More Than Hate You (More Than Words)

She nods. “It wasn’t easy. I’m worried that if Perez mentions the fact he spotted me, Shane will be suspicious.”

“Depending on what you found, maybe you can take Monday off. Say you’re sick. We can strategize—”

“Once you see what I’ve brought, we’ll decide.” But she looks torn. “Maybe I read it all wrong. I keep hoping…”

Of course. Who wants to think that someone they work with is selling everyone out for their own gain? “Sure.”

After seeming to move as slow as molasses, the elevator doors open and I guide Sloan down the hall, to my room. As I approach the lock with the card key, I forcibly steady my hand to keep it from shaking.

Moments later, the door opens with a squeak. Inside, my room is dark, except for the moonlight shining through my floor-to-ceiling window, filling the room with shadows.

I usher her in. The faux wood slams, locking behind us. We’re alone. My heart pounds.

“I’ll, um…find a light.” I turn for the switch on the wall.

“Wait.” She wraps her slender fingers around my forearm. Her touch sends shards of lust through my body.

I turn back. “Is something wrong? Are you okay?”

“Yes.” Then she shakes her head. “Actually…no. I’m worried that once you turn on the lights, I won’t have the courage to do this anymore.”

“What?”

In the shadows, Sloan searches my eyes. She’s looking for something. No, she wants something.

My heart revs harder as she drops her purse. Then she throws herself against me and wraps her arms around my neck. Shock assails me when she presses her pretty, pouty lips over mine and kisses me like she’s thought of nothing else all day. Or maybe that’s me. I’ve been concerned about her. But under all that? I’ve been dying to know what she looks like. What she sounds like. What she feels like in my arms. What she tastes like against my tongue.

This nibble isn’t enough. I need more.

I wrap my arms around her and haul her against my body. Desire burns, scorching my veins, singeing my skin. The press of her breasts sears me. I groan, grabbing a fistful of her dress. My other hand snakes into her hair, wrapping her silky tresses around my fingers.

I take control of the kiss, recklessly shoving her lips apart and delving into her mouth, driving deep with zero fucks given about anything practical like professionalism or caution.

Against me, her breath catches. She moans and grips my shoulders as if I’m the only reason she hasn’t melted to the floor. As far as I’m concerned, that’s an invitation to hold her tighter. No way I’m passing on that.

But once again, Sloan proves she’s not passive.

She pushes me against a wall and slants her bow of a mouth over my lips, not merely inviting me deeper but daring me to try and take back command of our kiss.

She doesn’t know yet that I never back down from a challenge…but she will.

As I plunge past her lips, I swallow her gasp and flare even hotter. She’s with me, gripping my shirt, biting at my bottom lip before luring me inside with her sweet taste again. I tighten my fingers in her hair, pulling at her scalp, and devour her.

Fuck, I can’t remember the last time I wanted a woman this much. Have I ever? There’s something about Sloan…

Her lips are a plush cushion for mine as I eat at her like I’m starved. She doesn’t simply yield but takes from me in return, greedy and demanding.

Until she pulls her mouth from mine with gasping, audible pants. “Take off your shirt.”

It’s an order, not a request. Not usually my speed, but my whole body is on fire for her, so refusing isn’t an option. One by one, I flick open the buttons down the front of my shirt and shrug it off, then toss it carelessly, never taking my stare from her.

Sloan looks me up and down. Her eyes flare with heat. Her breaths pick up pace. Through her dress, her nipples bead.

But she doesn’t waste time gawking. Nope. She lays her palms on my chest. Then one wanders down my abs.

With seeming reluctance, her stare climbs up my body to meet my gaze again. “You’re like a hot slab of stone.”

Thanks to the push Evan and I give each other in the gym. Speaking of…I can’t lose sight of my best friend and why I’m here with Sloan in the first place.