Page 23 of Devious Truth

“No.” I pause, taking a second to reconnect my manners to my mouth. “Thanks, but I can get in on my own.”

“Your shift starts at five; I’ll be here at four.”

“It’s the modern age. You need to learn to take no for an answer.” It would probably more effective if my stare would move away from his lips.

And it would be easier if I could stop wondering how good those lips would feel pressed against mine. Just a brief kiss. Something that would prove I’m still alive.

As though he can read my thoughts, because of course he can, he leans into me. I wet my lips in anticipation as he continues to move in.

His cheek brushes against mine as he continues past my lips until his mouth is a breath away from my ear.

“Why would I take no for an answer when I didn’t ask a question?”

I choose to believe the shiver of excitement running from the top of my head to the very tip of my toes has everything to do with the time of night and not the sound of his voice. Or the words he’s uttered. Or the way his breath washes across the shell of my ear just before his tongue does.

It’s such a soft touch, so brief I almost question if it even happened.

But when he pulls back, the arrogant grin pulling at his lips tells me I wasn’t imagining things.

“Ivan,” I breathe his name, unsure if I’m pleading for him to stay or begging him to leave.

“I’ll be here at four to pick you up.” He trails the back his knuckles along my jawline and slides his hand behind my neck, gripping me tightly.

There’s a strange sensation in my chest. Like a knot being untied.

And then he kisses me.

His lips are soft and hard at the same time. Like he’s trying to hold back and not crush me. It’s overwhelming. His tongue sweeps across my bottom lip just before he takes it between his teeth.

“Four o’clock.” He brushes his mouth across mine once more in a barely-there kiss.

Before I can get my thoughts into any sort of logical order, he turns on his heel and walks out through the door.

“Lock the door, Vivienne,” he says as he pulls the door shut.

I slide the deadbolt into place and recheck the handle to ensure it’s still locked, then lean back against the door, trying to sort out the last ten minutes.

Lightly, I touch my lips, wondering if they are as hot on the outside as I am on the inside.

I wanted proof I was still alive, and now I have it.

And the guilt of it will crush me.

“It’s a good deal all around, and with the shit that’s brewing with the DeAngelos, we can use the extra support.” Kaz sinks into the armchair beside me.

“No disagreements from me. Vasily can set up his business here so long as it doesn’t interfere with any of our current deals.” Alexander balances a glass of whiskey on the arm of his chair. “Ivan, your thoughts?”

“He’s not thinking about us.” Kaz reaches over the gap of our chairs and nudges me. “He’s been thinking about that waitress ever since he got in today.”

Alexander’s brow rises. “Vee?”

“Do you think you’ll ever grow up?” I glare down my younger brother, who only laughs in response.

It’s been too long since he’s gotten a good ass kicking. Maybe I should take some time to help fix that error.

“And be all work and business and serious like the two of you? Probably not.” Kaz lifts a shoulder. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for it. You’ve been eye fucking that woman for months, it’s about time you actually made a move.”

“I didn’t make a move. I drove her to work because her car died last night in the parking lot.”

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