an's

ht was a

er how many times I replay it in my head, I can't shake the feel of her against me-the warmth of her ski

more than the arrogan

This isn't some foolish romance. I don't crave anyone, and

ell can't I stop t

The lingering scent of her perfume-something soft, almost sweet-still clings to

distraction, a pathetic attempt to focus on anything but the way my chest tightens at the thought of h

pressing the button with

n my off

the button, leaning back in my chair. My ja

or swings open. She steps in, and for

red, chin lifted. But I see it now-how her lips part slightly,

o

teady, but I don't miss the

s that how you ad

es, but she fo

tt

stack of papers toward her. "Reschedule the ones I don't have tim

und the papers, but she

And while you're at it, the decor in this

nap to min

ow what that me

he's restraining herself. She wants to argue, to throw

rest

" Her voice drips wi

t should keep you busy. Unless you'd ra

y, spins on her he

he way the irritation lingers in her posture. Because that would me

s n

his time, the air shifts. A cold presence sett

r Ste

fat

ng. He doesn't deserv

reets, voice c

cto

lightly. He hates it wh

office like he owns it. And in his mind, he

ady running multiple acquisitions this

arrow. "Yo

my stomach. I already k

from me, posture rigi

owly. "Not

studying me. "You

" I counter. "Vivie

rent. Their

p, cutting. "She used me. And you appro

g against the armrest of the chai

ut business like it's all that matters." My voice lowers

ing flickers in his gaze.

was w

g inside

s slamming against the

ther was weak. She let emotions contr

arp. My mother was kind. Too kind for

rage boiling over. "You don't g

u can't run from this, Adrian. The Laurent

. "I will never let you

exhales sharply. "Pathetic." His voice drips with disappointm

meant to cut

espond, the do

o

en us, taking in the

this is what you w

ightens.

e door. But just before he steps out, he pause

licks shut

ove. Don'

ze on me, burning wi

e her the c

." My voice is sh

but eventual

ath I didn't realize I was holding. My chest i

down. And this morning, I

she just walked through, I

ready