The elevator doors open, and we step inside. I stand rigid, watching the numbers light up as we ascend. I can almost hear the ticking of my watch—the piece of art Julie got me. Each tick is a countdown to the inevitable clash that’s about to unfold. Maybe I’m thinking too much about it. But I know, deep down, that none of this will go down without a fight.Finally, the doors slide open, and there it is—Ryan’s lair, as sleek and manicured as the man himself. It’s filled with too much leather, too much crystal, too much everything. It’s so polished it looks like no one actually works here, like it’s a movie set for what the wealthy imagine an office should look like.Lucy opens the doors and gestures for me and Jerome to step inside. “Please, go right in. They’re expecting you.”I step forward, nodding a terse goodbye to her, but she doesn’t leave. She stands just outside, giving me one last smile before she lets the door close behind me.As Jerome and I step further into the room, I fe
Even before walking into the O’Briens company, I knew our contract termination process wouldn't be smooth sailing. I’d prepared every scenario in my head, ready with a reply. What I’d say when they tried to bully me into staying. What I’d say when they mention Julie’s name, because, of course, Julie must be mentioned. She’s in my house. All the changes she’s gone through these past few weeks have been since she met me. So I knew there’s no way Ryan would let me leave this meeting without making that fact known at least once: that I stole his wife and am now punishing him by pulling the plug on our partnership deal.What I didn’t expect, however, is Adeline politely asking me to stay.When you’re so far along in a battle, any glint of peace takes you by surprise.“I beg your pardon?” I say.Adeline clears her throat. “I tried my best to raise my son to be a good and productive member of society. But sometimes, children don’t always turn out how you want them to. They don’t listen. The
“Good. Because Adeline doesn’t want you to stay. She wants to control you, and this whole thing is her attempt to wrap you around her little finger. The ‘peace offering,’ the adjusted contract… She knows exactly how to make it look like she’s giving you power while keeping you under her thumb.”I look away. He’s right; Adeline’s deal is nothing more than a leash disguised as a lifeline.Jerome lets out a heavy sigh, crossing his arms. “Listen, if you’re serious about walking away from these people, then that’s exactly what you need to do. Don’t let them manipulate you into staying. They want you here for their gain, not yours.”I nod. “But who says we can't have both?”“What do you mean?” he says.Jerome's eyes are narrowed. He's studying my face like he’s searching for cracks. I know he doesn’t trust Adeline, and he’s right not to. But this is bigger than Adeline, bigger than this boardroom, bigger than this deal.“Let me ask you something,” I say, my voice low.“What?”“Have you eve
~~Julie~~I feel like I’ve been run over by a truck. Every muscle aches, my body buzzing from a combination of Beth’s brutal workout and the frustration that I still can’t seem to keep up with her level of intensity. The woman practically thrives on torturing me, but today she left at least a few bones intact. Progress, right?Luke’s driveway stretches out before me, long and winding, lined with perfectly manicured hedges and sprawling oaks. I walk slowly, taking in the fading light that bathes everything in a warm, golden glow. Each step sends a little jolt of pain up my legs, but I manage. Finally, I reach the door, rolling my shoulders and wincing as I push it open.The smell hits me first—something warm, spicy, and unmistakably delicious, filling the entire house. I inhale, surprised. Since I’ve been here, Paula only comes in the morning. So whoever’s cooking is someone else.Then I hear the voices, familiar laughter echoing from the kitchen, and I freeze. I can pick out Luke’s
Before I even realize what I’m doing, my thumb presses End call.I stare at my phone screen, the name lingering there like a stain, and then I hit Do Not Disturb.I’m having one of the best evenings in a long time, and I’ll be damned if I let a spawn of the devil ruin it for me.I look at myself in the mirror, taking in my flushed cheeks, rosy lips, and visible cleavage. I can feel a ripple of adrenaline, a little spark of excitement. Luke’s waiting for me downstairs, and from the way he looked at me earlier, I can tell it’s going to be… memorable. With one last sweep of my hair, I smooth down my dress, letting it hug my curves just right, and head out the door.The scent of Luke’s cooking fills the hall as I make my way down the stairs, warm and savory. I catch a glimpse of him and Javier already waiting at the table, and the second our eyes meet, Luke’s entire face lights up. There’s something in his gaze, an intensity, like I’m the only person in the room. My breath catches for jus
I keep my eyes on Luke, forcing myself not to let the anger boil over too soon. I see the hesitation in his eyes, the way he shifts in his chair, trying to calculate just how much of this evening he can salvage. But I’m not giving him an inch.“What’s in the article?” I ask.Luke sighs, running a hand through his hair, but his eyes refuse to meet mine. He’s doing that thing—holding back, hesitating, as if he can cushion the blow.“Julie,” he begins, “I don’t think it’s necessary to ruin a good meal with some tabloid garbage.”“I want to know what they said. No games, Luke.”Javier clears his throat, and Luke gives him a quick glance. “Maybe we should at least enjoy the food first. Just… breathe a bit, you know?” Luke says.Javier leans back, folding his arms. “Lucas, just tell her. Or would you rather I do it?” His tone is matter-of-fact, tinged with something that almost sounds like sympathy.Luke’s jaw tightens, and finally, he gives in. “Fine. But remember, it’s a blog. It’s most
When they disappear down the hall, the echo of Javier’s laughter fades, leaving a silence that feels deeper, more profound. It’s as if all the energy he brought into the room has vanished, replaced by an air thick with everything left unsaid between Luke and me.Luke reaches across the table, his hand hovering just a second before it lands on mine. “Julie,” he says. “I just want you to be okay.”For a moment, I let his touch calm me, but the anger still simmers beneath my skin. I pull my hand away, looking him straight in the eyes.“If you really wanted me to be okay, you wouldn’t make decisions for me,” I say. “I don’t need protection, Luke. I need honesty. I need you on my side.”“I am on your side, Julie. More than you realize. And as much as you keep saying I made this decision for you, it doesn't make it the truth. I told Adeline to talk to you about it. And if you agree, then I’m in. That’s why I didn’t say anything before now. I wanted her to reach out first, see if she’s serio
He takes a step back, his eyes raking over me, and I can see the hunger there. "Fuck, you're beautiful," he says, his voice low and rough. "No matter how many times I’ve seen you naked, I still can’t get used to the sight. I want to see and kiss every inch of you."He reaches out, running his fingers over my collarbone, then down to my breasts. I feel a jolt of electricity at his touch, and I shiver. "You're so perfect," he murmurs, his fingers tracing the curve of my nipple.I try to speak, but he silences me with another rough kiss. I feel his hands moving down my body, cupping my ass, pulling me closer to him. I can feel his hardness pressing against me.He breaks away from the kiss again, his eyes blazing with desire. "I'm going to take you so hard and fast," he growls. "You're going to scream my name."I don't know if I can handle it, but I want it, need it, crave it. I nod, and he lifts me up, wrapping my legs around his waist. He carries me to the bed, throwing me down on the m