The Two Towers by Jamie A. Waters Read Free Book Online

associated with that.”
    “Bullshit,” she accused him, pushing away from the desk. “Leo said you were going to cut into future trades if he didn’t agree.”
    “Ahhh, well, yes, I might have indicated something to that effect.” He gave her a sheepish look and held out his hands in a placating gesture. “Leo, as well as yourself, can be difficult sometimes. You’re both stubborn and I had to be a little firm with my request.”
    Kayla put her hands on her hips. “You have absolutely no right to make any such requests. Call it off. Now.”
    Now it was Carl’s turn to be stubborn. “Forget it. I view you as a potential asset and as a pain in my ass. Either way, it benefits me exponentially to have you above ground for the next several days. If you come to work for me, I need you healthy. If you decide not to join me, then a few days out of the ruins will only help my bottom line.”
    “You’re nothing but a scum-sucking OmniLab bootlicker who couldn’t hack it in the pits. If you think you can control whether or not I go underground, you’ve got another thing coming.”
    “Watch it, Kayla,” Carl warned, his eyes hardening. “You can only throw insults at me for so long before you cross the line.”
    Kayla crossed the room to stand directly in front of him, challenging him with her eyes. “You don’t intimidate me, Carl. You may have your crew and the rest of the ruin rats wrapped around your little finger, but I won’t be one of them.”
    Carl held her gaze for a long moment. Suddenly, he grabbed her and yanked her to him. He lowered his head to hers, almost punishing her with his lips. His kiss wasn't gentle but was entirely consuming.
    If this was what it felt like to be plundered, she would gladly surrender. His tongue invaded her mouth, questing and demanding a response. She whimpered and felt her body melt against his. Unable to resist, she returned his kiss with equal fervor.
    She vaguely registered his hands moving to unzip her jacket and tug it off. When he began kissing and teasing the sensitive areas of her neck and shoulder, she could barely think beyond the sensations she was feeling.
    She purred in his ear and nipped at his neck as he lifted her up and put her on the edge of the desk. She wrapped her legs around him, pulling him close to her. Her fingers worked their way down his muscular chest and up under his shirt to touch his bare skin.
    He groaned in response. Pressing his lips against her throat, he inhaled deeply. He murmured her name as his lips reclaimed her mouth. “You’re driving me crazy.”
    His words seemed to bring her back to reality. Kayla broke the kiss and stared up at him. “What the hell am I doing? I’m a complete idiot.” She pushed him away. “Okay, stop. If you keep putting your hands on me and kissing me, I’m going to forget why I came here.”
    “From my point of view, that wouldn’t be a bad thing,” he said huskily and pulled her closer to nuzzle her neck.
    Kayla shook her head, trying to clear it and pushed him back firmly this time. “Get back. I can’t think straight when you’re close. You’re too damn pretty.” She slipped off the desk and out of his grasp.
    Carl stared at her and then burst into laughter. “Pretty? I don’t think I’ve ever been called that before. I’m not sure men qualify as pretty.”
    “Yeah, well, you’re not seeing yourself from where I’m standing.” She shoved her hands in her pockets and took another step away from him. If she stayed any closer, she'd be all over him again.
    “And you’re absolutely breathtaking.”
    Her stomach fluttered as he gazed at her, desire clearly etched on his face. Her eyes widened and she said, “Oh man, V’s gonna’ kill me. A freaking OmniLab trader. What the hell am I thinking? I’m beyond stupid. I’ve gotta’ get out of here.”
    She grabbed her jacket and headed for the door. Carl caught her hand and stopped her.
    “Kayla, wait. What will it take to get you to