Page 38 of When He Plays

“Lies?” Charlotte questioned.

“Yes. It was way too perfect. A far too clean history. I know Logan. I’ve known him for years. Logan doesn’t like perfect or clean. He likes people who’ve struggled. Who’ve had to fight for everything they’ve got. He likes people who are willing to fight for him, too. Those are the people who get access to his inner circle. If you haven’t fought and aren’t willing to get bloody, then you need to get the hell out of his world.” A long exhale from Tobin. “When he told me that you were coming to work for him, I thought, she doesn’t fit. No way. No way does she get to just leapfrog over the people who should have the job. Not unless, of course, Logan just wants to fuck her. Then I was like, right, sure, he has to be pulling her in to fuck her.”

“Tobin.” A growl from Logan. “You’re talking too much.”

“I’m a lawyer. Talking is literally necessary for my job. And I’m your lawyer. So making sure that the right people are close to you? That’s part of my job, too. I warned you that I didn’t think she was right. Told you that I believed her resume was fluff. When I wanted to investigate more, you stopped me in my tracks.”

Her resume was bullshit. But it would have held up to an investigation. The CIA would have made sure of that.

“But now I get it. I see the appeal.” Tobin’s gaze swept over her. Down her body, then right back up. Not in a sexual way. More assessing. Clinical. “Whatever secrets you are carrying, Charlotte, you’re clearly a fighter. So, fine, consider me on board with whatever is happening between you two interesting individuals.” He inclined his head toward her. “Thanks for keeping Logan alive. He’s an asshole, but I am fond of him. Fond of my paycheck, too. And my fantastic collection of Rolexes.”

“Time for you to leave, Tobin.” Logan continued to recline in his chair. “As you pointed out, it’s been a very long night. Don’t let the door hit you in the ass.”

A sharp bark of laughter from the lawyer. Another assessing glance at Charlotte. Then Tobin headed out the door.

When it closed behind him…

Charlotte hurried to throw the lock. She didn’t want to be interrupted. Once the lock was set, she turned, and her shoulders pressed to the wood of the door. “So…” Where to begin? “You’re just announcing that we’re fucking now? We’re just sharing that fun lie with everyone going forward? Just a quick note, I would appreciate being in the loop before we start spreading stories about our fake relationship.”

He rose. Slowly stalked around the big, heavy desk. Slowly stalked straight toward her.

Charlotte did not move. The wood seemed extra hard against her shoulders.

His gaze had latched onto her face. He didn’t even blink as he closed in. Then he was in front of her, and his hands rose, caging her as they pressed to the wood on either side of her body. He towered over her. The heat from his body surrounded her. His eyes glittered with lust and anger and…

Surely, not fear? Why would Logan be afraid?

“It doesn’t have to be fake,” he murmured.

Now she was the one with a quiver of fear sliding down her spine.

His right hand lifted. He tucked a lock of hair behind her ears. “This is the part where you can either lie and tell me that you don’t want me…” His fingers lingered against her cheek. “Or you can admit the truth.”

“The truth?” Her mouth felt way too dry.

“Yes. You want to fuck me just as badly as I want to fuck you.”

Her heart slammed into her chest.

“The desk is right there.” He never took his gaze off her. “I could strip away your clothes. Lift you onto it. And give you the best orgasm of your life.”

“That’s certainly a bold claim.” Need slid through every part of her body.

“Not a claim. I view it more as a promise. I want to be the best you’ve ever had. Kinda important point for me. I will just keep working and working until you have so much pleasure that your whole body shudders. That you want to scream because it’s so good. That you hold me tighter than you’ve ever held anyone or anything in your life.”

Her breath came too quickly. “I’m working a case.”

“Um. Like you can’t work and fuck at the same time?”

“I don’t typically do that.”

His fingers slid under her chin. He tipped her head back. “Excellent to know. Because, ready for a confession?”

No. Not at all.

“I find myself becoming quite possessive where you’re concerned.” He leaned toward her. So close that barely an inch separated their lips. So close that she could almost taste him.

She wanted to taste him.