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Cleo stepped away from him, humiliation burning through her. “Forget about it. I made a mistake. You’re right, we shouldn’t be together.”

Hunter caught her around the waist and pulled her close. “Hell, no. You’re not going anywhere. Not until you believe me.” He pressed a fierce kiss to her lips that hit so hard she gasped. “I want all of you. I need all of you in my life. This isn’t a game for me, it never has been. From that intense night we spent together, right up to today, all I’ve wanted is you. I don’t look at other women, because my perfect woman is right here. She’s just not letting me in.”

Cleo shook her head. “All I believe is that you’re crazy.” She twisted in his grip, but Hunter held on tight.

“Trust me, Cleo. I won’t ever let you down.”

“You’re promising me an impossible fantasy. We can’t be together. I’m your boss. It’s wrong.”

“I see nothing wrong about it. You’re the one with the hang-ups about being in charge and not crossing the lines. Lines you drew for yourself.” He kissed her again, his tongue teasing hers, before he pulled back. “You’ve had a taste of how incredible we can be together. You have to stop fighting this. We’re right for each other.”

“No, I don’t need to let you in.” Panic flooded through Cleo. She wouldn’t risk losing everything she clung so hard to. “I can only offer you so much, but that’s not enough. Therefore, this ends. I won’t ask again.”

“It’s not ending. But you need to start believing in us.”

Tears pricked her eyes. “I’m leaving.”

“Nope. You’re staying right here. And while you’re working on dealing with your hang-ups, let me show you how gorgeous you are, and just how committed I am to making this work.” Hunter teased across her collarbone with his tongue and teeth. “And believe me, I want to be inside you so badly I’m in physical pain. But it’s not the right time for you.”

“So what are you going to do if you won’t fuck me?” Cleo’s words came out breathy as she sank against Hunter, admitting defeat as his tempting kisses made her dizzy.

“I’m going to give you a taste of our future together.” Hunter slid his hand into her pants.