Chapter 904

Rosalind's hands flew up instinctively, pressing against Lucian's solid chest as she tried to create distance between them. "We shouldn't—"

"Shouldn't what?" His voice was dangerously low.

In one fluid motion, Lucian pivoted and backed her against the marble countertop, his muscular frame caging her in. The heat radiating from his body made the air between them crackle with electricity.

Rosalind's mind reeled. Just hours ago, he'd been cold and detached at the office. Now he was kissing her with reckless abandon while dating Genevieve and having dinner plans with Vivian tomorrow. The contradiction made her head spin.

Her cheeks burned as she turned her face away. "Lillian could walk in any moment—"

Lucian's fingers traced her jawline, tilting her face back toward him. His dark eyes burned with intensity. "Tell me you don't want this."

Her breath hitched. Since when did he ask for permission?

Before she could respond, he guided her palm to his chiseled features. "Do I still please you?" His voice was rough velvet.

Rosalind's thoughts scattered. Was the CEO of Quantum Innovations seriously fishing for compliments about his appearance?

"You—"

"Have I become unattractive?" His thumb brushed her lower lip.

The question was absurd. Women threw themselves at him daily. Yet when his stormy gaze demanded an answer, she gave a tiny nod. "You know you are."

Satisfaction flickered across his handsome features. Without warning, he claimed her mouth again, his kiss more demanding than before.

Rosalind's feeble resistance crumbled instantly. His lips moved with possessive expertise, coaxing her mouth open until she melted against him. The way her body responded terrified her—this primal attraction defied all logic.

Lucian seemed equally affected. The moment their lips met, his entire body tensed with barely restrained need. His kiss deepened, one hand sliding beneath her blouse while the other held her firmly against him.

A whimper escaped her as her legs weakened. Lucian caught her effortlessly, his lips grazing her ear. "They've gotten fuller," he murmured appreciatively.

It took Rosalind three heartbeats to understand. Then heat flooded her face—her pregnancy was changing her body in ways even she hadn't fully acknowledged.

"Stop," she pleaded weakly, her fingers curling against his wrists. "Please..."

Lucian chuckled darkly. "Your body tells a different story." He captured her hand and pressed it against the evidence of his desire.

In the dim kitchen, their ragged breathing was the only sound. This was no innocent flirtation—it was raw, adult hunger that threatened to consume them both.

"Rosalind!" Lillian's voice shattered the moment.

Rosalind jerked back, but Lucian's grip tightened. He brushed his lips against the corner of her mouth. "I'll be in the guest suite tonight." His voice dropped to a whisper. "Come to me when she's asleep. I need to feel you."

The bold invitation left her speechless. Lucian studied her dazed expression, his gaze promising pleasures that made her toes curl. "Don't keep me waiting."