.
She glanced back at me with concern. “Everything okay?”
Let her say it first.
Say that it meant something to her.
She came closer and rested a hand on my forearm. “We’re here to reunite you with a good friend. Let’s get you there.”
“I’ve waited decades,” I bit out. “Now we’re on my clock.”
“Good for you,” she said, glancing back the way we’d come.
“Tell me what’s on your mind?”
She hesitated, looking uncertain.
“Say it,” I demanded.
She let out a sigh, “The thought of never kissing you ever again…”
I lowered my shoulder to rid myself of the rucksack. It slid off my arm, landing heavily on the ground.
“I respect that’s how things need to go,” she said. “I’m mature enough—”
“No, you don’t.” I nudged her backwards toward a tree.
She was visibly shaking. “You have this way of making me say things.”
“Need me to show you what that meant?” I towered over her, pinning her against the tree. “You and me, back there?”
She peered up. “Being here is not about me.”
“It is.” I rested my hand against her throat possessively. “It is now.”
We could navigate anything because we were smart enough to make this work.
We could hide our affair.
A woman like this could handle secrets.
She met my gaze. “I hate wanting you this much.”
Sliding my hand down her pants, I cupped her pussy, pressing that delicate nub, massaging it with the tip of a finger.
Her jaw slackened and she moaned softly.
She gripped my forearms, her fingernails digging into my sleeves and sending another surge of arousal coursing through me.
“We have something that deserves to be protected,” I whispered.
“Yes.” Her tone sounded uncertain.
Leaning in, I nuzzled into her neck and breathed in her soft scent before gliding my lips along her jawbone and cheek until I reached her mouth, hers opening wide to greet mine.
