Beneath the Surface Read Online Free Page A

head and trying to forget Dale. “And, yes, the artwork is perfect.”
    She flashed him a lip-glossed smile, licking her bottom lip again. He wondered if the gloss was flavored because she couldn’t seem to leave the damn thing alone.
    “I haven’t seen you here before. Are you new?”
    “No.”
    She blushed at his abruptness. “Oh, well, what floor do you work on?”
    A slow smile spread across his lips, knowing he was about to make her run and hide. “Twenty-fifth.”
    She gave his shoulder a light shove, giggling like a child. “You work for one of the Reeses, then?”
    He took his time, taking another long drink of water before he leaned forward, bringing his lips to her ear. He spoke low, making sure his mouth brushed the lobe. She giggled, obviously thinking he was teasing her.
    “I am one of the Reeses.”
    Her gasp of horror echoed around the small gym. She backed away, her hand at her throat, her eyes wide. “I d-didn’t . . .”
    “I know. It was amusing to see your reaction. It’s not often someone has no clue who I am. Especially in this building. I can only assume you’re new to your position.”
    “I want to tell you that was cruel, but now that I know who you are, I’ll keep quiet.”
    “Wise,” he said. “Very wise.”
    Ending their conversation, Kyran began to walk away again, ignoring another weak apology from the blonde. Leaving the interaction at this point would keep her wondering if he was around the corner about to fire her. He wished he had the same possibility with everyone.
    Checking his watch, Kyran cringed. He had another few hours’ work to finish before he could call it a day and head to the club. His body told him he didn’t need it. After his run he wouldn’t be on his best form, but his head demanded it. The need was there.
    He absently pressed the button to call the elevator, still locked in his own thoughts. He had three meetings to attend tomorrow, so he would have to be cautious with the matches he chose tonight. Bruises from the shoulders down were fine. His face would need to stay clear.
    “Is that the dress code around here?”
    Kyran froze, looking into the elevator to see Dale. He hadn’t even been aware of the elevator doors opening.
    “What?” he snapped, entering the elevator and checking which floor she had pressed. “What are you doing riding the elevator? Hasn’t Taylor given you enough to do?”
    He turned his back to her, standing as close to the doors as he could while still allowing them to close.
    “I’ll answer you if you face me,” she said.
    She exasperated him. No one dared to speak to him like that. Dale and the blonde from the gym were polar opposites.
    “You can talk to me whether or not you can see my face, Ms. Porter.”
    He spun around, dropping his bag to the floor as the elevator began to rise.
    Using her last name would make him keep his distance. It would keep things professional.
    “But your face is so pretty.”

    His brows shot up, his mouth opening a little. She clutched a stack of folders to her chest and like a child, stuck her tongue out at him.
    Damn it all to hell, he wanted to suck on it.
    He fisted his hands and took one step closer to her. A war raged within him. He should turn back around and get out of this elevator as soon as he could. Her scent was pulling him in, escalating his need to devour her.
    “Okay. Fine. I was dumb. I got into the elevator and didn’t press anything. I was . . . thinking. Next thing I know I’m on the way down, when I really wanted to go up. I tried pressing the right floor but it had its mind set on coming down to see you.”
    She lifted her chin in defiance, not flinching in his proximity. He snapped, losing all control. He reached out and locked his hand around her wrist as he pressed her back toward the wall of the elevator. The folders she was holding dropped to the floor, scattering around them. She sighed, never breaking eye contact.
    Kyran knew he was crossing a line, but