Page 79 of His Dark Pact

She settled back on her haunches, pulling the edges of her fluffy robe over her body. He’d suggested she wear it after their most recent sexual marathon. They had laid together for the longest time on the rug’s soft fibers first, a warm sense of contentment rising as he held her, but as her body had cooled, she’d been thankful for his foresight and gladly accepted the robe. It amused and moved her that he’d taken the time to bring the clothing he’d lent her down to his study in the first place.

Kyle had done thatfor her. He’d been thinking about her, caring about her wellbeing.

What did that mean?

She shivered at the prospect.

“Thank you.”

He smiled down at her, gesturing to the seat on the other side of the rug. “You’re welcome to use the chair, little girl.”

“I prefer it here, sir.” She snuggled closer to his shin. There was a comfort in being close to his body, a solace she hadn’t expected when he’d ordered her to kneel. She felt safe at his side. “I want to be here with you.”

To be close to you.

She held that line back, although, in truth, they couldn’t get much fucking closer than they’d been in the last day or two.

“I want that, too.” His hand moved to ruffle her hair. “But I want you to be comfortable.”

“I am.” She meant it. Nuzzling against his hard lines in the warmth of his robe, with his fire crackling away happily across the room, she’d rarely felt more gratified.

“So, tell me. How’s the trial working out for you now?” His tone was sardonic, as though he precisely knewhowit was working out.

“It’s a lot, sir.” She lifted her gaze to meet his smiling eyes. “But I’m doing my best to meet your needs.”

“You’re doing brilliantly.” He paused. “You’re the best I’ve ever had.”

She wrapped her hand around his leg at his praise.

“And what about the bonuses?” His wry tone continued. “How are you finding those?”

“They’re unbelievable.” She breathed the words in a long rush of air. “I’d like more of those, please.

“You’ve got it.” His hand lowered to stroke her cheek, and reflexively, she leaned into his warm skin—the same palm that had aroused and consoled her.

“And our contract, sir?” A wave of anxiety gripped her belly suddenly, insisting she raise the murky matter that had driven her there in the first place—money. “Does that still stand?”

“Of course.” He sounded vaguely indignant at the idea he’d renege on their deal. “Why?”

She sighed. “It’s just that I need that money.” She’d made that abundantly clear.

“The fifty thousand?”

“Yes, sir.” All of it, actually, but the initial lump sum was going to dig her out of a big hole.

“For your son?”

“Among other things.” Her brows knitted. The night in the restaurant when she’d first told him about Jonah felt like a hundred years ago.

“My terms stand, little girl. If you make it to seven days, I’ll wire the fifty thousand to you.” There was a fire burning in his gaze, though she couldn’t decide if it was irritation or lust she saw there.

“Thank you.”

“I know how important the money is to you...” His jaw clenched. “But I think—I hope—there’s more going on here than only a financial transaction.”

“Of course.” She bloody hoped so, too.

“I’m not paying you for the sex, little girl. I’m enjoying being around you.”