The memory of losing her made my gut churn.
Stop thinking about it for fuck's sake.
I forced my thoughts to turn to why we were here. I wanted to surprise Roux-he was going to be the accessory to this next part of the crescent moon-he just didn't know it yet.
"We'll only be here for a bit-then I'm kidnapping you away again." Where-I hadn't quite figured out yet. Suzette still had three days before the wedding. Shit, I better call her. No telling what sort of craziness she'd planned by now. That woman was a fucking menace.
Keeping my arm firmly around Tess, we made our way to the elevators. The mosaic sparrow on the floor never failed to lift my heart. People thought this was just a property conglomerate. Goes to show how much they knew.
Then again.
I'd looked at the news on my phone this morning. Things were getting out of hand. Whatever Frederick was doing, I was about to tell him to fucking stop it.
Pressing the up button, Tess's breathing turned shallow. Her eyes darted around the huge, light-filled lobby. No one was around which was good-I didn't have to worry about spilling blood in my own building. The way my body tensed, I'd most likely strike first then ask questions.
Not exactly a good look for the CEO to tear off an employee's head just for saying hello.
Ducking to Tess's level, I murmured, "I'm not going to leave you alone for a second. You have nothing to fear." I would personally guarantee it.
She flashed me a grateful smile. "I know-just being back here-after feeling so amazing yesterday … it's hard to accept that yes the past isn't ruining my life anymore, but I still haven't put it all behind me."
The elevator pinged; I pushed her on. With every step Tess lagged. Her back was stiff, movements jerky.
I frowned, watching her as the doors closed, imprisoning us in the small space-alone. Pressing the floor I needed, I touched her cheek. "It's just a lift."
She flinched away.
Goddammit, I hadn't done everything I'd done to have it all be for fucking nothing. I pushed her shoulder, forcing her to face me. I had every intention of slamming her against the wall and demanding she focus on me and only me.
But she took me completely by surprise.
Leaping into my arms, I stumbled backward. The mirrored walls bruised my shoulder blades as Tess's mouth pressed against mine. Her breathing was still shallow but now for an entirely different reason.
Her fingers disappeared into my hair, jerking my lips harder onto hers. Ah, fucking hell. My cock reacted straight away.
My arms shot up, gathering her curvy form.
She dropped her fingers to my face, deliberately scratching me-driving me beyond interested into insane.
Pushing off from the wall, I spun around, crashing her against it instead. Her mouth opened wide, and my tongue plunged inside, taking, tasting, owning, devouring.
Our hands were separate entities as our mouths slipped and licked. I grabbed her breast through her grey jumper. Wanting my flesh on hers, needing my cock driving into her tasty warmth.
I wasn't sated. I needed more. I wanted her to bow to me and fight at the same time. I wanted so much from her-I wanted it all.
The doors opened.
A feminine cough wrenched my head up; I locked eyes with Helen. Red hair, vivid green eyes-attractive with freckles dotting her nose.
My receptionist of three years.
Releasing Tess, I grabbed her shoulders, and positioned her in front of me-trying to hide the raging hard-on in my trousers. Running hands through my hair, I made sure the white shirt I wore wasn't too crumbled and quickly inspected Tess.
Her jumper was mussed but her black jeans looked presentable. The disarray of curls made me want to drag her back into the lift and press the emergency button until I finished what she'd started.
"Mr. Mercer. Bonjour." Helen smiled, eyeing Tess with a professional coolness. If I hadn't been around women-in all states of mental health-I would've missed the flash of competition in her gaze. And I would've definitely missed, and not enjoyed, Tess's answering glower full of possession.
She was fierce, my Slave Fifty-Eight. And I had no doubt she'd scratch out any female's eyes who made any move to encroach on what she considered hers.
And good. That made me fucking happy. And hot. So damn hot.
Hoping my depleting erection wasn't too obvious, I strode in front of Tess. "Bonjour. Est-ce que M. Roux est là ? J'ai besoin de le voir." Hello. Is Mr. Roux in, I need to see him.
Tess stayed glued to my side, a smile on her lips, but her eyes shrewd and assessing.
Helen smiled at Tess, acknowledging whatever woman code they shared, before finally giving me a look I recognised as defeat. "Oui, il est dans son bureau." Yes, he's in his office.