Grace's POV
I squinted, silently analyzing the man standing before me. Obviously, I understood precisely what he meant. One look at his crotch revealed everything I needed to know.
I realized it wasn't smart to encourage this conversation while already intoxicated.
But screw logic and propriety.
I came here to drink heavily and release my anger and grief—not to act like some refined lady.
'Why should I play the perfect wife and proper woman when my husband can't even control his wandering dick?'
"What exactly are you implying, Sir?" I lifted the corner of my mouth into a mocking smile. The sarcasm was intentional, knowing he was anything but a true gentleman.
"We're using Sir now? Looks like you already understand my preferences," he teased. He tapped his thighs and continued, "Come over here so we can have a proper conversation—eye to eye, maybe lips to lips?"
I nearly lost control of my expression. This man definitely understood how to ignite passion.
But I wouldn't play according to his expectations.
I raised the wine bottle to my mouth and emptied it in one long swallow. The harsh burn down my throat made me grimace, but it provided the liquid boldness I craved.
I dropped the nearly empty bottle onto the carpet and rose from the couch.
He expected me to approach him and settle onto his lap like some docile kitten. Instead, I walked past his chair and positioned myself before the deceased CEO's desk.
I spun around to face him and casually leaned back against the furniture. I smiled while meeting his stare and unfastened the top two buttons of my blazer, offering him a glimpse of my purple push-up bra.
"I'm not here to be your compliant, well-behaved woman," I stated directly. "So if you want me, you'll need to follow my terms tonight, Mr. Mysterious."
He drew in a sharp breath. I smirked.
"Come here," I commanded.
He gazed at me without breaking eye contact, as if blinking would mean missing even a fraction of a second while such a stunning woman stood before him.
I grinned at him seductively while resting against the desk. My silhouette was perfectly framed under the office lighting and enhanced by the starlight streaming through the large window behind me.
I resembled a masterpiece he'd regret not acquiring—or in this case, not touching.
He inhaled deeply and swallowed hard. This was his first experience with a woman bold enough to seduce and command him like this. He thought he'd despise it, but surprisingly, it excited him.
He wasn't certain whether her commanding nature or her natural sensuality aroused him more, but either way, he was eager to grant her every wish.
---
He thought to himself: *He wouldn't let this opportunity slip away.*
---
He tossed his wine bottle aside and stood up. He walked confidently toward me and stopped directly in front of me.
Our eyes locked, and I couldn't help but lose myself in his intense gaze.
His green eyes resembled dark emeralds that mesmerized me into forgetting all my troubles and concerns for tonight, encouraging me to simply let loose.
"You should probably switch off the lights first," I suggested.
"Why?"
"Because you might not want to see my face during sex."
"And miss watching a beauty writhing under me? I'm not stupid," he slowly slid his arm around my waist and drew my hips toward him until I could feel his hardness through his fitted jeans. "Or maybe you want darkness so you can pretend I'm your worthless husband, hmm?"
I scoffed. I wrapped my arm around his neck and pulled his shoulder down, "I want you precisely because you're nothing like him. It turns out you're exactly what I need... for tonight, anyway," I emphasized the final part. I didn't want him getting the wrong idea if we encountered each other later.
He grinned and moved closer, "You're also exactly what I need," he whispered, but unlike me, he omitted the qualifying phrase. My pulse immediately quickened at this realization.
I wanted to clarify this was just a one-time encounter. But he quickly pressed his lips to mine, giving me no opportunity to speak.
"Ah—mmh..." I was startled initially, but soon became lost in pleasure as he intensified the already heated kiss, allowing me only brief moments to breathe before continuing.
His kiss became even more intoxicating when he skillfully coaxed my mouth open, making me lightheaded. I was only familiar with Charles's dull brief kisses, and his tongue certainly lacked this stranger's expertise.
He finally pulled away.
His lips separated from mine reluctantly, and he drew back to observe my state.
My eyes were clouded, my cheeks were flushed. But his attention focused on my lips, which were slightly swollen and reddened from his kiss.
"I might have gotten a little carried away," he admitted. "But I couldn't stop myself. Your lips taste incredible, Grace."