Page 21 of Dark Temptations

“I will. As far as my daughter goes, don’t overthink it. Just go with your feelings. You have excellent instincts. Follow them.”

Xavier nodded, turned, and walked out.

Back at his office, he threw himself into his work, trying to get his mind off of Ariana. He couldn’t get Janessa’s words out of his head about Ariana not wanting him. Even though he’d pushed her away, his body still craved hers, and he thought she felt the same way.

If he found out it was true, and he had to move on, it would fuck him up.

A few days went by, and his emotions were still in upheaval. He found himself cursing at his people for no reason. He was like an angry bear with a thorn in its paw.

He cursed when his assistant buzzed him.

“I thought I told you to leave me alone.”

“Yes, sir, you did, but there’s a woman here to drop off a file. She said she didn’t have to talk directly to you, but I thought you might have some questions for her. Do you have a minute?”

Xavier wiped a hand down his face. “Yes, send her in.”

The vision that walked through his door a moment later was something from his dreams. He actually thought he had to be sleeping because it was inconceivable to him that Ariana was standing in front of his desk, wearing a provocative dress and high heels.

“Hey, Xavier,” she said and snapped her fingers at him. “I don’t have all day.”

He shook his head. “I’m sorry. What did you need?”

“My father asked me to bring this to you since I was going to be in the area. I could have just dropped it off with your assistant.”

“No. I’m glad you came in.”

She handed the file to him. “If you have any questions, call my father.”

“Wait,” he barked when she turned to leave.

She looked back at him. “What?”

Her nonchalant attitude was pissing him off. He stood and walked by her to the door and locked it.

“Hey, wait. What are you doing?” she asked.

“I told you we had things to talk about.” Xavier brushed by her, gave her a look, sat on the edge of his desk, and crossed his arms over his chest.

“We have nothing to talk about.”

He studied her carefully because something wasn’t adding up. “Where are you going dressed like that?”

She was in a short red dress and black high heels. Her hair was free and draped down her back. She looked sexy as fuck.

She crossed her arms over her chest. “What’s it to you?”

He gritted his teeth. Why did she keep pushing him? “I’m asking you a question.”

Ariana rolled her eyes. “Fine. I have a date.”

A date? No, he had misunderstood what she was saying. “Say that again.”

He watched her tense.

“I said I had a date.”

He stood abruptly. No fucking way. That shit wasn’t going to fly. He started to stalk her. She took one step back for every step he took until her back hit the wall.

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