My Ascetic Husband, a Snake in Disguise

Charles's voice cut through the air. "Hands off me, you moron!"

I bit my lip, barely stifling a laugh at his outburst.

"Your shirt's stained," the woman mumbled. "Are you worried Mrs. Hatcher will catch wind of this?"

A loud slap echoed through the door. "Get out! You're fired!"

"Ha! That's why you're stopping me! Hiding shady things from me!" I shoved William aside and flung the door open.

There stood Tiffany Golden, the teary-eyed intern assistant, her fingers tugging at Charles's shirt.

"I accidentally got Mr. Hatcher's shirt dirty," she stammered. "I just wanted to clean it."

Charles shoved her away, then quickly used the alcohol on the table to disinfect. Tiffany's face flushed crimson, her lips trembling as perfectly timed tears rolled down her cheeks.

William hustled in, grabbing her arm and dragging her toward the exit. "You really don't know your place! Leave!"

I stepped inside, catching an unnatural flush on Charles's face. His breath came in short, ragged bursts. His eyes met mine, and my heart skipped.

This guy was just seductive.

"Mrs. Hatcher..." William started.

"Go," Charles commanded, glaring until William shuffled out and closed the door behind him.

"Honey," Charles's voice softened, almost pleading, "can you touch me?"

I hesitated, sensing that something was seriously off with him. But it wasn't my style to pass up a chance to run my hands over that body. I stayed married just for such perks.

Up close, his skin was flushed, not just his face. His whole body seemed to glow with an odd, feverish heat.

He grabbed my hand, unbuttoning his shirt to reveal his toned chest. My fingers grazed his warm, taut abs, the heat radiating through his skin.

But the closer I got, the more I felt his barely contained lust. He took my other hand and pressed it to his lips.

"It's her. Her scent is driving me wild. Damn it! How did I get drugged? I want it so badly. That woman must've slipped me something. What if I scare Bianca off?"

His thoughts swirled in my head, urgent and chaotic, as I stole a glance at his flushed face. "Are you all right? Should I call William to take you to a hospital?"

He didn't answer, just buried his face in my palm.

"She's right here, and I'm losing my mind. How do I get her to help me through this?"

His thoughts were spiraling into dangerous territory. I took a bold step forward, perched on his lap, and cupped his face, my fingers trembling as I peeled off his stained shirt.