Taming the Arrogant CEO

Chapter 43: Chapter 43: Unexpected Passion (Part 2)



Lucas's lips pressed harder against Claire's, his daring tongue tracing hers, and his hands slipped under her shirt, grazing her skin with a heat that sent tremors through her. The new sensations, his touch, the overwhelming warmth, seemed to envelop her whole. It wasn't until she felt his hand at her chest, sending a shiver that was both unsettling and exhilarating, that her mind snapped back to reality. She squirmed, attempting to push him off with all her strength. Instead, he pulled her even closer, guiding her down onto the hardwood floor, his kiss growing more fierce, more demanding.

 

"Mr. Zeller…" Her voice emerged in a soft murmur, initially meant to halt him, yet colored by the unfamiliar thrill that softened her tone, unintentionally inviting.

 

In an instant, Lucas's intense gaze sharpened, the smoldering desire in his eyes locking onto her own, mirroring the effect he had on her. A torrent of unfamiliar need surged through him, tightening every muscle, drawing him closer, until—

 

He pulled back, releasing her. Swallowing hard, he struggled to stand, his movements shaky as he stumbled toward the stairs, leaving Claire on the floor, wide-eyed and dazed, her heart pounding from the encounter.

 

From upstairs, the rush of cold water sounded from the bathroom, interspersed with his deep, measured breaths as he fought to steady himself. The icy spray poured over his toned, statuesque body, clinging to every defined line as he gritted his teeth, bracing against the surge of heat that refused to dissipate.

 

*Damn it,* he thought, frustration mounting. *Back at the bar, nothing happened—even with Lila all over me. I figured it was just the anger, that no one could get a reaction out of me right now.* But here he was, on edge, all because of a moment—a mere, accidental touch when Claire had caught him. The way her arms wrapped around him, how he'd felt her warmth beneath him—it had unleashed a torrent of desire he hadn't expected, couldn't control.

 

What kind of reaction was this? The image of her, her body pressed under his, her soft voice calling his name... It had driven him so close to the edge that, if it hadn't been for that small, tentative sigh, he might have completely lost himself right there, on the floor.

 

*Get it together,* he commanded himself, clenching his fists against the cold spray. He'd held back for this long, forced himself to ignore the allure of her presence. He was nearly finished with the personal goal he'd set for himself, so he couldn't—he wouldn't—let a slip-up ruin his resolve now.

 

*Is this what they mean by self-inflicted punishment?* he thought bitterly. A long time ago, he'd made a promise, and to keep that promise, he had reined himself in, forced his desires away. Yet here he was, struggling because, as he finally understood, his need for Claire was anything but under control.

 

A small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as he settled on an explanation he could accept: it was just his biology, heightened by the alcohol and the lack of recent companionship. Nothing more.

 

Satisfied, he twisted the faucet off, water dripping down his chiseled face and chest as he reached for a towel.


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