Chapter 3

Rolly pushed open the main door and entered. The heat of US surged into the air-conditioned inside, causing beads of perspiration to form on my temples almost instantly. Perhaps it had nothing to do with the heat and everything to do with the man approaching me with intent.

I had to tilt my head back to retain my focus on his face as I watched him move. I saw my eyes were wide and my lips were apart as he came to a halt a foot from the front desk. I looked like some kind of star-struck knucklehead. At least, that’s how I felt.

I blinked back to reality and focused on being professional because I was the only one in the front office at the time. “Hello,” I said quietly. His mouth curved as though he was trying to hide his smile. “I’m sorry,” I repeated loudly after clearing my throat. “Thank you for visiting Clover.” I only knew his first name from hearing it from others, and I didn’t want to address him as such. “How may I assist you?”

I was captivated to the look of his hand, to the few scars that dotted the back, to the way I detected dark ink crawling out from beneath the sleeve of his shirt. He took off his sunglasses and slipped them into the inside pocket of his suit jacket, without looking away from me.

“Do you want me to go fetch Fax?” I cleared my throat since it sounded throaty. Fax was the office manager and the only one in charge at the moment.

“No. “I’ve come to visit you.”

My eyes widened even further as he spoke, and I felt heat on my face as shame overcame me.

“Me?” That single syllable almost squeaked.

He smiled gently, his gleaming teeth shining. Despite the pleasant gesture, he appeared to be quite deadly. And it gave me an extraordinary rush, so strong that I clamped my thighs together.

Guevara ,Rolly Exruto. I flushed even more as his name slid off his mouth in an exotic, sensual way. He extended his hand, and I stared at it for far longer than was socially acceptable.

I jerked out of it and accepted the offered palm, his flesh warm, powerful, and oh-so-masculine. He took my full hand in his, then startled me by putting my knuckles to his mouth, softly inhaling, and kissing them.

Oh God.

My entire body glowed like fireworks on July 8th. And he kept his attention fixed on me the entire time. “Lara,” I said quietly, clearing my voice. “Sylvio Lara.”

We didn’t say anything for a long time, just gazed at each other, and I felt completely exposed, as if I couldn’t control myself or what came out of my lips.

I stared down at how lovely even that area of Rolly’s body was as he leaned forward and rested his forearms on the desk.

“Lara.” He whispered my name softly and clearly. As it flowed off his mouth, it sounded considerably more sexual than it should have.

“Join me for supper.” His voice, with its deep and silky tenor, made me shudder. However, I didn’t notice the underlying arrogance in those statements. It was evident that this man was accustomed to getting his way and had probably never heard the word “no.”

My eyes widened once again as I raised my brows in amazement. “W-What?” I despised the fact that my voice was trembling.

He just said, “Dinner.” “Lara, I’d want to enjoy a supper with you.”

I straightened and blinked back to reality. I felt a sarcastic part of me spring up and cocked an eyebrow at him, amazed I could think clearly just now. As he reached his full height, Rolly straightened. Although he appeared to be laid-back at the time, a part of me knew he wasn’t. He was clearly aware of his surroundings at all times. I didn’t see how he kept peering about, as if checking for any immediate threats or risks.

After another survey of the office interior, his black eyes returned to me. I couldn’t deny that his intense concentration on me was unsettling. He made me feel exposed, like if nothing was covering me and I sat absolutely nude in front of him.

“Are you requesting or requiring?” I noticed the tiniest quiver of his lips, as if he was trying to hide his delight.

“Asking,” he said after a little pause.

There was that smug tone again, as if he was certain I’d answer yes. I should have turned him down right away because of it, but I couldn’t find my words. As I stared into his nearly dark eyes, my skin clenched. Not only was he surrounded by hubris, but also by a heavy cloud of danger. A small alarm went off inside of me, alerting me to be cautious.