ANTONIO

After watching the Mercury engine take off and everything that Interstellar has accomplished, I knew Cozza could no longer move forward with the acquisition of Lauren’s company.

Not as things stand now.

There’s no way we’d pull off a hostile takeover in the midst of the announcement of one of the biggest inventions of this century.

But I wasn’t ready or willing to give up my time with her. That night, the one when I was Lou and she was Elizabeth, I felt something more than her skin. I had no idea who she was when we met in the bar. Just like her, I didn’t realize the massive mistake until she walked into the lobby of Interstellar to greet our team.

Shocked doesn’t even begin to describe how I felt in that moment. Of all the women in Chicago I could’ve slept with, fate pushed us together.

Lauren hates me. The look on her face when I told her about my proposition said it all. She doesn’t understand. She doesn’t get why I’m doing this, but then again, she can’t.

I don’t want just a weekend, I want it all. I want her. I want Interstellar. I want everything. I’m the type of man who’s used to getting it too. Even though Lauren acts like she hates me, I see the way her breathing changes, her cheeks flush, and her body reacts when we’re close. She keeps her distance, trying to avoid contact because she doesn’t want me to know how much I affect her.

But she, much like I, myself, can read people. I don’t need her to say the words. Watching her tells me everything I need to know. I want two days of the real us, uninhibited, alone, with no outside interference. I don’t know what it is about her, all I know is that I want her and only her.

No woman has ever captivated me before her. Maybe it’s the fire in her eyes that has me almost in a trance. The fierceness with which she defends her company is the biggest turn-on. She’s the complete package. Hardworking, dedicated, loyal, beautiful, and smart. What man wouldn’t be clawing over the back of another to be with her?

“Cancel the meeting this afternoon, and alert the team that the takeover is on hold.”

“Are you sure about that, Antonio?” Alesci asks over the phone as I head toward the elevator.

“Yes. I have an important matter to attend to this weekend. We’ll see where we’re at next week.”

“I’ll let the team know. They’re not going to be happy.”

“It’s what I want. Make it happen.” I hang up just as the elevator doors open.

The only thing I’ll be focusing on is Lauren. She can protest all she wants, but I know she’s going to say yes. Not only because she wants me, but she’ll do anything to save her company, even if it goes entirely against her grain.

A gust of wind hits me as I walk out the front doors of the hotel, reminding me why I hate this city in the winter. The weekend I have planned won’t take place here. There are too many people in both our circles that could run into us, and I need a break from the cold spring air. The weekend I have in mind involves very little clothing and a warm ocean breeze.

Calvin, my driver, quickly opens the door so I can escape the frigid air. “Good afternoon, sir.” He smiles, seemingly unaffected by the weather before closing the door.

“Afternoon, Calvin. Did you get everything on the list?”

“Sure did.” Calvin nods. “Everything is in the back, Mr. Forte.”

I had a list of items that were needed for this weekend to go off without a hitch. I wasn’t even going to let Lauren go home to get clothes, because she could change her mind, and I don’t want to give her extra time to back out of the deal.

“Perfect. Thank you. Interstellar, please.”

“Yes, sir.” He gives me a toothy grin, looking back at me in the rearview mirror for only a second before turning his attention to the street.

It’s nearly five, and I told her I would come for an answer before the end of business. She may say no. I don’t know what I would do if I were in her shoes.

The drive is short, and traffic is minimal for a Friday. “Ring when you’re ready, sir. I’ll stay close,” Calvin says as I climb out of the Escalade and button a single button on my suit jacket.

“Thank you.” I head toward the front doors of Interstellar, taking in the majesty of their opulent building on State Street.

I knew from my research that Lauren had a lot to do with their quick rise to second place in our industry. When she took over, she brought Interstellar into the big city and hired the right people to surround her. But she made a critical error. Not everyone is trustworthy, especially when they’re greedy and ruled by the almighty dollar instead of loyalty.

“Mr. Forte, it’s so nice to see you again.” Lauren’s assistant turns toward her office door and fidgets from foot to foot. “Is Ms. Bradley expecting you?” She chews the corner of her bottom lip as her eyebrows draw together.

I tuck a hand in my pocket and smile, trying to calm her nervous energy. “She is.”

Her eyebrows shoot up. “Oh. Okay. Let me announce you.”

“There’s no need for that, ma’am. Lauren and I are well acquainted.”

“I know.” She laughs nervously.

Her response catches me off guard. I lean forward so no one else can hear. “What do you know?”

“You’re Lou,” she whispers.

I lean back, studying her face and pink cheeks. “You know who Lou is?”

“I know some. I saw your messages on her phone.” She glances down at the floor and bounces on her heels.

“Do you know why I’m here?”

“Um,” she mumbles.

“It’s okay. Whatever you know is fine, but this is our secret. Understand?”

She gives me a firm nod. “Understood, sir.”

“I’ll show myself in. Please make sure we’re not disturbed. Will you do that for me?”

She gives me a wink. “I can do that. No interruptions.”

“Thank you,” I say, giving her a small wink before heading toward Lauren’s office.

I’m here for my answer, and I won’t accept anything except yes.

LAUREN

My back is turned to the door as I stare out the window, watching the sunshine sparkle off Lake Michigan in the distance. I expect to hear Trent’s voice, breezing in like he always does when the person speaks.

“Ms. Bradley.”

Antonio.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath, waiting for the door to close before facing him. “Mr. Forte,” I say, keeping with formality as I spin my chair around.

“Always a pleasure.” He grins with a curt nod as he unbuttons his perfectly pressed suit jacket. “As promised, I’m here for your answer.”

I keep my eyes pinned on him as he sits in the chair opposite me. Everything about him oozes power. The chiseled jaw with the perfect amount of five-o’clock shadow. The deep blue of his eyes and the longer-than-should-be-legal-on-any-man eyelashes. Even his lips are divine and perfect for kissing. His suit is expensive, probably a blend of silk that caresses his skin as he walks.

Stop, Lauren. I clear my throat and lean back in my high-back chair, swiveling it around as I take in the sight of him. I’m drawn to him. Damn. More than I should be. But the memories of our tryst don’t make it easy to forget everything Antonio has to offer.

“I’ve given your offer a lot of thought.”

I’m stalling. I want to say no. I know I should say no, but there’s part of me that’s screaming for me to say yes and run away with him.

“Time is running out.” He smiles and rubs his fingertips along the leather armrest. “Just say yes, and all your worries could be over.”

Easy for him to say. Saying yes could be my biggest mistake ever. Bigger than Trent, and that’s saying something. Do I trust Antonio to hold up his end of the bargain? No way. I’ve been in this business too long to believe a word that comes out of anyone’s mouth, especially the man who’s trying to take my company right out from under me.

I lean forward, clasping my hands together on my desk and look him straight in the eyes. “Are you willing to put it in writing?”

Antonio moves quickly, grabbing the tablet and pen from my desk and jotting down a note. I gawk at him, watching the muscles in his hand move and flex with each stroke of the pen.

When he’s done, he scribbles his signature and then pushes the paper in front of me. “There. Are you ready?”

“Ready?” I ask, almost choking as I stare down at his words.

I, Antonio Forte, will put the takeover of Interstellar on hold and reveal the mole inside said corporation if and when Lauren Bradley spends forty-eight hours with me. During this time period, she is entirely mine to use as I wish. She must give herself completely and without reserve. After she’s fulfilled her part of the agreement, I will fulfill mine.

Antonio Forte, CEO Cozza Corp.

Use as he wishes? Give myself entirely to him? I’m momentarily dumbstruck at his choice of words. “I need a moment,” I say, but when my legs start to press together to calm the burning ache at my core, I know my answer. I lift my eyes to his, and butterflies fill my stomach. “I agree.”

“Everything you’ll need for the weekend is already in my car. I’ll give you a moment to collect yourself, and then you can meet me downstairs.” He pushes the pad of paper in front of me. “Sign it too, Ms. Bradley.”

I scribble my signature next to his with shaky fingers before he turns the pad and snaps a quick photo.

“We each have a copy. It’s binding.”

My mouth is dry, but my body is on fire. My mind is going a million miles an hour, and I already regret agreeing to such insanity. But, if nothing else, I can keep him occupied while the rest of my team comes up with a way to stop Cozza forever. Antonio will be too busy with me to move forward with the acquisition of Interstellar.

“I need a few minutes.”

“I’ll be waiting. The forty-eight hours starts as soon as you’re in my car.”

I nod and try to swallow, but I can’t. Damn Antonio. I want to hate him, yet I can’t. He walks out of my office without so much as a second glance.

I stare down at the paper, unable to believe I actually signed it. There’s no going back now. I can’t. I won’t. Interstellar is at stake, and I’ll do anything to save it.

“Cassie,” I say, pushing the intercom button that’s hardwired directly to her desk. “A moment please.”

She’s through the door before I even take my finger off the button. “What do you need?”

“I’m going to be away this weekend with a…” I pause because how do I explain to anyone where I’m going? “Family obligation. Only call me if there’s an emergency. Otherwise, contact Josh if something comes up.”

“I can do that,” she says, but she’s grinning like she knows I’m lying, which she probably does.

“Thank you. I’m going to send out a quick email, and then I’m leaving for the weekend. You might as well go too. It’s Friday. I’m sure you have plans.”

“I’m just enjoying a bubble bath and curling up with a good book tonight.” She smiles, and I’m a tad bit jealous. She’s going to be relaxing while I’m doing God knows what with Antonio.

After she leaves, I type out a quick email to members of our legal team. I’m giving them until Monday morning to figure out a way to end the Cozza takeover permanently. They’ve had almost a week to do it. If they don’t have a solid answer by Monday, we’re doomed unless I can persuade Antonio to walk away forever.

I glance in the mirror, checking my makeup and giving myself a mental pep talk before I walk out of the office with my head held high and my stomach in a tight knot. I don’t remember another time in my life when I’ve been so nervous. I shouldn’t be, though. It’s not like I haven’t slept with Antonio before. But that was when he was Lou and I was Elizabeth. Being Lauren and Antonio complicates everything.

Antonio’s waiting at the curb as promised, and the clock officially starts to tick.