Chapter 4 · I want this over

"I want this over."

"That's not the same answer."

"Kiss me, Adrian. Before I change my mind and let them bury your inheritance."

His face went blank, but his hand slid to my waist.

The inspectors lifted their lenses.

Adrian pulled me against him.

His body pressed along mine. His palm spread over my side, warm but careful, nowhere near too low. He left just enough space between us to make me feel every inch of it.

His breath touched the corner of my mouth.

"Look at me," he whispered.

"I am looking at you."

"No. You're looking at a problem you plan to stab later."

"That problem is wearing an expensive watch."

"Try looking at your husband."

The word landed harder than it should have.

His thumb moved once against my waist. Not a caress. A warning.

"Say something sweet," I muttered.

"You have terrible timing."

"That's your sweet voice?"

"You want sweet?"

"I want this done."

His mouth brushed mine without fully kissing me. A tease. A threat.

My fingers caught in the front of his shirt before I could stop them.

His breath changed.

So did mine.

"Adrian," I warned.

"There. That's better.