Chapter 6
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65 vouchers
It’s only Monday morning, and already I find myself wound so tight I could combust. Watching Jayne’s ass sway in those pants as she left Declan’s office was the icing on the cake that I now want to gorge myself on.
Neither of us expected her.
I expected a cold, judgmental twig. I expected to feel irritation, disinterest, and borderline disgust.
Instead, a hunger to learn more fills my head, a desire to talk to her and watch those pretty lips as she smiles. so chastely.
As the door closes behind her, I wonder just how innocent she really is.
I mean, I was ready to pounce a moment ago, and she just sat there without a clue, caught up in a chat with her new employers. Like willing prey.
I find myself clenching my hands into fists, unsure of what to do with myself.
No one has gotten under my skin and into my head as quickly as this one just did, and I’m both irritated and stimulated by the thought.
There’s a pulse at the base of my throat that won’t settle, a tautness in my chest that usually only shows up during negotiations–high–stakes deals, boardroom warfare. And yet here I am, locked in a war with my own thoughts over a girl who doesn’t even know she’s lit the match.
She walked in like she belonged, but not in the way most people try to fake confidence. Hers wasn’t loud. It was subtle–quiet composure, like she was trying not to take up too much space. That kind of unassuming energy draws attention whether someone means it to or not. Especially mine.
And then there’s her voice. Soft. Polite. Not too rehearsed, but careful. The kind of voice you lean in to hear. The kind you want whispering your name when everything else is dark.
There’s something about her that makes me want to peel back every layer, just to see what’s underneath. I want to see if she bends or breaks. If that sweetness runs all the way through… or if it’s just a surface act.
Because innocence is either real–or it’s the best game ever played.
And I’m definitely ready to play.
When I glance over at my brother, he’s smiling as his own realization dawns on him. We share the same stunned look as our mouths gape in shock.
“Well?” I ask. My lips snap together in a grin at his surprised expression. He looks downright confused, and I’m happy I’m not alone in that.
“Holy shit, Lucas. What the fuck was that?”
Yep, he didn’t expect her either.
9:39 Mon, Sep 22
Chapter 6
:
55 vouchers
“That was our little Jayne, Dec.” There’s no hiding my smug tone. “I caught her in the lobby, and there was something about her that made me think we should have her up here, with us.”
I return to my seat, leaving the one Jayne sat in open. I’m not ready to let the memory go just yet.
She sat there with her hands resting in her lap like she was made for submission–still, quiet, polite. There’s something deeply satisfying about the image of someone like her in our space. In my space. A contrast to Evelyn’s sharp edges and fake smiles, Jayne is all soft lines and unguarded innocence. Or so she wants us to believe.
“I can see that.” Declan sits, then leans back in his chair, placing his elbows on the armrests and clasping his fingers together in front of his lips. “Are you sure that is Evelyn’s daughter?”
“I am.” I pause to let all of this new information sink in. Then I test him to see if he is on the same page as I am, or if I should go hunting on my own. “She is beautiful….”
Declan remains still but lets his eyes roam, looking at nothing in particular. He’s apprehensive about considering Evelyn’s daughter in that light. He seems more conflicted than I have seen him in a long time.
That alone tells me how far gone we both are already.
Decisions always come easy to Declan. That’s what makes him an excellent business partner. But right now, see uncertainty.
“Yes. She is.” His voice is low as he agrees, and his eyes meet mine.
We stare carefully at each other for a silent minute as we entertain the thoughts in our heads.
Jayne is more than beautiful. She is exactly our type physically, and she already displays some other characteristics that we appreciate.
But she is our newest employee.
I
The thought makes me frown. How did I walk right into this little snag? While it isn’t a total cockblock, it will be a challenging hurdle–probably more so for Declan than me, as he worries about those kinds of things.
And she’s Evelyn’s daughter.
Fucking Evelyn.
Now that woman is the very definition of succubus, and we are entering enemy territory.
I could tell that Declan was instantly attracted to her. He shifted so much while she sat before him that even I was getting uncomfortable.
Oh
yes, we are definitely on the same page regarding Jayne. It’s page one, and I can’t wait to get our story
started.
And the best part about all of it–the part that will consume my thoughts until the moment I have her—is
how unaware she is.
9:39 Mon, Sep 22
Chapter 6
As willing as I know she will be in the end, right now, I will savor the hunt.
