Page 23 of King of Desire

I’m sleeping like shit, and I can’t concentrate at work.

Part of the reason we’re having this particular party is to wine and dine Dimitri Ivanov’s board of trustees to complete the hostile takeover.

I need a soft-spoken beauty on my arm who will charm the board as I wave the contracts under their nose. For that, Honeyeh is perfect. I adjust my jacket to hide my stiffening cock.

She runs her hand over the silk of the gown, the gentle slide of her fingers making me so tense, I clench my fist against my thigh. I want her hands sliding over me like that.

“I wouldn’t know what to do at an event like that.”

“I already know you can walk in heels. And wear a dress.” I move closer, drawing in her sweet scent, like nectar and summer flowers.

She’s studying the dress as she flattens the fabric with her hands. “I mean, how to talk to all those rich people.”

“Easy. Just answer any question generically.”

“What do you mean by that?” She lifts her head, her gray eyes studying mine as she worries her lip. God, I want to nibble on it too, taste the plump flesh.

“Ask me a question. One a stranger might ask at a party.”

She looks to the side like she’s thinking, and then she turns back to me. “What do you do for a living?”

I chuckle, because that’s an easy one. But I can see why she might think it’s difficult. “Some of this and that. I’m still finding myself.”

Her eyes light up and she lets out this giggle that sounds like the tinkling of a bell. It makes me warm inside, which should be like a flashing red light of warning to abort. I don’t.

“It’s that easy, huh?”

“You should follow up with something like,what about youortell me about yourself.”

She nods like this makes sense. “Right. I should always direct the conversation back at them.” Her eyes flit down to the dress again, her look growing pensive. “But also…” She pivots to face the desk, her chin dropping as she looks down at the dress.

Is she trying to put distance between us by turning away? Not happening.

I slide a touch closer until I’m almost touching her, and then I bring my hand to her hip. She tenses under my touch but doesn’t move. “What is it, Honeyeh?”

“I don’t know anything about dating either.”

That one stuns me for a second. “How’s that?”

“I don’t really…I mean, I’ve tried a few times, but I’ve never really…” She looks back at me over her shoulder, her cheeks pink.

I tighten my grip on her hip, fighting the urge to bring her ass back against my raging cock. “That’s fine. This isn’t a date, remember. It’s professional.”

“Right. It’s just, what if I don’t look natural? What if I’m awkward?”

Is that what she’s worried about? I’ve got a solution for that…. Bending down, I brush a light kiss across her temple, then wrap my other arm around her middle. “As long as you let me touch you like this, we’ll be completely convincing.”

“Oh,” she whispers, and I feel the shiver that runs down her body. Glancing over her shoulder, I catch a glimpse of her stiff nipples pushing against the fabric of her uniform. The sight of her nipples makes my whole body taut. No one is going to think we’re faking. The attraction between us sizzles through the air and my hands itch to undress her.

I actually hate seeing her in this dress, as good as it looks on her. I can’t wait to get new clothes for her.

She should be draped in silk and lace and designer labels that hug every curve.

“Why don’t you try on the dress? See how it fits? There are shoes in the bag as well.”

“How would you even know my size?” she asks, sounding the slightest bit breathless. Am I making her flustered? The idea fills me with satisfaction.

“Try it on and then you can ask…” Reluctantly, I take a step back, pointing toward the door to the bathroom I have attached to the office.

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