Page 22 of Reckless Temptation

He seems to sense this internal struggle, and as I take a slight step back, he takes one forward, bridging the gap. Xavier's usual mask of calculated indifference fades, replaced with raw vulnerability. His cerulean gaze is intense, unwavering as it meets mine.

"Isabelle," he breathes, his voice lower, almost a whisper, "for all the boardrooms I've conquered, the markets I've dominated, I've been bested by one woman."

My heart races, caught off guard by his admission. But he doesn’t stop there.

"I love you," he declares, every word carrying an earnestness I've never heard from him before. "And the thought of losing you, of letting you slip away... It's unbearable."

For a split second, the world seems to stop, his words echoing in the silent space between us. The realization that this powerful man, someone who has always seemed so invincible, could be rendered so vulnerable by his feelings for me is both breathtaking and overwhelming.

My eyes search his, looking for any hint of insincerity, but all I find is the raw, unfiltered truth. The barriers I'd so carefully constructed around my heart waver as his words permeate them. I'm momentarily at a loss for words, my throat tight with emotion. The weight of everything we've been through, the trials, the secrets, and the shared moments, crashes down on me.

"Xavier," I begin, my voice shaking slightly. Tears threaten to spill, not from sadness but from the sheer intensity of the moment. "I never imagined hearing those words from you."

He watches me closely, every ounce of him hanging on to my every word, desperate for an affirmation, an indication of my feelings. The vulnerability in his eyes moves me more than any grand gesture ever could.

"I've been guarded, trying to protect myself, to protect us," I admit, swallowing hard. "But hearing you now, feeling this... I can't deny what's between us any longer."

His relief is palpable, and we're drawn to each other once more. With a determination that’s quintessentially him, he reaches out, his fingers grazing my cheek before curling around the nape of my neck. Drawing me to him, his lips find mine in a kiss that’s equal parts desperation and passion.

Every pent-up emotion, every unsaid word, translates into this kiss. The outside world fades away as the only thing that matters is this: the feeling of him, the taste of him, the undeniable connection between us.

Lost in the fervor, I'm only vaguely aware of moving backward, guided solely by Xavier's steady hand at the small of my back. He deepens the kiss with every step, closing the door behind us. Once inside, he plants his hands on my ass and lifts me off my feet. I wrap my legs around his waist, my mouth not leaving his, as he walks us down the hall toward my bedroom.

When he sets me down on the bed, his fingers slide under the hem of my shirt, and he pulls it up slowly, exposing my skin to his hungry gaze.

"Every inch of you drives me wild,” he growls, leaning over me. “How did you become my most reckless temptation?"

I don’t know how to respond, but I don’t have to. His lips trail down my neck, and I arch my back, pressing myself closer to him as he reaches around and unclasps my bra, discarding it on the floor.

Pushing him back, I work quickly to undo the buttons of his shirt. As I pull it off him, I marvel at the chiseled perfection of his abs, running my hands over his smooth chest. He takes my wrists and pulls me to my feet, zipping down my jeans and pulling off my panties, leaving me completely naked. Exposed in more than just a physical way.

“I’ve never felt like this with anyone,” I gasp. I've always been guarded, but with him right now, I let my walls down. Surprisingly, I don't feel scared; I feel safe.

Xavier's eyes darken, and he pulls me closer, his voice deep and husky. "Then let me show you how much more we can feel together."

He eases me onto my back on the bed, and then he's kneeling between my legs, his hands on my thighs, pushing them apart. His eyes are locked on my pussy, and his fingers find my clit. He begins circling it slowly, so damn slowly I'm already grinding against him, desperate for more.

I hook my leg around his neck, pulling him closer, and his tongue darts out to trace a line from my clit to my entrance, painting a trail of wetness. He flicks his tongue over my clit while his fingers move inside of me, working in perfect tandem as I buck against him, pleasure attacking every sense. My back arches, and a cry escapes as the orgasm washes over me, taking my breath away.

Still panting and breathless, I scramble to sit up and push him back onto the bed, straddling him. "I want you," I manage to whisper, my hands tugging at his belt. "I need you."

Xavier obliges, and my legs suddenly feel wobbly as he sets his cock free. I rub his tip against my aching clit and then position him against my entrance. He grabs my hips to hold me in place above him, and then, without warning, he thrusts into me, impaling me completely on his iron-hard shaft. My eyes roll back as I feel him stretching me, my walls tightening around him as he pauses before pulling almost all the way out again.

He fucks me hard, his face etched in concentration as his hips slam into me. I reach down and find my clit, massaging it in circles as he pumps into me.

I wrap my other arm around his neck, searching his eyes as he thrusts, needing to see his emotions reflected in them. As if reading my mind, he presses his hand to the small of my back, pulling me into him, and his mouth finds mine. The kiss is gentle and breathless, our lips barely brushing as we let the pleasure flow between us. I can feel the emotion pouring forth, his lips telling me everything I need to know.

This time, I reach my peak with him inside me, my muscles spasming around his cock and making it impossible for him to hold out any longer. As I come undone, Xavier follows closely behind, his thrusts growing erratic. He holds me in place as he comes, his orgasm wracking his body with waves of pleasure. I collapse on top of him, and he wraps me in his arms, holding me close as we ride it out together.

A long moment passes before I roll off of him, collapsing onto the bed beside him. The sheets feel cool against my overheated skin, our breaths coming in rhythmic tandem as we lay side by side, spent and sated.

Turning to face Xavier, I find him already watching me, a contemplative look on his face. He smirks, that familiar teasing glint appearing in his eyes. "Well, Miss Laurent," he drawls, "I must admit, that was... educational."

Raising an eyebrow, I playfully nudge him with my elbow. "Educational? Is that your boardroom talk slipping out? Perhaps I should've prepared a presentation."

He chuckles, running a finger down my arm, sending shivers down my spine. "I've been to many meetings, but none quite as... enlightening as this one."

I grin, propping myself up on one elbow, my hair cascading around my face. "So, what's the verdict? Am I hired?"