The Spiral Down (The Fall Up #2)

“I need to know my job is safe,” I said, linking my fingers together and resting them in my lap.


“Safe from what?”

I sighed, and for the first time since I’d found the Transformer porn on my hotel TV, I felt a twinge of doubt. “I really can’t afford to lose this job. I can’t believe I’m even considering doing this with my boss.” I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose.

“Doing what with your boss?” he asked in an ominous whisper.

He must have moved fast, because when I opened my eyes, his beer had been discarded and he was staring down at me, wearing all the confidence in the world. It was a stark comparison to the downcast man from only moments ago.

The air crackled as he waited for me to reply. It wasn’t a loaded question, and I had no fear about answering. But, with him so close, holding me captive with the dark desire filling his eyes, I was scared for a completely different reason.

There wasn’t a woman in sight, and I’d willingly put myself in this position. I’d gotten too cocky, and in a single moment of weakness, he’d pounced.

I pushed to my feet, attempting to regain the upper hand, but even with my height and weight advantages, Henry was still in complete control. He took another step toward me, forcing me to retreat or collide with his chest.

I regretted my choice to back away, as it only gave him more power.

“You haven’t answered me yet, Evan.”

My name rolled off his tongue with such a practiced ease that I wondered how many times he’d said it since we’d met.

In the shower?

In his bed?

Late at night, with his hand pumping his dick?

And would it sound as good as it whispered across my skin while I was inside him?

Damn it. I should have brought Jessica with us.

My body jolted when my back hit the wall. I hadn’t even realized I’d been moving away.

His strong jaw ticked, and the muscles on his neck tensed. “Do what with your boss, Evan?”

Why does he keep saying my name?

Dear God, please keep saying my name.

He put his palm on the wall next to my head and leaned in close. He was careful not to touch me, but the lack of contact only intensified the sparks exploding inside me.

The tip of his tongue snaked out to dampen his lips, and I couldn’t help but mirror the action.

“I don’t usually do stuff like this,” I mumbled, suddenly caring what he thought of me.

“Good,” he replied, fighting a grin back.

“I don’t want anything to do with Tabitha.”

He cocked his head to the side, but his grin grew into a full-blown, breathtaking smile. “Another good.”

My heart pounded at his proximity. There were still several inches between our bodies, but our noses could have brushed with the slightest bit of effort. Our lips only slightly more.

God, I wanted the more.

Why, oh fucking why, hadn’t I seen this coming and brought Jessica?

And why, oh fucking why, was I standing there like a bitch, unable to formulate a complete thought.

I cleared the suffocating sexual tension from my throat and demanded, “Tell me my job is safe.”

His eyes sparkled with amusement. “You have a one-year contract with me. No matter what you do with me, that will remain intact.”

“Give me your word.”

His teeth raked over his bottom lip. “I’ll give you anything you want, Evan.”

Again with the name.

I shivered in the most non-masculine way possible. “I…I want your word. That no matter what happens. My job is safe. And you don’t run your mouth about it. It stays our secret.”

His shoulders gave the oddest flinch, which he quickly tried to hide with an insincere chuckle. But the light in his eyes had dimmed so low I was afraid I’d never see them flicker again.

And it should be known that I was desperate to see that mischievous glint again.

Gripping his waist, I spun so fast he didn’t have a chance to react. My chest slammed into his as I pinned him against the wall. Hip to torso, our bodies were flush. He could probably feel my cock thickening against his leg, but I was more worried about suppressing the moan at the feel of his growing against mine. Long. Thick. Promising.

Teasing my nose against his, I breathed, “Tell me my job’s safe.”

He barely managed to squeak, “Your job’s safe.”

“Good,” I breathed just before slamming my mouth over his.

The shock registered in his eyes for only a second before they fluttered shut. Pushing and pulling, our tongues dueled in a rough kiss. He met me stroke for stroke, twisting and gliding.