Chapter 31
Jaxon
The second she leaves my office, I almost pull her back in.
Her lips were swollen. Her thighs were shaking. Her breath was still breaking in little gasps.
It took every ounce of control I have not to follow her.
But I need her to come back.
On her own.
Wanting me.
Needing me.
Which she does.
I know she does.
I lean against my desk, running a hand through my hair, still breathing harder than I should.
I kissed her neck. Her chest. Her mouth.
I touched her until she fell apart.
And I want her again.
Soon.
Very soon.
My phone buzzes.
A message from her:
Ruby:
I can’t think.
I smile.
Slowly. Dangerously.
I text back:
Me:
Good.
Another message:
Ruby:
This is getting out of hand.
I reply:
Me:
Then stop running from me.
I pause.
Then add:
Me:
Come to my office tomorrow.
10am.
My schedule is clear.
It isn’t.
It is now.
I want her again.
And next time?
I won’t be satisfied with touching her over lace.
EVAN
Something is wrong.
Ruby is acting weird. Jumpier than usual. Flushed. Breathless. Avoiding eye contact.
And she was on the executive floor.
Near Cole’s office.
Alone.
He feels something twist in his stomach.
A mix of worry and something he refuses to name.
He tries to shake it off. Tries to work. Tries to focus.
He can’t.
He keeps replaying how she looked, disheveled, flushed, nervous.
And the way she practically ran away from him.
Something happened.
With someone.
But he already knows who.
He clenches his jaw.
He’s never liked Cole. Never trusted him.
Now he trusts him even less.
RUBY
I make it home.
Barely.
I collapse on my bed and stare at the ceiling like it’s responsible for my life choices.
My phone buzzes again.
A new message.
From him.
Jaxon:
Sleep.
You’ll need it tomorrow.
My breath catches.
My thighs clench instinctively.
I whisper into the empty room:
“…I’m in so much trouble.”
But the truth?
I don’t want out of it.
Not even a little.