Chapter 18

Erin's POV

His tongue invaded my mouth, the taste of whiskey and mint overwhelming my senses. The kiss was primal and possessive, nearly stealing my breath.

Logic told me I should push him away, should scream, should run—but my body betrayed my will. I found myself responding to his kiss despite myself. Every cell in my body screamed for more, my resistance crumbling under his dominant assault.

God, he still kisses so damn well.

When he finally broke the kiss, we were both breathing hard.

"See," he whispered against my ear, his voice rough with desire, "your body is far more honest than your mouth. Can Mike make you respond like this? Make you want like this?"

I pushed him away, thoughts jumbled, annoyed both by his confidence and my own weakness. "No, this isn't right—"

He didn't let me finish, grabbing my wrist while snatching my car keys with his other hand. "Enough, Erin. We need to talk."

"Let go of me!" I tried to break free, but his strength far exceeded my expectations.

He quickly pressed the unlock button on the key fob, opened the back door, and practically forced me inside before following closely behind. Once the door closed, only the sound of our rapid breathing filled the cramped space.

"Are you insane?" I moved to the farthest corner, glaring at him. "This is kidnapping!"

"If you really want to leave," he leaned forward, one hand braced on the seat beside me, "that door isn't locked."

My hand rested on the door handle, but I lacked the courage to pull it open. His scent enveloped me again, that familiar warmth and strength making my resolve waver. The air in the car grew thin, every breath filled with his scent.

"Why?" I asked softly, my voice shakier than I'd intended. "Why me?"

His fingertips gently caressed my cheek, his gaze so intense it nearly burned my skin. "From the moment I first saw you, I knew you were special."

"We barely know each other."

"My body knows you." He moved closer, our lips almost touching. "My wolf recognized you, Erin."

Once again, his lips covered mine, this kiss slower and deeper, as if he were memorizing every inch of me with his mouth. I responded helplessly, my hands climbing up his back, feeling the muscles shift beneath his suit.

When we broke apart, gasping for breath, his forehead rested against mine, his lips still brushing the corner of my mouth. "Tell me you don't feel this," his voice was hoarse and urgent. "Tell me I'm the only one being tortured by this feeling."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions. "It doesn't matter, Alexander. We're step-siblings. Our parents are married. This relationship would be condemned by everyone."

"I don't care." His hand slid into my hair, gently tugging, forcing me to look up at him. "I've never cared what others think." His other hand moved to my waist, lightly caressing. "I only care about you. About what's between us."

My breathing grew more rapid, my heart pounding like a drum. "You can't just barge into my life, manipulate everything, and expect me to—"

"I've been looking for you," he interrupted, his lips against my earlobe as he whispered. "After that night in Chicago, I practically turned the city upside down. Hired private investigators, checked surveillance footage, questioned everyone who might have seen you."

I stared at him in shock. "What? You've been looking for me?"

He nodded, sincerity flashing in his eyes. "Every day. Then suddenly, at my father's wedding, there you were... like fate arranged it."

I shook my head, unable to believe what I was hearing. "This is crazy. You don't even know me, Alexander. It was just a one-night stand."

"Not to me." His hand slowly moved up from my waist, fingers lightly brushing over my ribs, each touch sending electricity through my body. "From the first moment I saw you, first caught your scent, I knew you were special."

Just then, footsteps and voices echoed through the garage. I froze, recognizing one of the voices—Laura from Marketing!

"Shh!" I whispered in panic, fingers pressed tightly against my mouth. "Someone's coming!"

Alexander seemed completely unfazed, instead flashing a dangerous smile. He leaned forward, his lips against my ear. "Then you'd better stay quiet, unless you want to be discovered in the CEO's arms."

The footsteps drew closer, and I could hear Laura and another female colleague discussing Friday's team-building event. God, if they see us in the car... Panic made my heart race.

Alexander took advantage of the moment, sliding his hand beneath my skirt, his fingers moving up my inner thigh. I widened my eyes, wanting to stop him but not daring to make a sound.

"You look fucking hot," he growled in my ear. "Spent that whole damn meeting wanting to tear that suit off and fuck you right there."

His fingers unbuttoned the top two buttons of my blouse, revealing the lace bra underneath. "Look at you, wearing such a professional outfit with such hot lingerie underneath. Who did you wear this for this morning, hmm?"

"Not for anyone," I whispered through gritted teeth, but his thumb was already rubbing my nipple through the thin lace, making it harden instantly.

Outside, the footsteps stopped nearby, Laura's voice clearly audible. "Wait for me, I think I left my phone in the office."

Alexander's hand continued downward, unzipping my skirt while his lips planted a series of wet, hot kisses on my neck. "I want you, Erin. Right now."

I should have stopped him, but when his fingers slipped into my panties, touching my already wet center, a small moan escaped my lips.

"Shh," he chuckled softly, "do you want the entire office to know you're being fucked in a car?"

The conversation outside continued, apparently they'd decided to return to the office together to retrieve the phone. The footsteps gradually faded, but Alexander didn't stop his movements. He skillfully removed my suit jacket, tossing it onto the front seat, then unbuttoned the rest of my blouse.

"Beautiful," he murmured, bending to kiss my exposed cleavage. "I knew how perfect you were that night in Chicago."

I trembled, both from excitement and nervousness. "Alexander, we can't... this is insane..."

"You're wet, Erin." His fingers delved deeper into my panties, sliding between the moist folds. "Your body says it wants me."

He began unbuckling his belt, his movements urgent. Before I could protest, he'd already pulled down my skirt, letting it bunch around my waist, while pushing my lace panties to the side.

"Look at you," his voice was deep and full of desire, "ready for me."

He unfastened his pants, freeing his already fully erect cock. Even in the dim car interior, I could see its impressive size. Memories of that night flashed again, and my body trembled with anticipation.

"Wait," I protested weakly, "we shouldn't—"