I wipe my palms down my perfectly pressed black skirt, glancing around the launch pad and soaking in the excitement around me. There are so many people waiting to watch our new engine soar into the sky that I can barely breathe. Maybe they’re here to watch us fail, but I push that thought aside and try to rein in my thoughts and control my anxiety.

I know the engine will work. If Trent, although he’s an asshole, says it’s perfect, I have to believe him. His reputation is on the line as much as Interstellar’s. If the engine crashes and burns, literally and figuratively, so does his future in this industry.

“Ms. Bradley,” a reporter from the most watched cable news network calls to me from the press area.

I look in his direction and give him a smile. He’s beautiful with his silver hair and chiseled jaw. I’ve always had a thing for him, often watching the news just to catch a glimpse of his pretty face, even though he often takes on hard hitting issues. Sometimes when I want to tune out the world, I put the television on mute just to have him in my living room.

“Yes.” My smile widens as he pushes through the crowd, and his gaze lingers on my calves. “It’s nice to see you, Carter.”

“It’s completely my pleasure.” The words roll off his tongue before his lips turn up in a sinful smirk. “Would you be interested in sitting down for an interview later today?”

I want to leap across the red velvet rope and do the interview now because escaping the craziness around me doesn’t sound like a half-bad idea, but I remain firmly planted in my spot. “I’d be honored, but let’s see how the test goes.”

His ice-blue eyes bore into me. “Are you expecting it to fail?”

I shake my head, knowing it’ll go off without a hitch…or at least, I pray to God it does. “No, sir. I don’t want to promise something I’m not sure I can deliver. When the engine works perfectly, and it will, there will be a lot to do afterward.”

His face softens, and the devilish smile returns to his handsome face. “I just need ten minutes.”

I’ve fantasized about getting Carter alone for ten minutes. I figured I’d climb his six-feet-seven-inch frame with the skill of an Olympic gymnast and have him ravage me in record time. There’d be nothing slow about our first time as I memorized every inch of his muscular body.

“Ms. Bradley,” Carter says, pulling me out of my perverse fairy tale.

My face heats as I clear my throat. “Find me after the press conference, and if I have time, I’ll give you ten minutes.”

His smile widens. “I look forward to it.”

I finger the necklace around my neck and wonder if the blush has remained contained to my face, because my skin feels like it’s on fire. Carter is more handsome in person, and I’m sure ten minutes alone with him will make me a blubbering mess of verbal dribble.

He disappears back into the crowd of reporters currently vying for my attention, but there’s no more time left for idle chitchat. We’re under thirty minutes until takeoff, and I have an entire team to meet with and verify that everything is on track and in working order.

I’m halfway across the tarmac, the airplane fashioned with our new engine sitting proud and ready to show the world Interstellar is no longer number two, when a hand wraps around my arm and hauls me backward.

“Lauren,” he whispers as his chest pressed against my back.

The way he says my name sends chills down my spine and steals my breath. For a moment, I forget we’re in public and that he’s the enemy. I crave his touch, his warmth, and his calmness, but then my sanity returns, and I start to pull away.

“I need to see you tonight,” Antonio whispers in my ear.

I spin around on my heel as he releases me, glaring at him. “Antonio.” Saying his name leaves an acidic taste in my mouth.

I know he’s here for one thing…to watch Interstellar fail. I want so badly to drink him in, like I did the night I spent with him before I knew he was my archenemy. But I somehow keep myself grounded in the moment with the realization that he isn’t to be trusted.

“I’d appreciate it if you kept your hands off me when we’re in public.”

The corner of his mouth tips upward. “So, in private…”

I instantly regret my words.

“No,” I say quickly and stop him from finishing the sentence. I glance around, but no one seems to be paying us any attention since we’re at a distance from the hustle and bustle of the press, public, and Interstellar team. “I can’t be seen with you.”

“Come to my penthouse at eight. I’ll have a car pick you up and bring you in the private entrance under the hotel.”

I take a step back and gawk at him. He can’t be serious. He was the best fuck I’d had in years, but that doesn’t erase the fact that he’s trying to steal the company right out from under me. I straighten my back and raise my chin, putting up my sexy-man force field to prevent me from saying yes. “While I appreciate your offer, Mr. Forte, we must keep our relationship inside the boardroom.”

“I’ll do you anywhere you want.” He smirks.

I fist my hands at my sides and grunt my disapproval. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m about to crush Cozza—and you, for that matter. Stick around and watch as I top you.”

“Baby, you can be in control,” he says as I start to walk away. His words do funny things to my insides, and I turn my back to hide my face because I know he’ll be able to read me like an open book. “Just be ready at seven thirty when my car picks you up.”

I wave him off over my shoulder, but I’ve agreed to nothing. The man has the biggest set of balls on him if he thinks I’m going to throw myself at him and beg to keep my company. It’s not my style, and I haven’t made it this long and this far by using sex. I’m not about to start now.

The only way I’ll crush Cozza and Forte and send them packing will be a successful test flight, along with finding the loophole that’ll have them running for the hills with their tails between their legs.

I avoid turning around and giving him one last glance as he sits on his high horse, still thinking he’s in control. I don’t feel bad knowing that I’ll be pushing my stiletto heel into his chest and piercing what little heart he has within the next thirty minutes. I feel more alive than I have in years, knowing that the company I helped build will overtake him and become the new number one in the aerospace industry.

Trent’s standing about thirty feet away from the airplane, staring up at it and stroking his chin.

“Everything okay?” I ask as I come to a stop next to him and look up to see what has his attention.

“It’s perfection,” he says with a softness that’s so unlike him. “I actually created this magnificent beast.”

“I always knew you could do it.” I turn my head and gaze at the man I once thought I loved. For a second, I remember how good things were before he became a creep but a necessary evil I put up with for the sake of the company.

“I did it for you, Lauren.”

I can’t hide my expression as I stand here surprised by his answer. Trent isn’t a giving person. He’s all about number one, and I don’t believe for a moment that he invented the engine for me. It was purely ego.

“Let’s not kid ourselves, Trent. We’re never going to be a couple again. You created that.” I point toward the rocket but keep my facial expressions soft so I don’t set him off before the launch. “Because you could. You’re the most brilliant man I know when it comes to technology, but not when it comes to relationships. Let’s not ruin today with an argument. There’s too much good today to taint it with our past.”

“Ms. Bradley,” Cassie interrupts.

I almost breathe a sigh of relief at her timing. “Yeah?”

“It’s time for you to address the shareholders and board of directors before it’s go-time.” She smiles, and her gaze wanders along the exterior of the airplane as it reaches toward the clouds.

“Thank you, Cassie. It’s time to get this show on the road. It’s the day we’ve all been waiting for, and there’s no need to delay it any longer than necessary. Is your team ready, Trent?”

“They are. We’re right on schedule, and all systems are a go,” Trent says before I turn and follow Cassie toward the entrance to the hangar that’s filled with Interstellar investors and other VIPs.

I’ve been to events like this for other companies, and I’ve never seen so many people in attendance. The buzz almost makes me high and amps up the excitement that I can already barely contain. Every news channel and newspaper in the country, maybe the world, is talking about our test flight and how it could change the future of aviation and space exploration.

“Ah, Ms. Bradley,” Mr. Grayson welcomes me as I enter the VIP shareholder area.

I slide my hand into his as he holds it out to me. “It’s so wonderful to see you again so soon, Mr. Grayson.” I can’t contain my smile when I speak.

He gently pats the top of my hand. “I knew from the moment you took over that you’d do amazing things.”

My insides warm at his compliment. “Thank you, sir.”

The glow from his kind words is quickly dimmed as I think of my father. Having him by my side today would’ve made everything that much sweeter. I had no bigger cheerleader than him, and the only thing that even came close to his love for me was his infatuation with the stars.

“Enjoy today. It’s rare for any CEO to accomplish something so profound. I’ve been around long enough to know how precious and far between days like today are.”

“Yes, Mr. Grayson. I’m soaking it in and memorizing every moment.”

“That’s my girl,” he says with a soft smile. “Now go kick some ass.”

I chuckle at his use of words. He’s usually so proper that hearing profanity roll off his tongue somehow makes me happy.

Josh is waiting for me a few feet behind Mr. Grayson, staring at the plane much the same way I had just a few minutes before. He’s buzzing with excitement. Well, as much buzzing that Josh can do without making it too obvious. He’s not much for outward expression and over-the-top enthusiasm, but if I didn’t know any better, I’d say Josh was giddy.

“It’s finally here.” Josh turns to me and lets out a sigh of relief. “We’re going to kill it, Lauren. Kill. It.”

“We’ve got this.” I playfully nudge his shoulder.

Josh rose within Interstellar just after me, and we started only a few months apart. We both knew we wanted to change the company. Hell, we wanted to change the world, and now we are finally achieving our goal.

“If everyone could please take their seats,” I announce as I move toward the podium with Josh at my side.

I take a few deep, cleansing breaths as I walk up the steps with my back to the crowd. The sun glints off the metallic surface of the plane’s exterior, sparkling like a diamond, demanding attention.

The mahogany podium is still and cold under my fingertips as I stare out into the crowd. The top Interstellar executives and investors are in the few front rows, and behind them are other industry guests and media.

Standing in the very back with folded arms and a cocky grin is Antonio. His eyes are hungry, appraising, and scorch my flesh with his sweeping, intent gaze. Heat creeps up my chest, and I fidget from one foot to another to avoid fanning myself. I will not let him know the way he affects me.

Clearing my throat, I put on my best game face and wait for the crowd to settle. Their voices wane, but the clinking of last-minute preparations drone on behind me in the distance.

“Thank you for being here.” I smile wide and swallow down all the nervous energy that’s building inside. “Interstellar and I are thrilled that each and every one of you are here. Today, with the launch of our newest invention, we’ll forever change the landscape of travel around the world and into the heavens.”

My eyes catch Antonio just as he licks his lips. I suck in a breath, pulling back from the microphone just in time for it not to be heard by everyone in attendance.

“The engine will allow the human race to reach deeper into space than we’ve ever been able to before, without a single drop of fuel or an endless supply of energy. Nothing like this has ever been developed—though many have tried and failed—until now. We welcome you to watch the marvel known as the Mercury engine and see for yourself the power and speed that will greet interstellar travels from this moment into the distant future. Please hold all questions until the test flight has taken place. There will be a press conference immediately following the successful launch. Buckle up, ladies and gentlemen, you’ve never seen a takeoff quite like this.”

The crowd erupts as I step back, and I take a moment to soak everything in. The people. The excitement. The energy. The moment before something so amazing is unveiled and seen for the first time. There’s nothing quite like it. I’m not sure I’ll have another moment like this in my career.

I avoid eye contact with Antonio as I come down the stairs and take a seat next to Josh. We glance at each other with wide eyes because everything is hinging on what’s about to happen. Not just our careers, but the very existence of Interstellar. If Trent’s engine has any type of massive failure, Cozza will be able to snap up the remaining shares of Interstellar, and we’ll cease to exist.

My leg is shaking as the jet slowly rolls down the runway away from us. I can barely contain the excitement and nervousness that are coursing through my body. I place my hands on my skirt and try to calm my legs before everyone in the crowd mistakes my excitement for fear or uncertainty.

When the jet has taken its position at the end of the runway, ready for takeoff, I give the signal to the launch team. It’s now or never. The giant body starts to roll forward slowly, and my fingernails dig into the flesh just above my kneecaps as I lean forward with the rest of the crowd.

There’s no sound except for the massive engines as they roar to life as the jet picks up speed. The air around me evaporates, and I hold my breath, praying we didn’t miscalculate a single thing.

Unlike a normal plane, the one fitted with the Mercury engine only needs a third of the runway to gain enough speed to take off. Not only does it use no fuel, it’s faster than anything else out there today. Ours puts the now defunct and out of commission Concorde to shame.

People clap wildly as the front wheels lift off the ground sooner than anyone expects. Almost effortlessly, the entire body of the jet lifts off the ground and ascends toward the clouds. Not wanting just to show that it can and does work, the pilots push it to the limits, rocketing the engine toward the sky at a seventy-degree incline that would make most people sick, but not trained professionals like them.

The pilots asked for permission, wanting to show the ability of the engine, and there was no way in hell that I’d say no. I wanted not only to show the world what we’d accomplished, I wanted to rub it in Cozza’s face that we’d made the biggest, meanest, cleanest engine in the world.

I take a moment, turning slowly in my chair to gaze at Antonio. For once, he’s not staring at me. He’s gaping at the jet, taking in the wonder of the Mercury engine.

And with any luck, his plan is crumbling.