HIS FLOWER

CHAPTER EIGHT

JAYDEN

I'd spent five hours in back-to-back meetings, my mind numb and my body tense beyond relief. All I needed now was Lily; she had become my persoal stress antidote.

"We're on our way, boss," Jacobs reported.

"Touch a strand of her hair, and I'll kill you," I warned, recalling her coziness with him yesterday. My protective instincts kicked in, and I couldn't shake off the feeling.

"Got it, boss," Jacobs responded instantly.

"She shouldn't carry anything except herself," I added warningly.

"Yes, boss," Jacobs confirmed.

Before I could catch my breath, the door creaked open. I was losing patience with these people!

"Stella, I told you I don't want to see anyone!" I boomed, my temper soaring.

"Unfortunately, your P.A. can't stop me, Jayden, and you know it," Loretha interrupted, her obnoxious voice grating like nails on a chalkboard.

"I'm sorry, Sir. I tried to stop her," Stella pleaded, fearful.

"Get out!" I snapped, and Stella scurried out.

"How may I help you, Miss Peter?" I asked, focusing my hardened gaze on the annoying woman.

"Being formal with me, huh, Jayden? What happened to calling me Loretha?" Loretha drawled, sashaying toward me with an air of confidence I wanted to shatter.

"I'm not in the mood," I groaned, honestly uninterested.

"I can fix that for you, baby. What do you say?" Loretha whispered, running her bright claw-like nails down my neck.

"Don't touch me," I snapped, catching her hand.

"I'll make you feel good," Loretha tried again.

"I don't repeat myself," I growled.

"You'll come running back anyway. Actually, I've been wondering why you keep postponing our dates, Jayden," Loretha said.

"It's how business works, Miss Peter. Postpone the least important deals for urgent ones," I responded.

Loretha's face twisted in frustration.

"We're more than business; we have something beautiful," Loretha snapped.

"We fucked; that doesn't make us an item," I grit.

"You took me to dinner with your parents," Loretha snapped back.

"That was business. Watch your tone," I snapped.

"Jayden, come on! We make an amazing couple," Loretha pleaded.

"Boss!" Jacobs interrupted.

My head whipped toward him to see Lily entering with milkshakes. Her bright smile and sparkling eyes calmed my rage.

My heart skipped a beat as I strode toward her before I could stop myself.

"Hi," Lily breathed, blushing.

"Hi," I responded, lost in her sparkling eyes and beautiful face. Her pink lips pursed into a small pout, making them even more kissable.

So that's what I did – leaning in to kiss her. My hands cupped her head, deepening the kiss. Meant to provoke Loretha, I craved more.

She pressed lightly against my chest to break us apart, and I let her, watching as she caught her breath.

I knew that was enough for a front. But I felt how starved and selfish I was; I wanted to claim her whole.