Page 67 of The Snowflake Effect

“I have to.” I twist in his grasp, because those lips, those eyes…not a coherent word will come out of me if I’m facing him.

Still, he flattens his palm on my belly and presses me closer, my back to his chest.

I bring the phone to my ear. “Hi, Maeve, what’s up?”

He nibbles on my neck.

“Ramiro quit.” Her voice barely registers.

Kolton’s hand glides down, down, down.

I clench my thighs together.

“Did you hear me, Shy? Ramiro quit. No notice. That leaves you and me to get this job done. I’ll be taking over his duties.”

I clamp Kolton’s wandering hand with my own and try to pull away. The man doesn’t ease his iron grip. “Okay. We’ll make it work. Longer hours. Whatever it takes.” His lips travel to my free ear. “Can we discuss this tomorrow, Maeve? I still have a lot of work to do tonight.”

Like mapping every muscle on Kolton’s body.

A pause. Lengthy. Full of…something. “That’s fine, Shy. But let me remind you I’ve put in two years at Concept. I know why you got this project. I know why Kolton chose you. That’s not enough to make it in this business. Not enough to be promoted to partner.”

She hangs up, and my blood runs cold. “I am so screwed.”

He grips my shoulders and spins me around. “Why? What did Maeve want?”

“Ramiro quit.”

He swallows. Nods. “Okay. That sucks, but we can get the space done on time.”

“No, you don’t get it…Ramiro quit. Ramiro, who was vying for the partnership Maeve’s been coveting like a serial killer. She has ‘lost’ important messages from his clients, switched appointments without telling him. She has messed with his career so she can make it out on top. Now that he’s gone, guess who she deems her new opponent?”

He shrugs. “So what? Who gives a shit what she thinks?”

“I need this job,” I say, attempting to keep the panic out of my voice. I don’t want Jackson coming down here. “There’s no way Hilary would promote me to partner at this stage of my career, but I am expecting an associate position soon. Unfortunately, Maeve’s so paranoid she believes I’m her new competition. What if she tries to sabotage me?”

“Then we’ll keep an eye on her,” Kolton says, his calm tone easing my dread. “You should document all communication with her, even how she treats you—anything she messes up or anything shady. Add dates and specifics, so if you need to back up accusations later, you have ammunition.”

I swallow, nodding as I process his suggestions. “Okay, yeah.” Already, I feel calmer. “Thank you. You’re right. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

“Also, if she hits you below your designer belt, Nico has friends on the police force here. Just say the word and we’ll have her arrested.”

I laugh and hug him, grateful for his advice. And his humor.

Maybe taking help from others isn’t weakness, like Kolton said. Having his support boosts my confidence, makes me feel like I’m stronger, and nothing is sexier than a man who lifts women up. Another reason choosing to live here is the right choice.

“What are your thoughts,” I murmur into his neck, “about giving me a tour of your bedroom?”

CHAPTER 29

KOLTON

I am fucking starved for this woman. Dying to see Shay without the layers of clothing always between us. I can’t kiss her hard enough. Can’t get her through my bedroom door fast enough. We’re kissing wildly the way we do, my hands roving over her luscious curves until I’m palming her ass and sucking a path down her neck.

“God,” she gasps, her head falling backward against my bedroom wall. Then, “Did you transport me to a bordello?”

I chuckle and follow her gaze to the ceiling. Above my bed is an ornate red chandelier that has a total brothel vibe. “I ordered it special for you. Knew how much you’d love teasing me about it.”

“The red mini-lamps on top certainly bring out the vampire in your eyes.”