Please Me Daddy (Gracie) novel Chapter 37

**Across Distant Skies Lies Hope Waiting To Be Found by Kade Rowan Flint**

What does it feel like to kiss the devil, you might wonder?

Honestly, I can’t quite find the words to explain it. All I can say is that it was soft and ephemeral, yet it ignited a whirlwind of thoughts in my mind and sent a rush of electricity coursing through my veins, awakening a deep-seated need within me.

Before I could gather my thoughts, before I could even manage to draw a steady breath, he withdrew from me. My heart raced wildly in my chest, pounding as if it were trying to escape. I stood there, momentarily dazed, my fingers grazing my lips as the memory of that kiss blossomed hotly against my skin.

Oh God.

I just kissed my boss.

I just kissed my boss.

Oh hell, I just kissed Apollo Reed.

Whether I was tipsy or not, I was acutely aware of what I had done. I fully grasped the implications and the potential fallout. The terrifying truth hit me hard: I had likely obliterated whatever shred of dignity I had left.

And yet, despite the chaos swirling in my mind, I couldn’t help but crave that moment again.

My cheeks flared with heat as I glanced up at him. His hazel eyes had darkened, and when he growled, stepping closer, a fire ignited within me, something primal and fierce.

“Do you have a death wish?” His voice was low, a dangerous edge lacing his words.

It was the most intense I had ever seen him, and instead of retreating as I usually would, I found myself smiling, emboldened by the alcohol coursing through my system. I took a deliberate step closer, tilting my chin upward defiantly.

“I don’t mind dying,” I whispered, my voice barely above a breath, “if you get to be the one to kill me.”

He narrowed his eyes, a mixture of confusion and intrigue crossing his face.

“What are you going to do?” I added, my tone sultry and teasing.

“Choke me to death? Or maybe… spank me?” I bit my lip, a playful smirk dancing on my face. “Because I’ve been a very bad girl, sir.”

He hesitated for a brief moment, and I could have sworn I saw a flicker of surprise in his gaze. Then, before I knew it, his hand was on my waist, gripping me tightly enough to steal my breath away.

Shit.

He pulled me against him, and my heart nearly leapt from my chest. His other hand tilted my chin upwards, and for a fleeting moment, I thought he might actually kiss me.

I instinctively puckered my lips, anticipation coursing through me. But instead of closing the distance, he merely inhaled deeply, taking in my scent.

He stepped back, his expression inscrutable, but I could feel the weight of his gaze as it flicked to mine, both of us acutely aware of the rapid rhythm of my heart.

I moved to close the gap once more, but he retreated again, running a hand through his tousled hair with a weary sigh.

“You’re drunk again,” he stated, his tone laced with genuine disappointment.

I pouted, shaking my head vehemently. “No, I’m not.”

“Miss Grace,” he warned, a note of authority creeping into his voice.

“What makes you think I’m drunk? I’m perfectly sober, you know,” I insisted, my words slightly slurred.

He looked like he wanted to roll his eyes but restrained himself. His tone turned icy. “I’ll pretend this never happened. Given your current state, it was clearly a mistake.”

His words struck me like a slap across the face.

I crossed my arms over my chest, stepping toward him again, my teeth clenched in defiance.

“You’re wrong.”

He raised an eyebrow, skepticism etched on his features. “What?”

“It’s not a mistake,” I declared firmly, my voice steady.

He wasn’t a boy playing games; he was a man, mature and composed, someone who didn’t tolerate nonsense. And here I was, standing before him like a whirlwind of hormones and poor decisions, throwing myself at him like a foolish child.

He stepped away from me, pulling out his phone. “I’ll call you a ride home,” he said, already reaching into his pocket.

I stood up, my heels wobbling beneath me. The world around me spun too quickly, my head throbbed, and an overwhelming sense of shame washed over me.

I didn’t say anything. What was there to say?

I had been flatly rejected.

I looked at the man I had so foolishly tried to seduce, this dangerously attractive boss of mine who now felt impossibly distant.

“How many minutes will you get—”

I tuned out his words, his voice blurring into the background as my gaze fell to the floor. My body swayed slightly, my legs feeling too weak to support me any longer.

“You know…” I whispered, unsure if my voice was even loud enough for him to hear. “I was genuinely happy when you called me intelligent.”

His voice faltered, and the room fell silent. Even the ringing in my ears seemed to fade away.

I slowly lifted my gaze, meeting his eyes.

“Nobody ever calls me intelligent. I don’t know how you came to that conclusion, but thank you for recognizing my worth. You’re the first person who ever has.”

Just like that, my body gave in. My knees buckled, and the world tilted violently. I didn’t even have the chance to brace myself before everything went black, but I didn’t hit the floor. Warm arms caught me.

His scent enveloped me, and I let my head fall forward, resting it against his chest, my face half-buried in his shirt. His heartbeat thudded steadily beneath my ear.

“Mmm, I love your scent, daddy.”

He groaned in response. “Damn woman.”