Chapter 168: That arrogant bastard.

Nerissa’s POV

Before I can even think of what to say next, his hands settle around my waist and he pulls me closer.

A small gasp escapes my lips as my body bumps against his. I instinctively place my hands against his chest to steady myself, my fingers resting on the soft fabric of his shirt.

He looks down at me and just like that, I’m reminded of how ridiculously tall this man is.

"First thing you should know, Nerissa."

His voice is low, almost dangerously calm.

"No one crosses me. No one. So whatever you want to use that information for, I suggest you think very, very carefully about it."

I swallow.

"I’m not doing anything with it."

The lie leaves my mouth so smoothly that I almost impress myself.

He studies my face and fo a moment, I wonder whether he’s going to call me out on it.

Then he gives a small nod.

"Good for you."

He releases my waist and takes a step back and I almost sigh with relief.

I take a small step away from him too, putting some much-needed distance between us.

His scent is overwhelming. It’s that familiar combination of expensive cologne, clean soap and something distinctly him. It’s been messing with my senses since the moment he pulled me closer.

And the most annoying part?

It makes me want to wrap myself around him like a fucking koala.

I mentally slap myself.

Get it together, Nerissa.

This is not the time to be thinking about how good your husband smells.

"Second thing..."

I look up.

He folds his arms carefully, his expression becoming a little more serious.

"You know what you did was stupid, right?"

My eyebrows shoot up.

I straighten immediately, glowering at him.

"Do not call me stupid."

He sighs.

"That’s not what I meant."

"Well, that’s what you said."

"Christ, Nerissa."

I fold my arms across my chest as he runs a hand over his face before looking at me again.

"Don’t ever do that shit again."

I frown.

"Do what?"

"Don’t try to kill yourself to save my life."

His voice has lost some of its teasing quality.

"Your life is not worth mine. Do you understand?"

I scoff.

Seriously? Is that what this is about?

"What I was expecting was a fucking thank you. Not a lecture."

He opens his mouth, but I don’t give him a chance.

"You’re not my mom, in case you didn’t get the memo. She’s dead."

His jaw tightens.

I turn around, intending to walk away before he can say something else that gets on my nerves but I barely take two steps before his hand catches my arm and he pulls me back towards him.

"Do you have to be so goddamn stubborn all the time?"

I stumble slightly, turning to face him.

"I’m not being stubborn. I just don’t like being spoken to like a fucking child."

He exhales, looking like he’s trying very hard to find the right words.

Then he looks directly at me.

"What I meant to say is..."

He pauses.

"Thank you for saving my life, Nerissa, but I won’t le....."

I interrupt him.

"Yeah. You’re welcome."

He blinks.

I give him a bright smile.

"You don’t have to go on about anything else."

I glance down at his hand, still holding my arm.

"Can you let me go now?"

Instead of releasing me, he pulls me closer....much much closer.

And suddenly there’s barely any space between us. I’m practically flush against him.

My breasts press against his shirt, my nipples rubbing deliciously against his chest and I feel his warmth through the thin fabric of my blouse.

Oh. Oh, fuck.

I look up.

He’s watching me. His eyes move briefly over my face before settling on mine again.

"Next time you sneak into my office..."

His voice drops.

I swallow.

"...be so damn careful I don’t find you."

I blink.

What?

His fingers tighten slightly around my waist.

"Because when I do, I’m going to fuck your brains out. I’ll fuck you so damn hard you’ll beg me to stop with tears running down your face."

My breath catches.

His expression is unreadable, but there’s something unmistakably provocative in his eyes.

I should be offended, I should slap his chest and tell him to keep his threats to himself, I should remind him that I’m perfectly capable of deciding what happens to my own body.

Instead, my traitorous mind decides to replay his words in my head.

Slowly and In great detail....my mind painting the visuals for me.

God help me.... My pussy clenches.

He finally releases me and I take an immediate step backwards, trying to remember how breathing works.

"Now, get out of my office, little Riot."

I don’t need to be told twice. I turn around and practically rush towards the door. My fingers fumble with the handle for a second before I manage to open it.

I step outside and shut it behind me.

My heart is beating ridiculously fast and I close my eyes to somewhat regulate my breathing.

No. Absolutely not.

I’m not necessarily running because I’m scared of him or his threat.

I’m running because of how dangerously close I am to turning around, walking back into that office and begging him to make good on every single word he just said.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a problem.

A very fucking big problem.

I don’t stop walking until I’m safely away of his office.

Actually, that’s a lie.

I practically run.

My heels click rapidly against the polished floor as I make my way down the hallway, my heart beating so hard I can almost hear it.

That arrogant bastard.

I stop near the staircase and press a hand against my chest.

What the hell was that?

I close my eyes, remembering the way he pulled me against him, the warmth of his body, and the shameless things he whispered into my ear.

I’m going to fuck your brains out.

I groan.

Why does he have to say things like that?

And why, for the love of God, does my body have to react?

I fan my face with my hand.

Get yourself together, Nerissa.