Page 33 of Vicious Seduction
“One.”
I braced for him to burst through the door, my lips pursed tightly together, but the key turned in the lock, and the door opened with ease. I was so shocked that I forgot I was wearing nothing but a bra and panties.
“How the hell do you have a key to my apartment?”
Oran’s gaze licked down my body with ravenous hunger. “Maintenance,” he murmured distractedly.
Realizing I was practically naked, I almost ran for the bathroom, but then my outrage took the reins and plotted a totally new course. Hands on my hips, I let a venomous smile twist my lips.
“Like what you see?”
His gaze tore from my body up to my icy stare, but he didn’t respond.
“Good, because it’s never. Going. To. Happen.” I yanked a dress off the futon and strutted past him to the bathroom. I didn’t even look to see what I’d haphazardly chosen until I was alone behind the closed door.
Black.Excellent.
I slid on the expensive wool sheathe and took in my reflection.
Elegant. Sophisticated. All business.
It was perfect.
I needed to select a pair of shoes but wasn’t ready to exit, so I sat on the toilet and started scrolling on my phone while rehearsing the scathing remarks I’d have for maintenance. Had he paid them off or just stolen the damn thing? There was no telling with him. Either way, I was pissed.
The knock I’d been waiting for took longer than I’d expected.
“I may not have the key to this one,” Oran said evenly, “but it would be easy enough to break down. Do I need to count to three?”
What a pain in my ass. “I’m on the toilet.” Technically true.
“Three.”
“Two.”
I jumped up and hurried to the door, swinging it wide open and glaring at my tormentor. “You…” I was too irritated to come up with a good insult.
Oran smirked. “Me? I’m not the one being difficult.”
“I can’t help it if you’re rushing me. These things take time, you know.”
“Not for you, Lina,” he said in a velvet caress. “You’d be beautiful without even trying.”
A few softly uttered words, and he’d sucked every bit of air out of the room. My lips parted then shut as if I were practicing my fish impersonation.
Smooth, Lina. Real smooth.
Unsure how I felt, I chose not to say anything and slid on the red heels closest to me.
“Good girl. Now, let’s go. We’re already late.” Then the Neanderthal erased any kind thought I might have had with a resounding slap on my ass.
I glared at him. “Try that again, and I’ll cut off one of your fingers.”
“So long as it’s not this one.” He held up his hand and curled his middle finger as though signaling me closer. “I’ve been told it’s rather …skilledin certain situations.”
I may have blushed, but at least I managed a comeback. “Women say all sorts of outrageous things to protect men’s fragile egos.”
“There’s one way to know for sure.” He smirked, eyes hooded.