Page 56 of Rules

"Tobias?" Ruth's voice sounds distant, like I'm underwater. She takes a step closer, dark red-painted lips forming my name again. "Tobias? Are you okay?"

"Ah, yeah," I manage, my voice embarrassingly hoarse.

Her soft giggle only intensifies my predicament. "Are you sure? You didn't respond when I said your name, and I think I saw you drool."

***

Ruth

I debated long and hard about taking the girls' advice on getting a new outfit, bra, and lipstick. The entire ensemble feels like armor for a battle. But since that's exactly what I'm about to engage in, I might as well play to win. The underwire bra is uncomfortable as hell, but now watching Tobias try desperately not to stare at my chest makes every pinch worth it. And these boots? A stroke of genius, judging by his reaction.

The glazed look in his eyes and the telltale bulge in his uniform pants tell me everything I need to know. I've won this battle. Well, at least the element of surprise. And I'm definitely on the right track. I've decided I want this man, and if that means starting as friends with benefits, so be it. I've had enough of this dance without it going anywhere. I've let my boots and bra do the declaring for me.

"Are you off duty?" I ask innocently, crossing my arms under my chest to create even more cleavage. His eyes dart from my face to my breasts and back again, like he's afraid of being caught looking. His breaths come more frequently.

"Who?" He shakes his head slightly, blinking hard. "Is it closing time?"

"Yes." The word barely leaves my lips before he's in motion, walking to the front door with purpose. My heart races as he flips the lock and turns the "Open" sign around.

He just locked us in together. The thought sends a thrill through me. Please let this be for something physical and not another lecture about why we can't be together. Please.

Without looking in my direction, Tobias strides toward the back room, methodically weaving around the plant stand andcenter display table. I hesitate, unsure if I should follow, but when he doesn't return after a moment, I make my decision.

The back room is suspiciously empty when I enter. "Tobias?" I call softly, taking a few cautious steps forward.

"Explain something to me." His deep voice from behind startles me. I whirl around to find him leaning against the wall next to the door, arms crossed over his broad chest, eyes dark with something that sends shivers down my spine.

"I'll try," I manage, suddenly breathless.

"What in the living hell are you thinking, allowing males to see you in that outfit?" His voice is a low growl, his eyes laser focused on mine. "When you turn, I can see your entire thigh. And those fucking boots..."

"I thought I would try a new look," I say, feigning innocence. "You don't like it?"

"Oh, I like it, believe me I like it." He takes a step closer. The intensity in his eyes nearly buckles my knees. "I just don't want anyone else to like it."

I take a step closer, my heart hammering against my ribs. "Tobias," I whisper. "What does that mean?"

In a swift, fluid motion that takes my breath away, Tobias closes the distance between us. His chest presses against mine, solid and warm. I tilt my head back to meet his gaze, finding his eyes dark with hunger, as he engulfs me in his arms.

"What it means is, that outfit is too fucking hot for you to be wearing to work," he says, his voice deeper than I've ever heard it.

I summon my courage, letting my lips curve into a coy smile. "I can take it off, if you like."

His mouth captures mine before the last word fully leaves my lips. One powerful arm wraps around my waist while the other encircles my shoulders, pulling me tightly against him. Our tongues meet with an urgency that makes me dizzy, exploringeach other like we've been waiting lifetimes for this moment. Man, I'm grateful I've been chewing peppermint gum all day.

Tobias opens his mouth wider, inviting me deeper, and I follow without hesitation. I can feel his desire, his need echoing my own. His hand slides from my waist to my ass, squeezing firmly before delivering a light swat that pulls a surprised moan from my throat.

That small sound seems to unleash something primal in him. He repeats the motion, each gentle swat punctuating his words. "Next time—"swat"—I see you in this outfit at work—"swat"—I'll put you over your desk and spank your bare ass."swat

He breaks the kiss just long enough to deliver his warning before claiming my mouth again, harder and more demanding than before.

"Promise?" I murmur against his lips, surprising myself with my boldness.

"Girl—" Another swat, slightly firmer. "You do not—"swat"Want to tempt me."swat

These last few are harder, but the sting is delicious rather than painful, gone almost the moment it registers. For all his strength and intensity, I know instinctively that Tobias would never truly hurt me. His muscles may be impressive for a man his age, but it's the control behind them that makes me feel safe even as he dominates me.

His hand moves back to my waist while the other finds my breast. The ache between my legs intensifies to something I've never experienced. A hunger so profound it feels like a physical need. I want this man naked and inside me with an urgency that makes me reckless.

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