CHAPTER 0011 Meadow's POV : " Making demands , are we ? " I lifted my chin , feeling a smile pull at the corners of my mouth . " Think of it as insurance , " I said , making sure to keep my voice firm and tremors at a minimum . Alaric didn't say anything at first . His hand stroked the stubble on his jaw , almost like he was considering my request , and then he turned to face me slowly . I thought I saw a flicker of amusement in his eyes , but it was quickly replaced by something darker . Something possessive . " That's not how this works , Meadow . " I swallowed , covering it up with a scoff . " You said you'd give me whatever I want . " " I said I would , " he agreed , voice low . " But not on your terms . On mine . " Absurd . That was absolutely ridiculous . What the hell did that even mean ? Giving me whatever I want on his own terms ? His stare had a weight to it , like it could pin me down without having to lift a finger . He leaned in slightly , his mouth inches from mine . " Do you still want it ?" I wanted to hesitate . Really , I did . But it was like my mouth moved faster than my brain did . " Yes ," I said . His mouth twitched . " Good . " The driver had already stepped out of the car , and he pulled the door open for me . A shiver of anticipation ran through me as I thought of all the things that were going to happen in the jet . But then - Alaric's voice cut through before I could even step out . " Stay . " I blinked . " What ? " He didn't spare another glance at me as he rolled down the window while the driver approached his door . " Take a walk , " he said to the driver . 1/5 CHAPTER 0011 +15 BONUS " Sir ? " Alaric finally turned to face the driver . " You heard me . Leave . Now . " There was silence . And then footsteps as he walked away . I pulled the door shut , my heart rate spiking up . And then I turned to stare at him , brows pulled together in confusion . " What're you ... " Realization slammed into me and my eyes widened . " I thought it would happen on the jet ! " His head tilted , and that familiar smirk played on his lips . " No , baby . " His voice lowered . " You don't get to decide where or when . " He reached out , fingertips grazing my jean - clad knee . " You want me to make you come with my fingers ? " His hand trailed higher , toward my thigh . " Then you follow my rules . " A nervous tremor ran down my spine . " And what if I say no ? " He leaned in , ink - blue orbs fixed on mine . " Then you don't get what you want ." Oh my God . What the hell was I doing ? What the hell had I done ? A beat of silence passed before I blurted , " What about your meeting ? " Alaric's jaw flexed , and I could've sworn he rolled his eyes . " I'm the damn CEO , Meadow . " His voice was ice and fire all at once . " I make the schedule . Now strip . " My breath caught . " W - what ? " " You keep making me repeat myself , " he stated , eyes never leaving mine . God . The SUV suddenly felt too hot . Too small . I wasn't claustrophobic , but in this moment , I may as well have been . My hands were shaking with nervousness as they moved to my jeans , fumbling with the zipper . Alaric waited patiently , watching me like a predator . And when I started to shimmy out of the jeans , lifting my hips slightly , I felt his gaze scorch my skin . But I couldn't look at him . Not yet . The jeans bunched around my ankles , and I kicked them off , sitting there in nothing but my top and a thin pair of black panties . 2/5 CHAPTER 0011 +15 BONUS " Meadow , " he said firmly . " Look at me . " My heart beating out of my chest , I did . Alaric's eyes had darkened past its blue colour , now inching toward black . " Lie back . " ' Oh my god , ' I said in my mind . ' Oh my god . ' This was really happening . I felt like I was about to combust . I shifted , the leather seat sticking to my thighs as I leaned into the seat behind me . My hands trembled . Alaric took his jacket off , leaving him in his button - down shirt and slacks . And then he shifted until he was only a few inches part from me . He reached out , palm skimming the inside of my thigh , and I let out a sharp gasp . " Are you still sure about this ? " He asked , taking his hand away , his face void of any emotion except lust . " Yes , " I whispered . " Spread your legs . " I obeyed . Alaric didn't touch me right away . He just looked . The inside of the car hummed with intense electricity . And so did my veins . And when his hand landed on the inside of my thigh again , I bit down on a moan . " You're shaking , " he murmured . " Are you scared ? " " No. " My voice cracked and I swallowed . " Not of you . " " Keep your eyes on me . " His hand stopped just above my panties . I did as he said and he smirked . " Good girl . " Oh god . His fingers slipped beneath the fabric , and I let out a gasp . I could feel everything . The deliberate stroke of his index fingers . The way he didn't rush . " Fuck , Meadow . You're soaked . " His voice was nearly a growl as he spoke . " Shut up , " I breathed , closing my eyes . " Don't hide from me now , baby . " He slid one finger between my folds , slow and teasing , brushing my clit just enough to make my hips 3/5 CHAPTER 0011 +15 BONUS buck . " Have you ever done this before ? " I swallowed , deciding to answer honestly . " Yes . By myself . I never let Tyler- " Alaric's hand stilled , his jaw clenching as he said , " Don't finish that , " he ground out . " Don't give me another reason to saw his hand off . " And then he brushed my clit again , causing me to let out a gasp . That was fucking hot . I couldn't believe that the idea of Alaric sawing Tyler's hand off had turned me on even more , but it did . And Alaric noticed . He hummed , his middle finger circling my opening . " You liked that , didn't you ? " " Maybe , " I gasped again , clinging to the leather seat . " You're going to have to be quiet for me , Meadow . Can you do that? " I wasn't sure if I could , but I nodded anyway . Alaric slipped a finger inside me . My body jerked and I clamped a hand over my mouth , barely muffling the sound . His movements were slow at first . Gentle , but not soft . He moved with control and precision , his eyes never leaving mine , like he was learning me . Like he had all the time in the world to figure out how I worked . " That's it , " he murmured , adding another finger . " Just like that . " His fingers stretched me , even stung me a bit , but it also felt good . Too good . I writhed against him , my hand gripping his arm as I chased something I didn't fully understand . " Alaric " Let go ," he ordered , curling his fingers just right . " You wanted this , baby girl . Take it . " His thumb circled my clit at the same time he hit something deep inside me . My whole body clenched . My back arched . And I came with a cry muffled by my own hand , shaking under the intensity of the pleasure . But Alaric didn't stop . Not until the last tremor left me . 4/5 CHAPTER 0011 +15 BONUS When he finally pulled his hand out , he reached for a tissue from the armrest and wiped his fingers , tucking it into his back pocket like nothing had happened . Meanwhile , I was trying to remember how to breathe . How to speak . How to move . ' Get a damn grip , girl , " my mind told me . ' It was only his fingers . ' " Get your jeans back on , " Alaric said smoothly . " I'm late for my meeting . " He opened the door and stepped out , leaving me a flustered , panting , wrecked mess in the back of the car . And I was halfway into my jeans when I realized ... He hadn't even kissed me . Title: Cohabitating Lover by CrushReel In the romantic tale "Cohabitating Lover," Corinne, a runaway bride still donned in her wedding attire, and Andre find themselves mistakenly tangled in a leasing office mix-up. Despite initial reluctance, they become unexpected roommates after a series of arguments lead to an unconventional living arrangement. Exploring themes of love, transformation, and the magnetic pull of opposites, this modern romance unfolds against the backdrop of a luxurious mansion and a high-powered office setting. As Corinne and Andre navigate their differences and shared living space, their individual glow-ups and personal growth intertwine in a heartwarming display of vulnerability and resilience. This sweet romance novel stands out for its portrayal of characters grappling with unexpected circumstances while discovering the true meaning of companionship. With a blend of CEO dynamics, modern settings, and the allure of opposites attracting, "Cohabitating Lover" offers readers a refreshing take on love and self-discovery. Escape into this ongoing story available to read at CrushReel for a captivating journey through the complexities of relationships and personal evolution.