It was officially the first day of hell.

Well, my own personal version of it. Three weeks went by without a peep from Jameson. When he’d asked if he could call me, I’d stupidly assumed it meant soon. He’d made such big deal of our date and what happened at the hotel that I figured we’d turned a corner, even if the merger threatened to derail us off a cliff. But it was the same old shit with him. He only wanted what he couldn’t have.

The ink had barely dried on the merger documents when Pryce & Leigh packed up and moved into the new building. Now I worked for WPL International Developers; the new company name did have a nice ring to it.

I dressed for my first day, anxiety gnawing at me like a lion starved for fresh steak. How on earth could I survive seeing Jameson daily? We’d had sex in his office, and now I would have to walk by the sight of that secret shame multiple times a day. Problematic much? Still, the little voice in my head told me to suck it up, grow a pair, and prove my worth.

I hooked the latch of my pearl necklace. Flattening the three strands around my neck, I watched myself in the mirror. The woman staring back at me had changed over the past few weeks. Jameson’s presence had not only sent her body into overdrive, the shield she’d created to protect herself from him had been dented, scratched, nearly pierced through. It couldn’t withstand much more.

Did I want it to? My stomach churned. Christ. Maybe deep down I’d waited all these years for him to understand I needed to make a name for myself. Be my own person without being tied to a man. But he’d still never apologized for how he handled things after New York. Could I let go of the fact that he’d vindictively poached my clients? I pressed my fingers between my brows, hoping to rub away the worried creases.

My phone pinged. Khloe.

Good luck today! Not that u need it!

I smiled at the screen. She was the best friend a girl could ever ask for, so I quickly typed a message back.

Thank you! You’re the best ;-*

First-day-of-school jitters washed over me. Then I remembered what my mother told me the day I left Brooklyn to go live in the NYU dorms: “Men will always try and define you, but today and every day forward, you won’t let them. You got it? Not your father, not a boy, no one. And the sum of all your actions will equal the life you want. Go kick ass and be the incredible girl I know you are.”

They were words I needed to hear. It didn’t matter that my dad had left us for another family or that I’d be in a dorm alone, she believed in me. It was enough. Raising me by herself made us both stronger. Four years at NYU, and not once did she call and tell me to come home. I drew from her strength, and this day would be no different. My mother could never be categorized into the weak column. And, dammit, neither would I.

When I looked in the mirror again, I thrust my shoulders back and lifted my chin. The woman who gazed back at me through stormy eyes stood determined, professional, and ready to face anything.

Here goes nothin’.

WSquared’s signature “W” glared at me from the building’s revolving door. A chill ran up my spine—they hadn’t changed the building name yet. I inhaled deeply before stepping into the whirling doors. Inside the sleek, modern lobby, men and women in suits milled about. They chatted over coffee, waited for elevators, and scanned their badges.

As I slid my card through the scanner and headed for the elevator bank, Mr. Pryce slinked up next to me. “Good morning, Ms. Black. Are you ready?”

I smiled. “Yes. More than ready.”

The elevator doors dinged, opening wide for all to enter. He extended his arm, and I entered before him. After a few others followed suit, Mr. Pryce positioned himself nearest to me before the doors closed.

He cleared his throat. “I’ve been meaning to speak with you.”

“Oh?”

“I hoped we could have a quick chat in the new office. I have something I’d like to talk to you about.”

The elevator pinged when we reached our new floor. “Let me go put my—”

“No need, it won’t take long.”

“All right, then, lead the way, Mr. Pryce.”

I followed him into the reception area. As we strode down the hall, I noted a few faces I recognized. We gave our typical good mornings, but otherwise, Mr. Pryce walked in silence. His reserve seemed slightly odd. A small sting of uncertainty crawled into my head, attaching like a leech.

He veered toward a row of elaborate offices. I spotted his assistant’s empty chair, two desks away, and wondered where she could be. Mr. Pryce ushered me into his office, closing the door behind us. “Have a seat, Eden.”

I will not get fired on day one. Like hell if I’d let him sack me before I’d gotten my feet wet.

His new office was vastly different from the old Pryce & Leigh one. It had floor-to-ceiling windows behind the desk and built-in bookshelves that took up the entire left wall. The only comfort remained the familiar furniture from his old office. His decor didn’t seem to fit in the new space.

He rounded the desk and took his seat promptly behind it. “There are going to be some changes.”

“Changes?”

“You’re an asset to me.” He shifted in his chair, crossing his arms in front of him. “I don’t care what Winthrop thinks.”

“Did they not want to keep me?” My voice cracked on the word “keep.”

“It’s not important. But I wanted to tell you the new teams have been formed, and you’ll be collaborating with Jameson Winthrop on all our top accounts,” he stated matter-of-factly.

Holy shit on a stick lit with hellfire!

“I . . .” I was at a loss for words. Jameson assured me we’d work on separate teams. He insisted he could convince his father of it. What in the world happened? I thought passing him in the halls would be bad enough, but to work with him on every account?

“Eden, this is a good thing. Jameson Winthrop is incredibly smart and hardworking, and the both of you had the best client lists of either company. The partners all felt it would benefit you to work together.”

Cool air brushed against my tongue, so I knew my mouth had to be hanging open. “Is he my new boss or am I his?”

Mr. Pryce drew in a deep breath. “For now, William seem to think Jameson’s your boss, but to me you’re both equals.” He squinted his eyes a bit. “Eden . . . don’t let your guard down.”

A shiver of panic crawled its way up my spine, vertebra by vertebra, until it reached the top of my neck. I’d worked harder and pushed past more bullshit in my career than all of these executives combined—this was not happening! If Jameson thought he could swoop in and be my bossafter he promised it wouldn’t happen, well, he had another thing coming.

I shifted in my seat, tightening my death grip around the strap of my bag. “I won’t.”

“All right, good. Let me know if you need anything. My door is always open.”

“Will do. Thank you, Mr. Pryce.” I left him to his work. I needed to get to my new office, pronto. A million and one questions ran amuck in my head. One in particular—how the hell were Jameson and I supposed to survive working so closely?

While I quickly gunned it for my office, the halls buzzed with a hum of worker bees. Chatter filled the corridors as our staff and theirs attempted civil conversation.

Someone gripped my arm when I strolled past a huddle, and my head whipped around quicker than a lizard’s tongue. My heart skipped a beat when I locked eyes with Jameson.

He leaned in slightly; his breath warmed my ear. “Morning, Miss Black.”

I tugged my arm out of his grip. “Morning.”

“Are you trying to kill me with those?” he whispered, aiming his scrutiny at my legs.

In an effort to act unflustered, I kept my voice low and steady. “Contrary to what you might think, the world doesn’t revolve around you. I wore these because I like them.”

He grinned from cheek to cheek. “You can pretend, but we both know the truth.”

Narrowing my eyes, I bit back, “The truth is that you lack any sense of boundaries.”

He rubbed his chest as if I had wounded him. To my surprise, when we reached my office, he stepped in behind me. “Nice office.”

“Do you know what the word ‘boundary’ means?” I questioned.

Jameson closed the door. He furrowed his brow when he asked, “What’s going on?”

Was he being sincere? But how could he be when he’d lied to me about the new structure? He had been assigned to be my flipping boss, for Christ’s sake! Signed. Sealed. Delivered.

“Do you think this is a fucking joke, Winthrop?”

He chuckled. “Not at all.”

Miffed by his blasé reply, I glanced around quickly at all the unpacked cargo, silently tallying the number of boxes in my head. He needed to get the hell out.

I stared him down. “I have work to do. Please leave.”

“Eden . . . talk to me.”

Gazing out the windows, I pressed a palm to my ribs, sucking in a full breath. Get a grip. “I have to unpack.”

Jameson’s footsteps inched closer. He hovered behind me, standing so close to my back that our bodies nearly touched. He placed his hands at my waist. “I can have someone take care of this for you if it will help.”

God, why did he have to be nice right at this moment? I clenched my jaw. The day hadn’t begun, and it was already more than I could handle. “No. I’m fine.”

He twisted me to face him. Straining my neck back, I glared at him. His lips threatened to break my resolve. I remained mad at him, furious even; damn him and his beautiful face!

He brushed a lock of hair behind my ear. “Tell me what’s bothering you.”

“Mr. Pryce informed me we’ll be working on every single account together.”

He froze. The wrath in his eyes could have turned a beach into a frozen tundra with one glance. “When did he tell you this?”

“Right before I came in here.”

Jameson adjusted the knot on his tie. “Two can play at this game.”

I let out an exasperated huff. “What are you talking about?”

“My father.”

Why in the world do men always assume we can understand their two-word answers? I shrugged. “What about him?”

He clamped his fists into tight balls at his sides. “It’s his doing. I spoke with him about you having your own team, and he agreed. He’s fucking with me through you.”

When the words left his lips, my heart thawed a bit—this was a side of Jameson I’d rarely seen before. He epitomized the brooding tough guy who did and took what he pleased. His father had always been a prick from what he’d divulged, but if he’d gone so far as to screw with Jameson through me, then the man didn’t have a heart.

“Eden . . .”

I shook my head, hopefully swallowing that tiny ball of guilt for good. “Is he so unkind to you? I mean, you’re his son—doesn’t it count for something?”

Jameson lifted my chin with his bent knuckle. “It doesn’t, but don’t worry about him. He isn’t your problem.”

The anger on his handsome face wasn’t aimed at me, for once, and I wanted to kiss him, hug him, make him feel less alone. The bastard he called father had done more damage to him than I could’ve ever imagined. How did I miss it? I should have guessed as much, but this . . . it left a bitter taste in my mouth.

A cruel man could never be loyal, I guess not even to his family. I could see why Jameson mistrusted everyone, me included. Not able to help myself, I wrapped my arms around his neck as far as I could reach, pulling him close. He stayed silent, covering me with his big arms. We stood there for a few minutes, immobile, neither of us daring to pull away. He inhaled, nuzzling my hair.

A light tap on the door broke through our daze.

“Who is it?”

Vince’s burly voice penetrated the thick wood door. “Sorry I arrived late. May I have a word with you?”

Jameson dropped his hands from around my back. He moved to the other side of my desk and sat in one of the randomly placed chairs.

“Come in,” I said, frantically smoothing my skirt.

When Vince saw Jameson, his face turned white. “Oh! Sorry, Ms. Black. I didn’t realize Mr. Winthrop was here.”

“Don’t worry, Vince. What did you need to speak to me about?”

“Wanted to make sure all your boxes arrived,” he said, eyeing the ones strewn all around the room.

I grinned at him. “Thank you for checking, but I haven’t opened anything yet. I’ll let you know if something is missing.”

“Can I get you coffee?” he asked without looking at Jameson. Weird.

Jameson shook his head at me. I mimicked the motion. “No thanks. We’re fine.”

Vince toyed with his collar while he left my office, closing the door behind him. What’s going on with him?

“Let me help you unpack.” Without awaiting my reply, he strode over to a random box, and began opening it.

“I don’t—”

“I’m helping.”

“Like hell you are. I can’t have everyone at the office think my new boss is giving me special treatment.”

Jameson tore open the box marked Files A-F and pulled out the packing bubbles. “Do you want to displease your boss on your first day?” he asked, winking at me.

I shot him a did-you-just glare. “Don’t joke like that.”

He cleared his throat. “I can assure you I wasn’t making a joke.”

I rolled my eyes. “You know something, you’ve lost your mind.”

Jameson chuckled. “That’s about right most of the time, especially around you, but I’m still helping.” He rummaged through the box he’d opened and hauled out a giant stack of manila folders.

“Stubborn as ever.”

He placed the manila folders on my desk. “How do you like your new office?”

I walked over to another stack of boxes, lifting the top one onto one of the chairs and slicing the tape open with the scissors. “I can’t say it’s bad with a view like that, now can I?”

“Better than mine.”

“Liar.” I arched my brow at him.

“What else did Pryce tell you?” he questioned. It wasn’t lost on me that he ignored my snarky remark.

“The new partners decided you’re the boss of our division and team leader of the six-person crew they’ve put together. Therefore, you’re the head honcho.”

Jameson’s brow furrowed further. “Did Pryce say anything about my father?”

I glanced up from the box I currently unpacked. “No.”

In my attempt to seem at ease, all I could manage were one-word answers. In reality, I was torn between wishing I could tell Jameson to stuff it and craving his touch. I watched as his big hands clung to the edges of the cardboard, shamelessly recalling how it felt when his fingertips moved beneath my clothes. He gripped the box the same way he clung to my waist, and it made me forget my common sense. I drifted back to the first night in his office. The way he kissed me, hard and without regret, like he’d been waiting to taste my lips for a million years.

It was only the first hour of my day and yet I couldn’t keep my damn insanity at bay. How would I be able to work with him all day, every day?

I snapped myself back into the moment. Jameson was looking at me with lifted brows. “Well?”

He continued to bat his lashes at me, so I finally cleared my throat. “Uh—well what?”

He grinned. “Never mind.”

“Can I be honest?”

“Always.”

“I’m livid. Before all this, I was set to have your job and title in a matter of weeks, but now I’m supposed to work under you. It’s bullshit. I can’t compete with the owner’s son.”

“It’s not ideal for me either, Eden.”

“You’re still the boss.”

He huffed a half chuckle. “You assume it will be easy for me to be around you all day with your damn polka-dot stockings and heels, ready to tease me at every turn. How am I supposed to work under those conditions, Miss Black?”

I pressed my lips together, trying to hide my smirk. “Learn self-control?”

“With you? It’s easier said than done.”

“This is why we need ground rules—and why you shouldn’t be here right now.”

Jameson beamed a toothy smile, tugging his ear. “Touché. But you need help unpacking, and I’ve already volunteered.”

“No funny business in the office. Got it? I won’t risk it, Jameson.”

He visibly relaxed, sauntering over to me. “But you’ve always enjoyed a little risk.”

“Not at the expense of my reputation and my job.” I glared at him.

He pressed his palm to my cheek. With his thumb caressing my jaw, he tilted my head up to meet his stare. “I’m sorry I didn’t call. You’re all I thought about the last few weeks.”

I bit my top lip, averting my eyes. “We’ve both been busy.”

Jameson tilted my neck back up so our eyes locked. “No excuses, I should have called.”

“This can’t happen, so it doesn’t matter.”

The next thing I knew, his soft lips devoured mine. He groaned between kisses, crushing his mouth to my lips with more intensity each time he came back for another, allowing us both to fall infinitely deeper into the abyss. Jameson slid his palm back, gripping my hair. I unbuttoned his suit jacket, slipping my hands in and around his waist.

“Tell me what you need.”

As if my hands had a mind of their own, I tugged his button-down from the waist of his pants, releasing it. “I don’t—”

“Say the words.”

I flipped Jameson the bird right square in his face, waving it about. He caught my middle finger between his teeth, and tingles spread across my skin when he bit down. “Oh God . . .”

“More?”

“Mmm.”

“Tell me.” He bit harder, then suckled, taking my entire finger into his mouth.

I let out a whimper. “I need you inside me.”

Jameson’s tongue grazed each knuckle as he removed my finger. “Go over to the couch and bend over while I lock the door.”

My entire body shivered at his command. “Are you serious?”

He turned the lock on the knob, and twisted to make sure it was secure. “Does it look like I’m joking?”

I made my way to the couch, placing both hands down on the cushion. The flutter in my belly grew more intense as I waited.

“You’re perfect.”

Jameson stood slightly behind me now. The couch made a sound when I tried to adjust my hands. “Maybe we should move to the floor?”

“Hold the top instead.”

A swell of nerves churned in my stomach. I moved, grabbing onto the edge this time.

“New rule: don’t make a sound in here.”

I bobbed my head yes. Jameson picked up the hem of my skirt and pulled over my ass, up to my waist, then yanked my stockings down along with my panties.

“Already so wet.” Jameson blew a steady stream of cool air over my slicked sex, and I sucked in a sharp breath. In the quietest voice I’d ever heard him use, Jameson murmured, “I’m going to taste you.”

His warm tongue licked my folds, parting my lips. He hummed between every pass, and I tightened my death grip on the couch. He circled my opening with his finger, teasing me. Just when I thought I couldn’t take another second, he plunged his index and middle finger inside. I groaned, and he reached around to cover my mouth with his palm.

Next sound: a wrapper. Then: muffled plastic crinkling. Finally: a zipper.

Let the countdown commence . . .

Jameson bent over me, dropping his other hand from my face.

“I’m still on birth control,” I whispered. “You don’t have to use—”

“I’m clean, in case you were wondering.”

“I trust you,” I sighed.

“Good girl.” His breath was hot on my neck. “Second new rule: every time you sit here, I want you to remember my mouth on your pussy and how deep and hard I feel inside you. The way I made you come while you were positioned over this couch.”

My knees all but buckled. I arched my head back. “Good luck trying.”

Jameson’s teeth sunk into my shoulder. “There goes that mouth again.”

“You can’t pretend you don’t love it.”

Jameson placed his bare thickness at my opening. “I wouldn’t dare.”

My breath caught in my throat. All the reservations I’d had a few minutes before vanished. I didn’t care. In that moment, I wanted him more than air. My pulse drummed in my ears, throbbing faster and louder with each beat.

Jameson gripped my waist. “Why can’t I resist you?”

“Because all your functioning brain cells are not in their proper place.”

“Well, I happen to think they’re right where they should be.” Then he was deep inside me, bringing his mouth to my ear. Between thrusts he whispered, “Don’t you think so?”

My muscles froze in place. I couldn’t nod or move, only fight the uncontrollable urge to moan. “Mmm-hmm.” Or not.

I never wanted it to end. Although it meant saying goodbye to my sanity, I didn’t have it in me to keep my feelings at bay. How could I deny it any longer? Jameson remained the one man who could make me come apart at the seams and wish for more all at the same time.

Heartbreak city, here comes Eden.

“Try to be quiet. You wouldn’t want Vince to hear us, now would you?”

I shook my head side to side as Jameson held onto my hips, steadying me. He plunged into me with more force, my core clenching around him. The thought of someone hearing us scared the ever-living crap out of me, but it also sent jittery tingles right to my sweet spot. “Uh—yes.”

Jameson slid his hand down my thigh. He moved closer, teasing me. “Ask me,” he sighed into my neck.

“Touch me.” The sweet ache between my legs deepened when he rubbed my clit. I wanted more. I needed him, and more than needing him, I craved him with every fiber of my soul. In the quietest voice I could manage, I whispered, “I want you to make me come.”

His deliberate, tortuous circling grew quicker, greedier, like he’d accomplish the task or die trying. “It’s all I’ve thought about doing for weeks. I just wish I had the rope from my office right now.”

The probing intensified, each circle faster than the last. I groaned when Jameson moved his other hand over my nipple. It directed a jolt straight to the pit of my belly, electrifying every nerve. “Next time, I want to tie up these pretty tits.”

I let go of the couch’s back, covering Jameson’s hand with my own. Our hands moved together, in sync. I arched my head back, clenching my eyelids tighter. My knees shook.

He groaned into my ear, “Come for me, Eden.”

When my name rolled off his tongue, it released a rip current of sensation. My body trembled and convulsed as the orgasm washed over me. I came apart. Jameson continued to caress my throbbing bud as another swell tore through every inch.

Gently pulling out, he lifted me from my bent position and proceeded to maneuver me into sitting on the couch.

When I finally caught my breath, I glanced up at the towering figure standing in front of me. He was gorgeous as ever, forehead slicked with sweat. I reached out to touch his shaft, but he kneeled. Without a word, he surged his lips to mine, kissing me as if it were the first time.

“Now it’s your turn.”

The corner of his mouth turned up. “Finally playing fair, huh?”

I smiled before pressing my mouth into a firm line. “All’s fair in love and business.”

“You were right, I do love your smart mouth.”

I gripped his cock in my hand. “You seem to have forgotten that I’m always right.”

Jameson threw his head back when I began to stroke him. With my other hand, I held onto his tie, wrapping it around my palm.

“God, Eden, you’re ama—fuck.”

I yanked on his tie until he faced me. “Sit on the couch.”

After he did, my knees hit the carpet in one quick motion. I parted his legs, inching closer, leaning against his thighs. With my hand around the base of his length, I licked his pre-come from the tip of his cock. Jameson grumbled under his breath. I took his tip into my mouth, sucking, prodding with my tongue.

“You’re going to be the death of me,” he mumbled.

My sheepish grin couldn’t be held back. I batted my lashes up at him. “I think I like the sound of that a little too much.”

“Uh—yes. Feels so…”

I took his shaft deep into my mouth, letting my teeth graze it when I pulled away. Jameson let out a throaty growl.

“Shush.”

“Rule three: no shushing me. Keep going.”

I proceeded to tease and torment him. He wrapped his hand around the back of my head and laced his fingers in my hair, pulling just enough. I’ll never figure out exactly what made me fall apart around him, but God, did he set off every last, hot button. My thighs were soaked.

“Your mouth is perfect.” He threw his head back then let go of my hair to bite down on his thumb. “Fuck. I’m going to—”

The velvety liquid squirted on my tongue. I nearly moaned from the taste: sweet and a bit salty. He pulled me up onto the couch next to him, then, draping his arms around my neck, he kissed me. When he pulled away, a distant glimmer of something lingered in his eyes. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but the satisfaction I’d felt a moment before disappeared. Jameson cleared his throat before rising off the couch, placing his garments back in their proper place.

I couldn’t move. What the heck happened? He’d been warm and playful, then all of a sudden he’s an ice man? Damn him!

“You should head back. I can manage the unpacking from here.”

“Uh, yeah. You’re right.” He glanced around the room and smoothed down his tie. “Oh, before I forget, there’s a meeting after lunch, for the City Net project.”

Did anyone plan on informing me? It was day one! He knew, so why didn’t I? Jameson had intentionally told me in passing so I wouldn’t explode. This is the exact reason I didn’t want to work with him.

I stopped, papers in hand, narrowing my eyes. “Why didn’t anyone tell me about it sooner?”

He paraded over to my desk, placing a bunch of files on it. “I’m telling you now.”

The air in the room was charged with my anger. “You aren’t my damn boss, even if the partners insisted on giving you that title. The meeting should have been on my schedule. If you hadn’t told me, I would’ve missed it.”

Jameson’s shoulders remained loose; he made no acknowledgement of the problem. He continued sifting through the papers on my desk. Either he wasn’t bothered in the least by the oversight, or he did a bang-up job of acting. “I would have filled you in.”

I tried to keep my voice even. “I am perfectly capable of unpacking on my own. I’ll see you after lunch, Mr. Winthrop.”

Jameson dropped the handful of documents and rounded the desk, reaching for me. “E—”

I stepped away from him.

“Miss Black, I didn’t—”

“I need to review the files before the meeting. Can you give me some space at least . . . boss?”

The air around us crackled. The invisible barrier between us slid back in. I would have given anything to be able to read his mind.

“I’ll have Donna bring the files to you.” His hushed tone sent chills through me as he inched toward the door. “See you at the meeting.”

I stood alone in my cluttered office. He’d acted like I was his damn employee rather than his equal, and after he promised he wouldn’t. Jameson obviously didn’t value me or think I could strengthen his team. I’d only ever be an afterthought.

However, I certainly wasn’t some damsel who needed help. If I wanted to succeed here, I needed to push him from my mind and focus on the City Net development, then one-up him on the Uptown deal. One account at a time, I’d prove my worth here better than I did at Pryce & Leigh, even. All I needed to do was keep my distance from Jameson, or, at minimum, keep our office interactions professional. That was why we needed rules.

A knock at the door yanked me from my thoughts. “Come in.”

A gorgeous, busty redhead strode in holding a folder, and I knew it had to be Jameson’s assistant, Donna. “Good morning, Ms. Black. Mr. Winthrop sent me down here with the up-to-date City Net file for you.”

I half smiled at her as she extended it toward me. “Thank you. I planned on fetching it from you myself, but you beat me to it.”

She gave me a girls-need-to-stick-together wink. “I know how first days can be. If you need anything else, feel free to stop by my desk. I’m more than happy to assist you.”

She seemed far nicer than I thought she would be, especially working for Jameson. “I appreciate it. Thanks again.”

I settled into my desk chair and dove into the file. Most of the paperwork appeared the same, but they had moved one step forward and assessed the property for all the environmental hazards that needed to be remediated. The board of directors at City Net had voted on a final plan. The only thing left was to sign on the dotted line. I grumbled. All my hard work had paid off, but on paper it looked like Jameson had done it all. He’d stolen Thompson and used my damn plans. Calm down. Same team now, remember?

I wouldn’t let him get away with it. Not now, not ever.

Countdown to City Net meeting: T-minus sixty-eight minutes.