The Devi

downstairs.

y heard the tension beneath. That neediness

er asking why.

she sai

ommon lounge. Just

ended the call, threw on

ees were gone. Her steps echoed off the walls, loud an

try, she

e to her f

*

d the lounge, a paper cup in his

ed, voice low. "You've bee

arms. "Say what

the original plan. You let me take the lead on this submission. We b

's jaw t

ou mean, I should give

this industry works. The board listens to me. If we want our formul

couple so we'll share

he cut

inked.

down, Alec. I'm not giving

second. "This isn't about ego.

out control. And I'm done l

between th

ked. "You're b

was

ow and deadly calm. "I'm not emotional. I'

e reached for her arm,

ll forget we ever dated and treat you

ollow her a

ed his permis

haking. Her throat felt tight, like s

t Day – S

room, her lab coat half-buttoned

the supply closet, needing

thing st

moans. Whis

fr

wo steps forward and saw the door slig

made her bl

Against the

as pressed between her legs, thrusting slowly, both

c... yes...

's stoma

ly tripped over a mop bucket.

ears as she stumbled away. Her chest rose and fel

e day he asked her to step d

ing under her skin, she al

li

n't just

s her w

s Later – Mal

d not

towel around his waist. When h

ou

aw y

opped

pitiful moans; your grunting;

ney, it's not w

r while asking me to give my future for y

out. "I m

away. "Don't even try

a face.

hisper. "You gave me the ide

ed his mouth, but t

- I made a mistake, okay? You and I

u dare bl

t from pain but power.

relationship. With your

You're turning one sli

ne slip-up? This was my o

ared co

standing there half-naked, hu

– Courtney'

zy throw cushion to her heart. Her ey

for

this

d. Alessandro's

s terrible. Hope

screen for a long

n I've been

set the phone d

h, as though her body still

elease, not te

ve

at the time:

r buzz-a voice mai

m A

arted

aunting Ab

d in real life. You actually thought he would ch

in her head, Courtney lo

she

ant one. No

that said,

ld the dar

nt you are. . . without