The next thing I know, his mouth is on mine.
Like every other time he’s kissed me, my body melts into his and I open for him easily. It’s as if I have no control over my body. I forget that I’m mad at him. His lips are warm and needy, filled with so much possession and claiming, like he is trying to consume me with his kiss, and I want to give him what he’s asking for. I want to comfort him and make it all better, but then I remember why I hate him.
I push on his solid wall of a chest, but he kisses me deeper like it’s impossible to separate us. Soon I’m wrapping my fingers into his shirt and kissing him back hard. It’s nearly punishing, and all he does is take. It’s everything I want, but shouldn’t.
He moans into my mouth then pulls away and kisses down my neck. He moves his lips lower, going to the V of my blouse, down to the valley between my breasts. “I’ve missed you so much,” he whispers, giving me soft flicks of his tongue. “You can’t leave me.”
His words are like an ice bath and bring me back to reality. I push him hard this time and release my fingers from his shirt. He goes back half a step, and I look up at him, reminding myself I don’t know this man at all.
“Don’t push me away, Mallory.” His tone is firm. A warning just like this morning in the elevator.
“Just leave me alone. I can’t do this right now. And I definitely can’t do it here,” I bite out at him, having forgotten for a moment where we are. Then I wonder if anyone saw him slip into the bathroom with me. It’s not like the man isn’t noticeable, and I’m sure people pay attention when he walks through the department.
“I can’t leave you alone.” The way he says it makes a chill run up my spine. There’s so much need in his voice. Possession. It’s like he can’t live without me, and I don’t know what to do with that. “You’ll hear me out.” He moves back in, crowding into my space again. One hand comes up to my cheek, cupping it, and it takes everything in me not to lean into his touch. “I never meant to hurt you. All I’ve ever wanted from the moment I laid eyes on you was to give you everything.”
I close my eyes tightly so his deep blue eyes don’t pull me back in. When I open them back up, I’m determined.
“Give me time,” I say, the words paining me as they come out of my mouth.
His hand drops away and he nods, taking a step back. He grits his teeth, and it looks like he’s a breath away from snapping.
“I’ve given you a lot of time, Mallory. More than you know. I’ll try, but you do things to me. Things...” He waves one hand in the air like he can’t find the word he’s looking for. “Things I can’t explain.” So much emotion plays across his face, I have to look away and remind myself he’s not who I think he is.
I can’t see him as the man who lit up my life for the past week. He isn’t the man who had me falling hard and fast for him. He isn’t the man who made the sweetest love to me, like he’d been waiting his whole life to do so.
I’d never felt more cherished than when I was with him. It was something I’d never experienced before, and maybe never will again.
As if he can’t help himself, he leans in, running his nose up my jaw. My breath hitches, and I want to curse at not being able to restrain myself. His warm scent surrounds me, and I’m conditioned to crave him now. The dampening between my legs is beyond my control, and I try to hold my breath to make it stop.
He places a soft kiss right next to my ear. “I’ll try, baby. For you, I’ll try anything. But don’t let anyone else touch you. I won’t be able to stop myself if that happens.” He places another soft kiss. “I will try but one way or another you’ll be mine. Don’t fight what will be. I’ve been holding back for you but I can only hold it for so long.” Then he’s gone.
I don’t know how long I stand there before I’m finally able to breathe again. I use the bathroom and try to put myself back together as much as possible. Inside I’m a mess, but outside I seem to be holding up okay. I go back to my desk, losing myself in my work and trying not to think about Oz’s dark promise.
I’m actually glad when Linda piles more work on my desk, making us work long past normal hours. I don’t think about anything other than what’s in front of me, and the distraction is pure bliss.
Skyler and Eric took off an hour or so ago, and finally at nine I decide to call it a night. I shut down my computer, grab my purse and head out.
When I get to the lobby of the building, I don’t make it five feet before the big guy, still dressed in his suit, steps out to let me see him. Captain is clearly following me.