Free Trapped with the Tycoon by Jules Bennett Page B

what I want, Zara.”
    “And you’re that desperate for a bedmate?”
    Leaning forward, his fingertips found the side of her face, stroking down to her neck where she trembled. “No. Just you.”
    “Why?” she whispered.
    “Why not?” he retorted.
    The pulse beneath his hand jumped as he leaned in a bit closer. Her warm breath tickled him, the flare in her eyes motivated him and her parted lips begged him.
    His other hand came up to cup the side of her face. His thumb stroked over her full bottom lip. Never once did she take her eyes off his, and while the power appeared to be completely his right now, this woman, who had him in unexpected knots, could flip that role at any moment and bring him to his knees. And the fact that she had no clue about her control over him made her even sexier.
    He continued to stroke her lip as his other hand slid around to cup the back of her head. His fingers threaded through her hair, massaging as he went. A soft sigh escaped her, and Braden’s entire body tightened in response.
    “You’re not thinking work right now, are you?” he whispered against her lips. “You’re concentrating on my touch, on how you want more.”
    “What are you doing to me?” she asked as her lids lowered.
    “Proving a point.”
    Her tongue darted out to lick her lips, brushing against his thumb, instantly flipping that control. His completely snapped with that simple move.
    Braden captured her mouth beneath his, not caring for finesse or gentleness. There was only so much a man could handle. Zara’s hands came up and fisted the front of his shirt as she moaned...music to his ears.
    Tipping his head slightly, Braden changed the angle of the kiss. When Zara leaned into him, he wanted to drag her into his lap and speed this process along. So he did.
    Gripping her around the waist, without breaking the kiss, Braden shifted to sit forward as he placed her over his lap. Instantly her legs straddled his thighs, and her hands slid up over his shoulders as the heated kiss continued. Braden hadn’t wanted a woman this bad in a long time...maybe never. Zara was sexy, yes, but there was more to her than anything superficial, and he wanted more. He wanted all she would give.
    His hands slid beneath the hem of her sweatshirt. That smooth skin beneath his palms could make any man beg. He was near that point. Who knew he’d actually find a weakness in his life? He prided himself on being strong, being in control.
    Just as his thumbs brushed the silk on her bra, Zara jerked back, pushing against his shoulders.
    “Wait,” she gasped. “We—we can’t do this.”
    Scrambling off his lap, she held her fingers to her lips and closed her eyes. Was she trying to keep that sensation a while longer? Was she still tasting him? Braden waited. She was seriously battling with herself.
    “Kissing me like that...” Zara sighed, dropped her arms and looked him in the eyes. “I can’t want this, Braden. Don’t you understand?”
    Relaxed against the back cushion, Braden eyed her, letting her stand above him, giving her the upper hand here. A smart businessman knew when to pull back on the reins in order to get ahead.
    “Why are you denying yourself?” he asked. “If the job wasn’t a factor, what other excuse would you use?”
    He’d hit a mark. Her chin when up a notch, her eyes narrowed. “I’m not making excuses. Nothing would’ve happened between us at all had you not been stuck here. The next time I would’ve seen you would’ve been at the party you’re throwing in five weeks for all of your employees.”
    Braden laughed, shaking his head.
    “Now you’re laughing at me?” she asked, crossing her arms.
    Slowly coming to his feet, Braden crossed to her, not a bit surprised when she didn’t back up, but tipped her head back to continue to glare.
    “I’m laughing at the fact you think we wouldn’t have seen each other.” He tucked a portion of her hair behind her ear, purposely trailing his fingertips