Chapter 204

Chapter 204
Claire's POV

I was pressed against the door of Daniel’s office, his lips hard on mine, his body pinning me in place. The heat of his chest burned through my blouse, and I could feel the rapid thud of his heart matching my own. His hands gripped my waist, fingers digging into my skin, and I let out a soft gasp as his tongue pushed deeper, claiming every inch of my mouth. Just as I slid my hands up his broad shoulders, a sharp knock broke through the haze of lust.

“Brown, you in there?” a woman’s voice called. I froze, recognizing it instantly—Megan. Jealousy stirred inside me—how was it that just as one Taylor left, a Megan showed up?

Daniel pulled back, his breath hot and ragged against my cheek. His blue-gray eyes locked onto mine, intense and unreadable, just inches away. I could still taste him on my lips, the faint salt of his skin, and my pulse hammered in my ears. My chest tightened with irritation at the interruption, but I forced myself to stay still, not wanting her to hear anything.

“Brown?” she called again, her tone uncertain. I held my breath, my fingers curling into Daniel’s shirt as we waited in silence. After a few agonizing seconds, I heard her footsteps fade down the hallway. The tension in my shoulders eased, but the fire in my veins only burned hotter.

“She’s gone,” I whispered, my voice low and husky. Without waiting for him to respond, I yanked him back to me, crashing my lips against his. This time, I took control, pushing my tongue into his mouth, tasting him deeper. My hands slid down to his chest, feeling the hard planes of muscle under his shirt. I wanted him to know I wasn’t playing around—I wasn’t about to let anyone, especially her, get in the way.

I pulled back just enough to catch my breath, my lips brushing his as I grabbed his left hand. I brought his ring finger to my mouth, biting down lightly, my teeth grazing the skin. “I underestimated her,” I said, my voice dripping with jealousy I couldn’t hide. “Didn’t realize you’re such a magnet for trouble.”

Daniel’s eyes darkened, a low growl rumbling in his throat. In one swift move, he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me so tight against him I could barely breathe. His hardness pressed into my hip, unmistakable and urgent, sending a jolt straight to my core. “Claire,” he rasped, his voice thick with need, “you’ve got nothing to worry about.”

I smirked, tilting my head to look up at him. “Oh, really, Brown? Then what’s this I feel poking me?” I shifted my hips deliberately, grinding against him just enough to make him hiss through his teeth. His jaw clenched, and I saw the struggle in his eyes, the way he fought to keep himself in check. But I didn’t want him in check. I wanted him unhinged.

His grip on me tightened, one hand sliding down to cup my ass through my skirt. “You’re not happy,” he said, his tone shifting, softer now, searching. “What’s wrong?”

I looked away for a second, my chest tightening. How could I explain the ugly knot of insecurity twisting inside me? Seeing him in his world, surrounded by people like Megan who belonged here—it made me feel like an outsider. But I shoved that thought down, focusing on the heat of his body instead. “Nothing’s wrong,” I lied, forcing a smile. “Just… don’t hold back with me.”

Daniel’s gaze softened, his thumb brushing my cheek. “Claire, all I want is to make you happy. To see you smile for real. That’s my biggest wish—your happiness.”

His words hit me harder than I expected, a warm ache spreading through me. I swallowed, my throat tight, and nodded. “Then keep kissing me,” I murmured, pulling him back to my lips. This time, the kiss was slower, deeper, like he was pouring everything into it. My hands slid under his shirt, fingers tracing the hard ridges of his abs, feeling the warmth of his skin against my palms.

After a moment, I pulled back, catching my breath. “We should head to that dinner,” I reminded him, though my voice lacked conviction. “Your team’s waiting.”

Daniel’s brow furrowed, his hands still on my hips. “I don’t want to go. Or if I do, I want you with me.”

Before I could respond, he pulled me back into him, his lips crashing against mine again. This kiss was hungrier, more desperate, like he was trying to claim every part of me before he had to leave. His hands moved to my skirt, fingers searching for the zipper at the back. I felt the cool metal slide down an inch, the fabric loosening around my waist, and a shiver ran through me as his calloused fingers brushed my bare skin.

“Daniel,” I gasped against his mouth, “you’re going to be late.”

“I already texted them,” he muttered, his lips trailing down my neck, hot and wet. “Told them I’d be a few minutes behind.”

I laughed softly, though my breath hitched as his teeth grazed my collarbone. “A few minutes? That’s optimistic. I’m not about to drive home with your cum dripping down my thighs.”

His head snapped up, eyes blazing with raw desire. “Claire,” he growled, his voice rough and low, “I want you. Right now. I don’t care about anything else.”

My heart pounded as he tugged my skirt up to my waist, the fabric bunching around my hips. The cool air hit my exposed skin, making me shiver, but the heat of his body pressed against me was overwhelming. His hands gripped my thighs, spreading them slightly as he kissed me again, harder, deeper. I could feel his cock straining against his pants, pressing into me, and a sharp ache pulsed between my legs. I wanted him just as bad, wanted to feel him inside me, filling me up until I couldn’t think straight.

“Daniel,” I whispered, my voice trembling with need, my nails digging into his shoulders. “We shouldn’t… not here.”

But even as I said it, my body betrayed me, arching into him, my hips rolling against his. His breath came in short, sharp pants, and I knew neither of us was stopping now. Not when every touch, every kiss, felt like it was setting my skin on fire.