He approached me with an air of superiority, clearly unimpressed by my presence. "I hope you understand, Calista, that this marriage is purely a business arrangement," he said coldly. "Do not expect me to treat you with any sort of affection or kind...
"What are you wearing?" Alister asked, a sly grin playing at the corners of his lips. It was the sort of question that could have been innocent enough, but the way he said it made it sound like he was already imagining my answer.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"Why?" I countered, trying to sound confident even though my heart was racing. "Is there something you'd like to see me take off?"
Alister leaned in closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "Oh, I'd like that very much," he purred, his voice low and seductive. "But I think we both know I'm not the only one who gets to make those decisions this morning."
"Alister, I don't have time for you today. I have places to be." I grabbed my coat. "New Year's has come and gone. You lost your chance to strip me when you could."
His eyes narrowed at my attempt to brush him off. "Oh, I see how it is. You think you're too good for me now?"
"Why would I think that? You're the one worth millions." I rolled my eyes.
He chuckled darkly. "So, you admit I have your attention."
"I have your attention," I corrected, "but that doesn't mean I'm giving you what you want."
Alister stood up, towering over me. "Oh, I think you will." His tone was mocking. "You've always been such a good girl, haven't you? Always doing what you're told."
He circled me slowly, like a predator sizing up its prey. I couldn't help but feel a shiver run down my spine as he came to a stop directly behind me. His breath tickled the hairs at the nape of my neck, sending a wave of heat through my entire body.
"You know," he whispered, his lips close enough to my ear to make me tremble, "I could make you do anything I wanted."
My heart hammered in my chest as I fought to keep my composure. "Or," I said, trying to sound confident despite the quaver in my voice, "I could walk away right now and never look back."
Alister laughed, the sound low and amused. "Oh, you'd like that, wouldn't you? To have the power to deny me what I want?" He placed a hand on my shoulder, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through my body. "But the truth is, you're just as addicted to me as I am to you."
"You're delusional, Alister." I shrugged on my coat, grabbing my keys. "Do you want me to get your coffee, too? Because I can do that on the way to the office."
He stepped forward, his body close enough that I could feel the heat from his skin. "Oh, you're a feisty one, aren't you?" His voice was a low growl. "I like that."
I fought to keep my breath steady, my heart pounding in my chest. "Well, you're going to have to get over it," I said, trying to sound stronger than I felt. "Because I'm not giving you what you want."
Alister's hand cupped my cheek, his thumb stroking my skin in a way that sent shivers down my spine. "Oh, but you are, aren't you?" he murmured, leaning in closer. "You're already mine, whether you admit it or not." His voice was soft, almost hypnotic, as he brushed his lips against mine. I felt my body respond despite myself, melting into his touch.
