Page 12 of Tell Me You Need Me

“Please, don’t get hurt.” Her eyes flutter closed, tempting me to take her mouth.

“It won’t come to that.” My head lowers.

“Promise me?” she whispers against my lips.

“Promise.” My mouth lands on hers, tongue sweeping across her lips. When she gasps, I slip inside and take her in a possessive kiss that does nothing to calm the raging need to take her right here, right now.

CHAPTER NINE

mischa

Isit back in my chair, breathless from the kiss Nolan delivered, thumbs flying across the screen of my phone. I waited until he gathered his things and gave me that crooked, hot-as-sin grin before I pulled the device out, at least. My heart is beating like a stampede of wild horses, and I can barely keep my hands from shaking.

Me: 911! EMERGENCY MEETING. Nolan’s boardroom. STAT. And if drinking were allowed on the job, I’d say bring a bottle along with you.

I press Send, waiting for my girls’ responses, and because our group is close knit, always there for the other, it’s no surprise when the otherwise quiet area is interrupted by the non-stop, ear-piercing pinging of my phone.

Cory: On my way! Just parking now.

Romy: Walking in now, more like waddling, but I do have snacks.

Alex: Heading up the elevator. What did Nolan do?

Gennie: Leaving my office. Give me three minutes!

Jett: I’m in Chicago for game two! Calling you on FaceTime right this very minute.

Seraphina: Well, shit, I can’t miss this. Rafe will have to fend for himself. Otw now.

I rush out of my chair and make a beeline for the boardroom. I throw open the door, then adjust the heavy blinds to face up and give us a semblance of privacy. I rush back to my desk, grab my phone, tablet, and to-go cup of coffee I snagged on my way into work today. Even though Nolan left a note on the pillow next to me to take my time coming in, I did anything but. Honestly, I was annoyed at myself for sleeping through his morning ritual and couldn’t join him in the shower or watch him get ready for the day.

I prop my phone up just as Jett’s video call connects. Her face fills the screen—she’s sitting in a high-end hotel room overlooking the windy city, dressed in an oversized team hoodie, hair sticking up on one side, and looking every bit of Rowdy “Bouch” Bouchard’s woman.

“Alright, spit it out, Misch,” Jett demands through the speaker, leaning so close to her camera her forehead almost blocks the view. “Whose ass am I beating?”

“Nobody’s yet.” I pace back and forth behind the head of the table, biting my bottom lip so hard I’m amazed I haven’t drawn blood. “Or maybe my brother’s. Or Nolan’s. Or both.”

“Take a breath, babe.” Jett’s voice softens. “You look like you’re about to jump out of your skin.”

The rest of the crew files in, looking like a high-fashion editorial magazine dropped right into the middle of Sterling Capital. They’re dressed to kill: Alex is in a sharp, tailored suit that hugs every curve, Cory looks effortlessly gorgeous in a cream knit dress and knee-high boots, Gennie is sporting a sleek leather skirt and killer designer heels, and Romy looks radiant in a flowing silk wrap dress that accents her rounded belly.

“Alright, spill.” Alex steps into the room first, her heels clicking against the marble flooring. “Is the building on fire or did you two get caught?”

“They’re upstairs,” I prattle on, pacing enough to wear down the stone while my hands flutter nervously toward the floor. “Nolan went to Maxim’s office nearly twenty minutes ago now. I should be up there. I need to be up there! I’m the one who started this, I’m his assistant, I’m Max’s sister—I shouldn’t be hiding down here like a coward while they tear each other apart!”

“No,” Jett’s voice booms through the speaker, cutting through my spiraling panic bordering on a manic attack with her strong tone. “You absolutely should not.”

“Well, that’s entirely up to you, Mischa, but if you want my advice? I’d settle in. I can’t imagine Nolan would be the type who wants his woman to wade into the middle of a self-proclaimed dick-measuring contest with your brother. I know Dante would never let me step between him and a fight he intends to finish.” I cringe at the dick-measuring part because that’s my brother and that’s just gross. Meanwhile, Alex drops herself into a leather chair, crossing her long, silk-clad legs.

“She’s right, Mischa. If Dom were up there handling this situation, he’d expect me to stay back and let him protect me. Nolan’s cut from the same cloth. They’re men, hear them roar, me, Tarzan, you Jane.” Cory nods in agreement, settling beside Alex.

“They all are,” Gennie chimes in, tossing her hair over her shoulder as she perches on the edge of the conference table. “They’re territorial, hyper-protective cavemen. If you go up there right now, Nolan’s focus splits between handling your brother and keeping you safe.”

“Let him handles this, Misch. Rafe would do the same thing, though he might be a smidge more stubborn.” Seraphina walks in wearing a chic and stylish blouse and skirt.

“They’re right, sweetie,” Romy offers softly, giving me a warm, comforting smile as she sets a tote bag full of pastries on the table. “Sit down before you wear the heels of those gorgeous shoes of yours down.”

“I just hate waiting. I feel like I’m going to throw up.” I let out a long exhale, finally stopping my anxious pacing and dropping heavily into the plush executive chair at the head of the table.