Read Online Beneath the Boss: Omnibus (The Complete Collection) by Lydia Rowan - Free Book Online Page B

like she had earlier. Layla squirmed and fidgeted, something he was unaccustomed to from her.
    “I need to get this out. I don’t want you to do or say anything until I’m done. I know I don’t have to worry about you trying to placate me or soothe my feelings, but just for the record, please don’t feel obligated to say anything.”
    Leighton’s curiosity, which was already peaked, was now on full alert.
    She took a deep breath before saying, “I have, uh, feelings for you, and I’d like to see if there’s anything here.”
    Deep satisfaction spread through him. He’d suspected as much, didn’t think Layla would have allowed him into her bed otherwise, but to hear her confirm it out loud again was nice.
    She continued, “I know we’ve talked about it a little, but we haven’t discussed this in detail, and I don’t think we’ll get anywhere until we do. So here’s what I’m proposing. I’ll stay with the company for the time being”— she cut a sharp look at what he knew was a self-satisfied smile— “with understanding that I’m still considering Smythe’s offer and may consider others with no interference from you, subtle or otherwise.”
    He didn’t have to worry about Smythe, but it was still a tough pill to swallow. He didn’t like the idea of Layla working for anyone else, but from the firm set of her lips and shoulders, he knew this was a deal breaker.
    He nodded his assent, and she went on. “Okay. And like we said, we keep personal stuff away from work. Oh, and you’ll be nice to me and do whatever I say.”
    He laughed, and she joined him, the melodic tone something he could get used to.
    “Figured that would too much of an ask, but it was worth a shot.”
    “You’re a brilliant negotiator. I’d expect no less.” He sobered. “I don’t know what I feel, Layla. I hate the idea of you working for someone else, and I love making love to you, spending time with you. I want to do more of both.”
    “And other people...” She trailed off.
    He sat up straight and barked out, ice, and possessiveness, in his tone, “What about them?”
    “We both agree not to be involved with anyone else while we’re involved with each other. This can’t continue otherwise. I know I don’t have the right to demand fidelity, but this won’t work without it. I don’t share.”
    He relaxed a little at her words. He didn’t share either. In truth, he hadn’t be with anyone for almost a year, and one taste of Layla had ruined him for other women. And Layla would be with another man over his dead body. He’d keep her so satisfied she wouldn’t have the time or energy to even consider it.
    “Agreed. For as long as we’re...doing whatever we’re doing, we’re exclusive.”
    She brightened.
    “And If you come upstairs and spend the night with me, I’ll be very nice to you,” he said, the invitation, the promise, clear.
    Her smile dampened a bit, and she shook her head.
    “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I don’t want anyone to see my car still here in the morning.”
    He couldn’t help but question her. “Why? It’s not like you haven’t worked all night before.”
    “I know. I’m just not comfortable with it. But,” the hesitance in her eyes faded and was replaced with a mischievous gleam, “this might tide you over.”
    She stood and removed her jacket, and Leighton leaned back in his chair, his cock stirring as he tried to imagine what she had in store.
    ••••
    L ayla was relieved. Their conversation has cleared the air, and now she wanted to play. She walked around his desk, trailing her fingers across the edge.
    “Have I ever told you how much I love your desk?” she asked as she stopped in front if him and leaned against it.
    His eyes had turned the stormy gray that signaled his arousal and that was quickly becoming her favorite color, and she could see the confusion in their depths.
    “Uhh, no, you hadn’t mentioned it,” he said as she leaned forward and placed