I have just enough time to change my clothes and make it to work without being late. Inside, my heart’s pounding, but on the outside, I appear calm, cool, and collected as I stride through the double glass doors of Interstellar.

“Have we found a remedy?” I ask, walking into the boardroom after throwing my things haphazardly on the couch in my office.

“The legal team has been working around the clock in shifts. Cozza’s team called and wanted to set up a meeting. They’re on their way here to discuss things.” Josh’s voice sounds like he’s having a casual conversation, not holding the life of our company in his hands.

“Now?” I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to rub away the migraine I can feel building behind my eyes.

Josh nods and begins to tap his pen against the pad of paper sitting on the conference table. “Yes.”

My eyes are glued to his annoying habit, feeling each tap inside my head. I need to find aspirin if I’m going to deal with Cozza today and the pile of shit that’s about to hit the fan.

“They realized that our members will fight the takeover and want to discuss a merger.”

Ignoring Josh, I hit the intercom button on the phone. “Cassie.”

“Yes, ma’am?”

“Can you bring me some aspirin, please?”

“Yes. Be there shortly.”

Josh smirks like he can read my mind. “Have a rough night?”

“It’s just a stress headache, Josh.” I lie my ass off. The last thing I need is to show weakness or be judged by a male executive—especially him.

If Josh went out and had a one-night stand, people would slap him on the back and tell him he was “the man.” That’s the rub of the entire situation. Women aren’t given as much leeway when it comes to our sexual exploits. I didn’t give a shit what he thought of me, but I didn’t want to deal with the bullshit on the back of Cozza. “Why aren’t you as stressed out as I am, Josh?”

His head snaps back, and his eyes narrow, zooming in on me. “What are you insinuating, Lauren?”

I wave my hand, trying to play it off as an innocent observation even though he could very well be my prime suspect. “I’m just wondering why you’re so calm. I wasn’t insinuating anything.”

“I’m not a rat, if that’s what you’re thinking.” His voice is stern, and his nostrils flare.

I hold up my hands to wipe all doubt from my face. “I believe you.”

His face softens, and he gives me a quick nod as he pulls out a piece of paper from under his notepad. “Here’s the Cozza press release that was sent out this morning.”

Cozza International announces the recent acquisition of a minority stake in Interstellar Corp. Cozza has always been the leader in the aerospace industry, and a future acquisition of Interstellar will ensure the future of both companies by dominating and revolutionizing the global and international space transit market. We look forward to becoming one corporation with the same goal in mind–economic and environmentally friendly solutions to travel throughout the universe. The terms of this agreement will be disclosed shortly after both parties agree to the merger. CEO Antonio Forte says, “We look forward to working with the members of Interstellar to propel our companies into the future.”

I close my eyes and take a few deep breaths. “What a load of crap. This—” I push the paper away in disgust. “This makes it sound like we want this. They’re trying to take us over through hostile means. We didn’t ask for this nonsense.”

Josh pulls the paper back and crumples the edges under his fingertips. “I know, Lauren. It’s bullshit. We’ll stop them before this press release can become a reality.”

“It never will be,” I grumble under my breath when Cassie’s voice comes through the intercom.

“Ms. Bradley.”

“Yes?”

“The gentlemen from Cozza are here.”

“Have them wait.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Why would you do that?” Josh asks with wide eyes.

My smile grows wider from the pleasure I feel knowing they’re waiting. “Because I can.”

He laughs, nodding while he covers his mouth. “Fair enough.”

I lean back, relaxing into the chair and wishing I’d received the aspirin I asked for earlier. “You gather the troops, and I’ll head to the lobby and welcome the Cozza reps.”

“We’ll be in here before you get back.” Josh disappears into the hallway, heading toward the executive office area. Nothing will be discussed without them. Their fate is just as tied to the outcome of this meeting as mine.

I check my email, letting some time go by because I figure our “guests” can wait and stew. They’re on my clock now. Since their advance on us is unwanted, I’ll make it as uncomfortable as possible. They have us on the edge of our seats, and I’m more than happy to waste their time.

They want to take what doesn’t belong to them. Interstellar isn’t for sale. I’ll protect it like a mother bear protecting her cub and use any means necessary to do it. As the CEO of Interstellar, it’s my duty to go down swinging instead of being a passive bystander. I’ll have my people work on a solution night and day until it’s resolved, leaving Interstellar intact, with me still sitting at the head.

I didn’t work my ass off to become number two again, or worse, out of a job altogether.

When I decide they’ve waited long enough, I slowly walk to the lobby with my head held high and my shoulders back, ready to play hardball.

Show no fear.

They are the enemy.

My sleek black business suit caresses my skin, fitting me like a glove as I stroll down the hallway with my heels clicking against the marble floor. The sound of my power heels gives me a little more confidence and makes me feel powerful.

Every girl has a pair. The ones that make you feel fierce and unstoppable. Yesterday, I wasn’t prepared; I didn’t know about the Cozza shitstorm that was about to hit, or else I would’ve worn them. But now, I’m ready. Ready to cut the head off the snake that is trying to slither its way into my company and eat us alive.

Cassie walks toward me with a glass of water. “Sorry I didn’t bring them sooner,” she says, holding open her palm and revealing two white pills before shoving the glass between us.

I look over her shoulder as I take the aspirin from her palm, but I can’t get a clear view of the reception area. “How are the Cozza people doing?”

She smiles, watching me swallow the pills before taking the glass back from me. “Annoyed.”

I laugh.

Perfect.

“One guy is pacing around like a rabid animal.” She giggles softly, covering her mouth to stop the sound from reaching their ears.

“Even better.” I grin.

As I walk toward the reception area with Cassie on my heels, I feel a sense of calm wash over me. I know I can handle Cozza, and with the backing of the board and shareholders, there’s no way they’ll be successful in their takeover bid.

Four men are sitting, and the one that Cassie described as “rabid” still paces but his back is to me. “Gentlemen.” I keep my face devoid of emotion.

Even though this feels personal, I know it isn’t. They may have been trying to take Interstellar, but it isn’t mine. Either way, I’ll do anything I can to stop them.

The pacer stops, turning to face me as the other men stand.

Standing before me in a perfectly pressed black suit with dark gray pinstripes, a crisp white dress shirt, and a silky red tie is none other than the smooth-talking, panty-dropping charmer from last night.

Lou.

The Lou who was between my legs less than ten hours ago, giving me more orgasms than I’ve had in years.

I gape, unable to hide my shock.

What the hell? Nothing makes sense.

His face matches mine, confusion in his eyes as he takes in the sight of me. “Elizabeth?”