Tempted by Her Boss

“You’re beautiful in it, there’s no doubt about that, but I want you naked.” He nuzzled her cheek, her intoxicating fragrance scrambling his brain. “Let’s get out of here.”

“Aren’t you being presented with an award?” she asked.

Damn it. He was. How could he forget? Was he that enraptured with the woman that he forgot everything else?

Apparently.

“The second the presentation is over, we’re leaving,” he said firmly, moving away from her, needing the space. Before he did something rash, like attack her where she sat.

“What about Stasia and Gavin?” She inclined her head in their direction.

“They can find their own ride home. I’m sure Rafe and Vince can take care of them. I want to get you home and in my bed.” Breathing deep, he glanced around, her hand still cradled in his. People were watching them, he could feel their curious gazes on their table, and when he cast his gaze about the room, many of them looked away.

Gossips, most like, looking for an interesting story. He knew others would be curious about Paige, but he didn’t think everyone would be this blatant. He almost didn’t want to leave her when they had to go up on stage.

But he did, albeit reluctantly, offering her a quick kiss on the cheek before he stood along with his sister and brothers and went on stage to accept the award. He gave a quick thank-you speech, his gaze roaming the room, finally settling on Paige, who sat straight up in her seat, her hands clasped together, the smile on her face so big it could probably light up the entire room.

That bubbling excitement, the obvious happiness, was all for him and his accomplishments. Just seeing her face made his chest puff up with pride.

He never wanted to let her go.

“I can’t believe you attacked me like that,” Paige said hours later as she lay naked and sprawled across Matteo’s sweat-dampened body in the middle of his bed.

He smoothed the hair away from her face, smiling up at her. “It’s all you. I take one look at you and all I can think about is how fast I can get you naked.”

She smiled and shook her head. “You’ve been…beyond insatiable these last few days. I’m completely exhausted.”

“Do you need to rest?” he teased. Slowly he rolled over so they lay side by side, his arm slung around her, holding her close. “Want me to leave you alone for a few days?”

“No, I love it when you act like this.” She kept her head bent, a little shy, which he adored. “Tonight was a very special night for you and your family, Matteo. Thank you for taking me with you. It was an honor.”

“You by my side, I wouldn’t have had it any other way.” He kissed her forehead, breathed in the light floral scent of her hair. “Thank you for coming with me.”

“And thank you for letting me borrow the necklace.” She still wore it. He refused to let her take it off when they came home, wanting to see the diamond slide across her naked skin.

“I didn’t let you borrow it, Paige. It’s a gift. The necklace belongs to you.” The woman was ridiculous. Did no one ever give her anything?

She touched the pendant, her fingers sliding over the shiny stone. “I couldn’t keep it.”

“Why not?” He was incredulous. Was she refusing his gift?

“I’m sure it’s worth a tremendous amount of money. Wouldn’t you rather sell it? I know it’s a one-of-a-kind piece, Stasia told me.” She looked nervous, his foolish, silly girl.

“You are worth more than all the gold and diamonds in this universe,” he told her with utter sincerity, his gaze locked with hers. “I could afford to give you one hundred diamond pendants just like that. So don’t worry about how much it’s worth. It belongs to you and only you.”

Tears sparkled in her eyes and she threw her arms around him, hugging him tight. “Thank you, Matteo. Thank you so much for…everything.”

“You’re welcome.” He slipped his arms around her, resting his hands on her bottom, pulling her in to him. Already he was hard and hurting for her again. “I need you to know how much you mean to me, Paige,” he murmured, his heart in his throat.

She looked up at him. “You mean a lot to me too.”

He touched her cheek, ran his index finger across her lips. “You’ve captured my heart completely, bella. I’ve fallen in love with you. I’m yours, if you’ll have me.”

Her lips parted, and a single tear slipped down her cheek. He stopped it with his lips, absorbing the salty drop into his mouth. “Of course, I’ll have you. I—I love you too, Matteo.”