Danger Zone

2. Pushing Buttons

Chapter two

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That is if those sinful things included making me want to rip his hair out.

Five minutes and an introduction was all it took for him to push the buttons I never knew I had.

After he made his appearance in the room, the president greeted him warmly as if they'd been friends for years before introducing the two of us.

"Mr. Adorno, I'm sure you've heard of Ms. Thalia Graham?" The president sat back down at the desk and gestured for Dante to take a seat on my left side.

"No sir," he answered, his predatory gaze turning to me. I suddenly felt insecure as he scrutinized me, his piercing blue eyes roaming up and down my face. "Nice to meet you..Thalia."

Besides his eyes, his voice was the first thing that grabbed my attention. It was enticingly deep, and he had a barely noticeable Italian accent. The sensual way in which my name rolled off of his tongue made my breath hitch in my throat, robbing me of words.

Hell, everything about this man screamed sex.

He was tall, very tall, and had to be around 6'4". Even in the suit he wore, I could clearly see that he was lean and muscular with broad shoulders.  His dark, thick hair was just long enough for me to run my fingers through while-

I was brought back to reality when I realized he'd put his hand out and was waiting for me to grab it. Heat spread through my face at his raised eyebrow and the smirk playing its way back onto his full pink lips. Thank the heavens for my tanned skin, I said inwardly.

Clearing my throat awkwardly, I slipped my hand into his much larger one and shook it. "Nice to meet you too."

The President smiled, seeming not to notice my embarrassment. "You've already been briefed on the situation, correct?"

He nodded while he took a seat in the chair that suddenly looked really small with the giant sitting in it.

"Good. Mr. Richard and I will step out for a few minutes to discuss a few things concerning your housing and transportation while you two sit in here and get to know each other," he grinned. "After all, you'll be living together soon."

Living together. Those words reverberated in my head several times, bringing a surge of curiosity. Would there be separate beds? Was he a neat freak? Does he snore? I already don't get enough sleep as is, I really hope he doesn't-

"Geez, this one's an airhead," I heard him mumble. My eyes narrowed, who the hell did he think he was?

"Excuse me?"

He had the audacity to chuckle, a low rumbling sound that sent a jolt through me. "I said you're an airhead, dolcezza."

From my small grasp on Italian I knew he'd just called me 'sweetheart'. I sent him a glare, "And what the hell makes you think that?"

He grinned, "I called your name three times and your only response was the dazed look on your face."

I glanced around to find that we were alone in the room. Was I really so spaced out as to not notice the president and my boss leaving?