Book 1 - Page 110 (1/2)
He looks up, gazing at me, his expression is disconcerted, alarmed even. Placing his hands on either side of my face, he holds my head in place.
”You. Are. Mine,” he says, each word a staccato. ”Do you understand?”
He's so earnest, so impa.s.sioned - a zealot. The force of his plea is so unexpected and disarming. I wonder why he's feeling like this.
”Yes, yours,” I whisper, derailed by his fervor.
”Are you sure you have to go to Georgia?”
I nod slowly. And in that brief moment, I can see his expression change and the shutters coming down. Abruptly he withdraws, making me wince.
”Are you sore?” he asks, leaning over me.
”A little,” I confess.
”I like you sore.” His eyes smolder. ”Reminds you where I've been, and only me.”
He grabs my chin and kisses me roughly, then stands and holds his hand out to help me up. I glance down at the foil packet beside me.
”Always prepared,” I murmur.
He looks at me confused as he redoes his fly. I hold up the empty packet.
”A man can hope, Anastasia, dream even, and sometimes his dreams come true.”
He sounds so odd, his eyes burning. I just don't understand. My post coital glow is fading fast. What is his problem?
”So, on your desk, that's been a dream?” I ask dryly, trying humor to lighten the atmosphere between us.
He smiles an enigmatic smile that doesn't reach his eyes, and I know immediately this is not the first time he's had s.e.x on his desk. The thought is unwelcome. I squirm uncomfortably as my post coital glow evaporates.
”I'd better go and have a shower.” I stand and make to move past him.
He frowns and runs a hand through his hair.
”I've got a couple more calls to make. I'll join you for breakfast once you're out of the shower. I think Mrs. Jones has laundered your clothes from yesterday. They're in the closet.”
What When the h.e.l.l did she do thatJeez, could she hear usI flush.
”Thank you,” I mutter.
”You're most welcome,” he replies automatically, but there's an edge to his voice.
I'm not saying thank you for f**king me. Although, it was very...
”What?” he asks, and I realize I'm frowning.
”What's wrong?” I ask softly.
”What do you mean?”
”Well... you're being more weird than usual.”
”You find me weird?” He tries to stifle a smile.
I blush.
”Sometimes.”
He regards me for a moment, his eyes speculative.
”As ever, I'm surprised by you, Miss Steele.”