Big Cat Mates Lion in Wait Read Online Free PDF Page B

might never be ready to hear it and that was okay because he cared for her. “I’m Mr. Leone’s assistant.” She pulled her hands away from her boss. Royce caught her wrists, holding her in place.
    “I have another idea for Tiger Tech’s social media platform,” Dirk interjected.
    “We’ll talk about it at our next meeting.” Baagh waved his hand and knocked his teacup. Tea spilled on the wooden tabletop. “Sorry about that.” He winced. “I’ll clean it up.” He glanced around him, the liquid rolling dangerously close to his expensive suit.
    “I’ll get it.” Starr tugged her wrists free, grabbed a stack of paper napkins, and hurried to the executive’s side. “Watch your tie, Mr. Baagh. Tea stains silk.” She sopped up the mess.
    “Call me Nikhil, please.” A slow smile stretched across Baagh’s handsome face. “Have you been to Tiger Tea on Fifth and Main?”
    The high-end teahouse ? Starr frowned, the change of topic too abrupt to be part of a random conversation.
    “Before you say anything.” The executive raised his hand, and Starr moved the teacup farther away from him. “I should warn you my family owns it, and unlike lions.” He slid his gaze to Royce. “Tigers are very protective of anything or anyone belonging to us.”
    “I know where this is heading,” Royce growled. “And she’s not going anywhere with you, Baagh.”
    “Why ever not?” Baagh raised one black eyebrow. “She’s your assistant. You don’t own her.” He brushed his fingers over Starr’s skin, and she pulled her hand away, unable to tolerate his caress.
    “Do not touch my mate, tiger,” Royce snarled. He sprang to his feet, his big hands curled into fists, his teeth bared, his body coiled as though he readied to attack.
    Starr stared at Royce, awed by the power, the passion in his expression. “Mate?” Isn’t that the shifter word for wife ? “You said you didn’t have time for romance.”
    “I didn’t have time now.” Royce’s gaze remained fixed on his client, his perceived rival. “You’re mine, Starr. I’ll kill anyone who tries to take you away from me.”
    His brothers inhaled sharply. Starr’s pussy moistened, his possessiveness arousing.
    “There.” Baagh nodded, nonchalantly straightening his cuffs, acting not at all concerned by the threat. “That wasn’t so hard to admit, was it?” He rose gracefully from the chair and strode toward the door, Royce’s gaze tracking his movements.
    “And I knew immediately who she was to you, cat.” Baagh looked back over his shoulder. “Your scent is all over her. I don’t like to be lied to; no client does. Next time, introduce her properly.” He walked out.
    “Royce.” Dirk looked at Starr and then at Royce. “We should talk --”
    “Later.” Tanner jabbed his elbow into Dirk’s gut. “We’ll talk later.” He pushed his brother out of the room, closing the door behind them, leaving Starr alone with Royce.
    I’m this magnificent male’s mate . She gazed at Royce, her mind spinning, while Royce gazed at the door, his chest heaving as though he’d run a race. Silence stretched, the air thick with unexpressed emotion.
    “So.” She forced a smile. “Four days on the job and I’ve already gotten a promotion.”
    He swung his head around and stared at her, lines forming between his blond eyebrows. “What?”
    “I’m your mate now, right?” Starr moved his coffee cup to the tray. Royce nodded. “And a mate is more powerful than an assistant?” she asked, knowing the answer. He bobbed his head again. “Then that’s a promotion.” She set Baagh’s teacup beside the coffee cup. “Promotions usually come with salary increases.”
    Royce hooked his arm around Starr’s waist and pulled her to him. “Everything I have is yours.” He rested his face against her breasts, his breath hot and ragged.
    “And everything I have is yours.” She petted his golden hair, the strains silky soft. “Though you might not want that