Before I comprehend what he just said, Jack takes me by the hand and literally drags me along with him.
Chapter Nine
Crystal
What just happened? Has Jack Harden really ended his two-decade work relationship over me? And why? Isn't that what he really wanted? To prove to me I was wrong, that this world is not for me and that I won't be able to deal with this job?
All these thoughts rush through my head as we walk briskly to the elevator.
Jack Harden just had a stand-up argument with his most significant investor. I’ve worked in his company for more than a year, and I know that he’ll owe no less than three hundred million dollars if he wants Masterson out of his business.
When we walk into the elevator, Jack taps the button for the penthouse so calmly, it’s as if nothing happened at all.
That makes me want to scream.
"What just happened?" I ask loudly, although I don't want to yell.
"It doesn't concern you. Your job offer is still valid," he says, not even looking at me, pulling out his cell from his jacket pocket.
"Why did you do this? I was able to stand up for myself!" I insist, trying to look into his eyes. "You were the one who brought me there, and you didn't even give me a chance to prove I'm right!"
Jack keeps typing on his phone, ignoring me altogether.
"I'm going home," I say as we walk out of the elevator. "I can't believe I trusted you. From the very first minute I saw you, I knew I had to run away as quickly as possible. You can shove your job offer because I…"
The second we walk into our penthouse, Jack presses me against the door and pushes his lips to mine.
Our lips meet, and he sucks me in right away, so passionately and ardently, as if he wanted to do this for years.
Before I can understand what’s happening, his tongue is already penetrating my mouth while his skillful hands squeeze my waist, brushing his thumbs against my belly.
When a moan escapes my throat, I realize that it's happening for real and try to push him away to make it stop.
Of course, I'm not strong enough to budge him, but he breaks the kiss anyway.
"I'm sorry," he whispers right into my mouth, still pressing my body to the door with his. "I'm a jerk who brought you straight into the battlefield."
Was I punched in the head while we were walking or did Jack Harden really just apologize?
"I'm gonna kill you," I hiss, trying to push him again.
"Get in line," he whispers.
And then he presses his lips to mine again. I let him do it, convincing myself that there's nothing I can do about it, but the truth is that I'm dying to feel his lips on mine one more time.
I bite his lip out of anger, but he ignores that, sucking and devouring me as if he’s been starving for this kiss his whole life.
Our bodies rub against each other, the friction so intense that I swear we could start a fire.
My nails dig into his shoulders, but not to push him away this time, just to hold my balance.
His hands travel from my neck to my shoulders and collarbones, stroking them until he reaches my puckered nipples.
Even though my dress is thick and tight, he can still feel my hardened nipples sticking out, and he growls when his fingers find one of them and squeeze it hard.
I involuntarily whine with displeasure when he releases my lips and lowers his mouth to my neck.
My legs are shaking, and I can barely stand.