Page 47 of Inferno

“Okay,” I agree, nodding.

“Perfect. I’ll be here waiting for you.”

“Okay.” I nod again.

“Kiss me, then go to work,” he says, arching his eyebrow, his lips curved into a smug grin.

Unfastening my seat belt, I lean across the console and gently press my lips to his. Instead of keeping things chaste, his large hand curls around my neck, positioning me where he wants me as he deepens the kiss.

His mouth moves against mine, his tongue teasing me until I’m breathless and all of my conflicting thoughts are soothed and quieted. The silence is peaceful, and I’m grateful. When he starts to pull back, I press into him, not ready for this to end, and his pained sigh reassures me that he doesn’t want this to be over either.

“God, Kitten, I want you so much,” he rasps, his voice low and deliciously gruff.

I have no idea where the sound comes from, but I giggle.

His expression turns heated, and he slides his fingers down my jaw until he’s collaring my neck, his hand a necklace around my throat.

“Jesus, Boy, you tempt me. Go to work before I take you home with me.”

“Okay,” I say, swallowing and feeling his fingers tighten against my Adam’s apple. “I like it when you hold me like this,” I admit, then cringe, wondering if I sound pathetic or weird.

“You like my hand on your throat?” he asks, but it sounds like a rhetorical question, so I stay quiet.

“I like it too. I like the way you press into it, like you’re giving me permission to hold your breath in my palm. I like it a lot, Kitten.”

His voice is like liquid lust, igniting my body. My dick is hard, and if I’m not careful, I’m going to end up making a mess…again.

“Anders,” I whine.

His soft chuckle only makes everything harder.

“Go to work, Kitten. Have a great day, I’ll see you later.”

Despite his words, he doesn’t let me go immediately, and I don’t pull away, enjoying every moment beneath his touch. Sighing sadly, he unfurls his fingers and slides his hand down until it falls free of my neck.

Cold air replaces his warm skin, breaking the spell enough that I blink back to the present. “See you later,” I whisper.

“Be good,” he warns as I turn and open the car door, slipping out into the brisk morning air.

I don’t turn back to look at him as I walk into the garage. If I allow myself to turn around, I’ll either be hurt if he’s left or potentially run back to him if he’s still there.

My thoughts are filled with Anders until Parker arrives. She’s visibly distressed, and when she explains the new game she and Danny are playing, it distracts me enough to make it through the day without torturing myself by overthinking.

I’m equal parts excited and scared when six p.m. rolls around. After saying goodbye, Parker leaves, but I take my time tidying my workspace and grabbing my backpack before I make my way outside.

Just like he said he would be, Anders’s car is parked at the curb with him sitting in the driver’s seat. He’s dressed in a tight T-shirt that hugs his muscles in a deliciously tempting way, making my fingers tingle with the desire to touch him.

The moment he spots me, he lazily climbs out of the car, his long, languid limbs moving with effortless grace as he strides toward me.

“God, Kitten, I missed you,” he rasps, cupping my jaw with his hand as he leans down and kisses me.

I’m not short, but Anders is so much taller than me that he makes me feel almost dainty in comparison. A part of me thinks I should feel emasculated by our height difference, but insteadthe disparity in our stature only makes me feel protected and safe.

“Come on, I can’t wait to get you home,” he rasps, grabbing my hand and dragging me to his car.

Instead of lingering, he reaches over me and fastens my seat belt, then jogs to the driver’s side, pulling away from the curb the moment he’s inside. Tension fills the car, but I can’t think of anything to say to alleviate it.

“Is everything okay?” I finally ask after several, painfully quiet minutes.

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