"Take the main seats," Ron waved for Hayden and me to sit down.He didn't look anything like our deputy CEO right now. More like a guy trying way too hard to be laid-back.Honestly, if it weren't for the fact that I knew Hayden was the real power behind the company, I doubt Ron would be this chummy."Mr. Shane," I started, raising an eyebrow, "You're the boss. We're just employees. Isn't this a bit... much?"Ron paused, glancing at Hayden before giving this easy smile. "What's wrong with being friendly? We're colleagues, like family."I let out a short laugh. "Yeah, but you're still the boss. Treating us like this makes things feel kinda weird.""Mr. Shane, really, you don't have to be so polite. We won't be able to enjoy the meal like this," Hayden added.Ron waved him off like it was nothing. "Don't overthink it. That's just my style—no formalities, no drama. Right, Mr. Hart?""Maybe too informal," Hayden replied, keeping it short like usual.It was funny, the contrast betwe
"Ouch!"Ron quickly turned his head away, covering his eyes with his hand, like we'd blinded him or something.Hayden straightened up, totally unbothered. "What? Never seen two people in love before?"Ron lowered his hand. "Oh, I've seen it. Just never quite... this type of PDA."Then he turned to me. "Ms. Kay, you really do live up to your job in marketing—always coming up with something fresh."I just blinked, completely speechless."And why are you still standing there? Maybe you're good, but your guest is tired just watching," Hayden threw out, his deadpan shutting Ron up instantly.Ron slapped his forehead like it had all been a big mistake. "Look at me! You two flustered me so much, I almost forgot about the main event."He stepped to the side, making a sweeping gesture toward the door. "Boss, please."Wait, boss?!I froze as this short, round man waddled into the room, looking like he was about seven months pregnant.I had no clue who this guy was, so I instinctively
"No, he doesn't.""Honestly, I don't think he looks much like a big boss either," Ron puffed out his chest, standing taller like he was comparing himself. "I mean, come on, look at me. In terms of body and presence, how could he ever compete with this?"I rolled my eyes. "But, like, he's the one who invested all the money to start the company, right?""Yup, he's the real majority shareholder," Ron said. "Me?" He chuckled, "I may look like I run things, but I'm just another glorified employee—same as you and Hayden."His easy, playful tone actually made him seem pretty down-to-earth."Then why doesn't he run the company himself?" I asked, still not totally getting it.Ron scoffed. "What, are you dense? The guy's loaded. He owns a bunch of companies. Who has the time to micromanage all of them?"I glanced back at the private room door, still trying to wrap my head around the fact that the short, stocky guy inside was some rich business mogul.I'd spent years around the upper crus
The dinner ended smoothly, with Kylian showing none of the arrogance you'd expect from a big boss. He was laid-back, almost too casual for someone with his status.Hayden, though, stayed mostly quiet the whole meal. Besides offering me food and checking if I needed water, he barely said a word. His cool, distant vibe made it seem like he was the one in charge.Once the meal wrapped up, Kylian left in his understated Maybach, and Ron, a little tipsy from the drinks, booked a sober driver service.While waiting, Ron slung an arm over Hayden's shoulder. "So, Hayden, what do you think? Everything go smoothly tonight?"Hayden brushed his arm off with a calm look. "You've had too much to drink.""I'm not that drunk," Ron laughed, lifting his hand to clap Hayden on the shoulder again. "I know you're worried I'll say something dumb, but I got it under control."This time, Hayden caught Ron by the wrist, stopping him. "I don't like people touching my shoulders. And you probably shouldn't
All of a sudden, it felt like every cell in my body lit up, a desire spreading through me that I couldn't quite put into words...This overwhelming feeling left me feeling a little ashamed, like I wasn't being a "good" girl.I had never felt this with Jace. Even when we were together, undressed and close, it was just nerves. There was never this deep, raw hunger—this fire.But with Hayden? It was like something had been unleashed inside me, something I didn't even know existed.I couldn't wait any longer. I reached for his lips, but he pulled back, teasing me. Frustrated, I wrapped my arms around his neck, my voice a breathy whisper, "Hayden..."My voice sounded desperate, needy, like someone I didn't even recognize.I never sounded like this before. It shocked me, but I couldn't stop. This burning desire was too strong to ignore, and with Hayden, I didn't want to hold back. With him, I felt free to be exactly who I was, no pretending."Hayden..." I whispered again, kissing him
Hayden didn't ask any questions and stopped immediately.But I added, "It's fine. Let's go upstairs."In the darkness, I lowered my head, and the image of the person by the car flashed before my eyes.I didn't expect Jace to find me here—this apartment's about to be demolished. But somehow, he knew. And he came anyway.What's the point of showing up now?Hayden's strides were long, his pace quick, taking two steps at a time."Open the door," he said, slightly out of breath.I fumbled with the keys and opened the door. The second we stepped inside, Hayden lifted me onto the shoe cabinet, his eyes locked on mine.In the dark, his gaze was intense, like the ocean at night—deep, dangerous, as if it could pull me under.I swallowed, trying to say something, but before I could, his lips were on mine."Kiki, you can have it however you want now," Hayden muttered, shrugging off his jacket, fingers tugging at his collar.Earlier, by the car, I had been the one craving him, desperate
Even though I knew he was right, and I was totally at fault, why did I feel so wronged crying like that?Hayden turned back and saw me in full meltdown mode. He sighed and pulled me into his arms. "It's my fault. I said something too harsh... I won't do that again."The more he comforted me, the worse I felt.I raised my hand and smacked his chest. "You're not wrong! Why are you blaming yourself? It's clearly my fault.""No, you did nothing wrong. It's me... I let my stupid thoughts take over, and I wasn't satisfied, so I said something dumb," Hayden replied, taking all the blame like it was his job.That only made me feel more guilty, so I kept hitting him—lightly, of course. But still, I kept at it. Finally, frustrated, I bit him."Ow, that hurts," Hayden whispered.It was the first time I'd ever heard him admit pain.I let go, staring at him through tear-filled eyes. He gently wiped away my tears. "You've bitten me now, so no more crying, okay? If your eyes get all swollen t
"Yuna can have the surgery—within the next couple of days!" Lena's voice practically burst out of the speakerphone.Hayden immediately turned to me, and I nodded, my heart pounding with the good news."They found a donor heart?" Hayden asked.There was a pause before Lena's teasing voice chimed in, "What are you still doing at Keira's this late, huh?"I rolled my eyes. Seriously? Now was not the time for jokes. "Focus, Lena. Update. Now."Lena chuckled but got back on track. "It's not a new donor. The family of the previous donor changed their mind again.""What did Professor Neumann say?" Hayden asked."He said Yuna's tests all came back perfect. So as long as nothing pops up—like a cold or infection—she can have the surgery in three days," Lena replied, sounding hopeful. She must've already spoken with Nate.Hayden and I exchanged a look of excitement, both of us buzzing with nervous energy. I squeezed his hand as he asked, "Is there anything else we need to do?""Not really