My eyes scan the offices as I walk down the hallway. I take pride in knowing I helped build this company into something bigger, stronger than it had been before. The hundreds of employees moving around the building depend on me to bring Interstellar into the top position. Each one has devoted their life to the company and given their blood, sweat, and tears. I can’t hand them over to Cozza and Forte to pink slip without so much as a second thought.

In some ways, working at Interstellar to advance the aerospace industry was for my father. I wanted him to be proud. I wanted to reach for the stars like he’d always dreamed. I’ll be damned if I let a man—let alone a cock, come between me, my team, and the company.

Just as my bottom touches the chair, Josh marches into my office in a tizzy. “What the hell was that?” He tugs on his cuff links like he’s trying to regain his composure.

“I don’t know what you mean, Josh.” I lean back, relaxing into the cool leather material, and kick off my shoes.

“There’s something going on, Lauren. I don’t like how Antonio talked to or looked at you.”

“It’s just business. He’s a man and figures he can rattle me because I’m a woman. Little does he know that he’s messing with the wrong CEO. I don’t care how pretty he is or what comes out of his mouth—he’s never getting this company.”

“Who’s pretty?” Trent asks, striding into my office like he owns the space.

I close my eyes, wishing them both away.

“She thinks Forte is pretty,” Josh replies for me and laughs.

Trent glares at me. “You do?”

I clench my jaw so tightly that my teeth squeak. “I didn’t say that.”

Josh gives me a look that screams bullshit.

“Josh, are we done here?” I ask, fisting my hands in my lap under the desk so neither of them can see. “Where’s the team on squashing the Cozza deal?”

Josh glances between us, giving Trent a once-over before leaving. “I’ll check.”

“What do you want, Trent?” I shuffle papers around on my desk, trying to organize the chaos that has taken place in the last twenty-four hours.

Trent sits down, smoothing out his tie as he leans back in the chair. “So, when do I get to test the engine, Lulu?”

My hands stop over one pile, and I can’t believe something so huge has slipped my mind. In the frenzy yesterday, I forgot to call Trent and give him the go-ahead. “Damn,” I hiss and slam the stack on top of another.

“What’s wrong?”

I glare at him. “Just a lot on my mind. You can start the final test phase. The board was excited to hear about it, and your team received unanimous support.” I fiddle with my necklace, running my fingers back and forth along the chain, and watch him. “We ran into a possible complication.”

He moves forward, and he places his elbows on his knees, staring at me. “What happened?”

“Cozza.”

He hangs his head briefly before bringing his eyes back to mine. “I heard some whispers, but I figured it was bullshit. What did they do now?”

“They’re trying to take us over. I think they know about the engine and that we’re in a final test phase. Any idea how they could know about it?” I keep my eyes on him. Not even risking a blink because I might miss something in his body language.

His eyes widen. “No!”

“Be honest with me.”

He clasps his hands in front of his body and squeezes, his knuckles turning white from the grip. “Lauren, I swear. It wasn’t me. You know I’m loyal to you.”

I take a deep breath, searching him for a moment. “I know you are.” I do. Trent wants me, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be bought. “But the question is, are you loyal to Interstellar?”

His hand flies to his chest as he gapes at me. “I can’t believe you’d ask me that.”

Classic deflection. I cross my arms in front of myself, trying to hold my anger in before I do something I’ll regret. “You didn’t answer the question.”

“Of course, I’m loyal,” he bites out through gritted teeth.

I chew the inside of my mouth. He may say the words, but it doesn’t mean I believe the conviction in his voice. Though, it wouldn’t make sense for him to sell out Interstellar. Trent has the highest position for a man in his field–it’s his dream job. Plus, he has free rein to work on any project he wants.

“Okay, Trent. I have an important phone call I need to make.”

He rises to his feet and hovers over my desk. “Want to get a drink after work?”

I purse my lips before transforming them into a smile. “Sorry, Trent. I’m too busy for drinks these days. There’s a hostile takeover in place, and it’s all hands on deck.”

Trent hovers closer. “I’d like to have my hands on your—”

“Get out.” I point toward the door and rise from my chair quickly. “Trent, really. Usually, I’m more patient with you, but not today.”

He laughs softly, tipping his head back. “You were never patient, Lulu.” He walks out without saying another word, and I feel like shit for treating him so harshly—for approximately twenty seconds until my phone chirps.

Unknown: Meet me for dinner.

“What’s up, fearless leader?” Cassie asks, walking into my office and carrying a new pile of papers. “This desk is a mess.”

“Ya think, Cas? You think you can help with it? I’ve lost track at this point.”

She nods and starts going through each folder and forming new piles on the chairs in my office. I take the time to check my email. My phone chirps again, but I ignore it.

Cassie’s gaze drifts toward my phone. “Oh, you have an admirer.” She giggles and waggles her eyebrows.

I snatch the phone from my desk and turn it over to hide the screen. “It’s the wrong number, Cassie. Shush it.” I wink at her.

“Um,” she says, rolling her eyes. “Yeah. You’re right. They’re looking for Elizabeth.”

My stomach plummets. The air from my lungs evaporates into thin air at the thought of Antonio being the “Unknown” texter. “Yeah, wrong number.” I slide the button on my phone to silence any other notification. I can’t look until she leaves the room.

“I wish a man would send me random steamy text messages.”

“It was steamy?”

She whistles. “Whoever Lizzy is—” She stops mid-sentence and turns to look at me. Her eyes are wide as she blinks rapidly. “Wait! Mr. Forte called you Lizzy. Damn.” She points at my phone, looking between it and me.

I shake my head and try to keep my face unexpressive. “Don’t be silly. You must’ve heard him wrong.” I glance down at my computer screen, unable to look her in the eyes and lie. “He thought I was someone he knew from college, but he was wrong.”

“Umm.” She sweeps her finger along the edge of my desk as she takes steps around the back. “I know I can seem like I’m an airhead sometimes, Lauren, but I heard him clear as day, and he didn’t think you were someone else.”

“Cassie,” I warn, keeping my eyes on the screen. “Drop it.”

She stands by my side, tapping her fingernails on top of the giant pile of to-do papers. “As you know, as your employee, I signed a nondisclosure agreement. Whatever I know, I can’t divulge.”

With someone selling us out to Cozza, I don’t put much stock in a nondisclosure or any promise to keep anything in confidence. Cassie and I have always been more than employer and employee. She’s been with me since the beginning and has always been the one I lean on in times of need. Her ability to listen and give good advice is priceless to me. Even though sometimes she doesn’t clean my desk, she is worth her weight in gold.

“I’m not firing you, but from now on, ask before you give out my personal cell phone number. I swear, Cas. There’s nothing going on between him and me.”

“Look me in the eyes and say it.” She smirks.

I cross my fingers under my desk and peer up at her. “I swear there’s nothing.”

She nods and looks disappointed. “Too bad. He was kind of hot.” She fans herself with her hand.

I grimace because she isn’t lying–he’s hot as hell. “If that’s the type of guy you like.”

“You can say whatever you want, but I saw the way you looked at him.”

“You mistake lust for hate. I don’t want to sleep with him, I want to pound him into pieces.”

“Pound,” she whispers through her giggles.

“Don’t you have work to do?” I ask, feeling uncomfortable having this conversation about Antonio, especially when everything I say sounds filthy.

“I do. I’d better go pound the keys like I’d pound…”

“Out,” I tell her and shoo her away with a giant smile. “I’ll finish organizing my paperwork.”

“I’m sorry. I’ll behave, Ms. Bradley.”

I can’t help but laugh. “I’ve never known you to behave when it comes to men, Cas.”

“There’s a time to work, and then there’s a time to play.” She grabs a stack from the couch in the back of the room and heads for the door. “I’m going to go work before I get myself in some trouble.”

“Thanks.” I walk toward the two chairs in front of my desk to see what papers were in the stack and hope I can figure out her process.

“Call me if you need me.” She closes the door and leaves.

As soon as I hear her footsteps far enough away from my office, I bolt toward my desk and grab my phone.

Unknown: I need to taste you again, Elizabeth.

Unknown: I want more than your company.

Unknown: Same time, same place–tonight.

Clearly, the man is crazy if he thinks I’ll meet him again. Last night was one of the biggest mistakes of my life…and the hottest one too. But knowing who he is, I can’t do it. Even if it was the best sex of my life, we are at war.

I try to work and get my head on straight, but my eyes keep peering down at my phone, waiting for the next message. “I’m an idiot.” I push my body back into my chair and close my eyes. When my phone chirps again, I can’t stop myself from looking.

Unknown: Lou will be waiting for Liz.

Fuck, what a mess.

“Lauren,” Josh says, giving the door a quick knock out of respect, but he’s already two strides inside my office. “Do you have time for a meeting? Our team has some ideas on how to stop the takeover by Cozza.”

I jump up from my seat because having news about a way to halt them in their tracks is just what I need. “I always have time when it comes to Interstellar.”

“Walk with me.” He moves to the side, having me walk in front of him, but he’s following close on my heels. “Our options are limited, but it’s entirely possible to stop their bid.”

“I’ve always liked a challenge, Josh. No matter what it is, we’ll make it work.” I push open the door to the conference room to find the entire legal division assembled around the table. “Good afternoon, everyone.”

“Good afternoon, ma’am.” Mr. Wiggins, the head of the legal team, greets me by standing.

“Sit, sit.” I motion for them to remain seated as I start to pace. “What have you been able to find?”

Wiggins clears his throat and glances down at his paperwork. “There are a few things we have going for us that can stop Cozza in their tracks.” He holds up a handful of papers and looks in my direction. “First, your contract should be reason enough to have them running for the hills.”

I freeze and turn on my heel to face him. “How so?”

“Built into your contract, as with every CEO before you, there’s a clause designed to stop such maneuvers. You were given an enormous golden parachute payoff that no company will want to swallow in order to take over Interstellar.”

I gulp down the lump that’s suddenly formed in my throat. “How much?” I ask, clenching my jaw when I try to control my breathing.

“Twenty million.” He smiles like he’s a genius and a savior, but his find is not a saving grace.

The golden parachute clause in my contract had totally slipped my mind. I never gave it another thought after I signed the paperwork the day I became CEO. Now it adds an entirely new dimension of shit that could fall at my feet by sleeping with Antonio. Not only would I profit substantially from being removed as CEO and the purchase of Interstellar, but people could say I did it on purpose. I know how rumors work. Not only could he ruin my company, he could destroy my reputation. I know the clause was added to stop someone from buying us, but with the new engine we are on the verge of releasing, our acquisition would still be a financial gain for any potential purchaser.

Unconsciously, I start to pace again, worry filling my entire body. “It’s not good enough, Wiggins. We need to find another way to stop them.”

His eyebrows furrow. “You don’t feel the parachute will be sufficient?”

I shake my head, blowing out a puff of air. “It’s not when you think of the financial gain that our new engine could bring to the purchaser. It’s not enough, Mr. Wiggins.” My palms are sweaty, and I suddenly feel flushed.

“Well, we do have another way.” He pauses and relaxes back in his chair, watching me like a hawk.

I grip the back of the chair tightly. “Out with it,” I bark out, unable to control the fear that has consumed me.

“We need to make sure we have a supermajority of stockholders that do not want to sell to Cozza. Cozza has to have the backing of that majority in order to gain control of Interstellar and be successful in their hostile takeover.”

“How many?” I ask, tapping my finger against the back of my chair.

“Over seventy percent of stockholders must agree not to sell their shares, Ms. Bradley.” Wiggins straightens his shoulders but never takes his eyes off me.

“We can do that.” I glance toward the ceiling and start to pace again, forming a plan in my head. “We need to call an emergency stockholder meeting to unveil the technology and announce the date of the public test. For the people who can’t be there, we’ll do a simultaneous webcast for our shareholders around the world where we’ll unveil our newest invention that’s going to catapult Interstellar to the top spot.”

“That may take some time,” Josh interrupts. “Also, I feel we should maybe test the engine privately first.”

I stop behind his chair. “Although it may seem like the most sensible option, under the circumstances, it’s vital that we make it public to shore up our stock. So, make it happen. You have thirty-six hours, Josh. Give me a goddamn miracle.”

Although I can’t see his face, his posture tells me everything I need to know. Josh is tense, but not a traitor. Everything about his demeanor confirmed that before we walked into the meeting. “I can work with thirty-six hours, Ms. Bradley,” Josh replies and starts to tap his pen against the papers in front of him.

“In the meantime, we need to draft a letter to all shareholders of the company. They need to be made aware of the takeover attempt by Cozza. Tell them we have something on the horizon that will make them filthy rich, and if they sell now, they’ll regret it. Invite them to the meeting where we’ll unveil the engine and show them that selling now will be the costliest decision of their lives.”

“Between a supermajority and your golden parachute, I can’t see Cozza moving forward with the acquisition of Interstellar, Ms. Bradley,” Wiggins adds while the rest of the legal team remains quiet.

“Good. Anyone have anything else before we adjourn?”

“No, ma’am. We’ll get everything in order legally speaking to deal with unveiling the invention early and solidifying our position from Cozza.”

I give him a brief nod and wait for them to file out one by one before turning toward Josh. “We have a mole, Josh.”

“I know. I’ve been racking my brain trying to figure out who it could be.” He drags his hands through his dark hair and groans. “Who would want to bring down Interstellar when we’re so close to greatness?” His hand comes down hard on the table, causing the pitcher of water sitting in the center to bounce.

“I don’t know, Josh, but I’m going to find out.”

I lie down on the couch, draping my arm over my face to give my eyes a rest. I’ve been staring at the computer for hours, and my vision has started to blur. “Cassie, you can go now. It’s late, and there’s nothing more you need to do tonight.”

“Can I get you anything before I go?” She yawns on the last word.

“No. I can get whatever I need. Go home, Cas. I kept you here far too late.”

“I wanted to stay and help, but thank you, Lauren.”

Although I am exhausted, I feel we have a grasp on the situation. The rest of the day I’d spent drafting my speech to the stockholders, to expand on the letter written by our PR department, to help get them excited about the engine and greedy for the money that will flow into their pockets when Interstellar overtakes Cozza as the industry leader in the aerospace market. I yawn, letting myself succumb to the exhaustion.

* * *

Soft, warm lips touch mine, and I moan softly. Rarely do I have dreams that involve sex in any form. It’s a nice change. The softness grows more demanding, pressing harder against my mouth. I gasp, realizing it isn’t a dream at all. Someone’s in my office and has their lips pressed against mine.

I push against his chest with one hand, but I can’t move. His body is against me, rock solid and strong. “Get away from me!” I yell against his mouth.

“Lulu, come on. It’s just me,” he murmurs against my lips.

“Trent, stop!” I wiggle underneath him, trying to break free. I have one card to play, and I use it. Biting down hard, I dig my teeth into his lip and break the skin.

He screeches and recoils, giving me the ability to move finally. His hand covers his mouth, and his eyes flare with anger. “What the fuck, Lulu?” he seethes, wiping the blood away and smearing it across his cheek. He glances down, catching sight of his blood. “Fucking bitch.”

I shoot up from the couch, squaring my shoulders and placing my arms in front of me. “I should fire your ass for this. You can’t just come in here and kiss me. I’m not yours anymore, Trent.”

He comes toward me with a devilish smile stained red from the blood. “Why do you lie to yourself? You’ll always be mine.”

“I won’t.” I point toward the door, readying my leg in case I need to knee him in the balls. “Get the fuck out before I call security.”

“Baby,” he whispers, reaching out to touch me. “You know how I know you’re still mine?” He stops a foot from me and sucks his lip inside his mouth.

I don’t respond. My entire body shakes with anger and partially out of fear, but I’d never let him know that. I’m not worried that his words are true, but I never would’ve guessed Trent could be so aggressive toward me.

“You moaned like a whore when I kissed you—my whore, Lulu. No matter what you say, you can never be without me.”

My teeth are clenched so tightly they vibrate from the friction. “Fuck you, Trent. I may value your work, but there is not now and never will be anything between us. Next time you come into my office uninvited, bring your letter of resignation with you.”

He throws his hands up in the air and laughs. “I was just kidding. I’m just having a little harmless fun. When did you get so damned uptight?”

“There was nothing harmless about you pinning me to the couch and putting your filthy hands on me.”

His laughter stops, but the smile remains. “You forgot about my lips.”

I stomp to the door and fling it open. “Get out!”

He doesn’t move, just stands there with a smile. “I came here to talk to you about the engine.”

“I don’t care what you came here for, I’m done.”

He walks toward me, stopping in front of me, but he keeps his hands to himself. “But, Lulu, come on. It’s important.”

“We’ll talk tomorrow, Trent. Get out before I change my mind and fire you.”

He runs his tongue across his lips, but I don’t dare glance down. In no way would I ever give him any indication that I could be even remotely attracted to him. “You would never do that, babe.”

“Try me,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest and glaring at him. “Three.” I start a countdown. If I get to zero and his ass isn’t out of my office, I’ll officially and happily fire him. “Two.”

“Fine,” he growls. “I’ll be here first thing in the morning.”

“Fine!” My temper’s boiling over. “Cassie and Josh will be joining us.”

“Doesn’t matter to me. No one can stop me from having you again, Lulu.” He reaches out and brushes his fingers against my cheek.

I jolt back, moving away from his touch, and swat his hand. “One.”

“I’m out.” He leaves quickly, tucking his hands into his pockets as he heads toward the elevators.

I stand in my doorway, making sure he’s left before gathering my things and heading down the stairwell and out of the building. Between Cozza and Trent, I’m close to a breakdown. Everything I’ve worked for sits precariously on the edge of destruction.

With one flight of stairs left, my eyes start to flood with tears, and my knees begin to shake. The enormity of the situation, coupled with Trent, finally hits me like a ton of bricks. I collapse, crumbling down, and crying into my hands.

How could I have been so stupid as to get into a relationship with someone like Trent? I’ve never seen him act the way he has been toward me, and it scares me. Although sometimes he can be overbearing and a little too touchy for me, never has he been so aggressive.

Everything in my life’s a freaking train wreck.

I messed up by sleeping with Antonio, even though I didn’t know it was him. It was reckless and could bring me down faster and harder than I’d ever imagined.

I’m on a collision course that only I can stop. I wipe away my tears and smooth out my suit as I stand. I don’t have time for crying. It will solve nothing. Business people don’t cry. I’m too powerful to let any man think I’m his plaything or to underestimate me because I’m a woman.

I’ve come too far to take it all lying down. My father told me that I should rely only on myself. That I was too smart and driven to let anything derail my plans. He taught me to be who I am today. When he died, I didn’t forget a word he said. In fact, I’ve tried to remember every word he’d ever spoken to me. I want him to be proud of me for my accomplishments, but also for the person I have become. I am him. Part of him lives on in me, and I’ll do anything to make him proud. Sometimes, when I’m lonely, I stare up at the stars and wonder if he’s up there, watching me from afar. Even if there isn’t a heaven, maybe there is a way he lived his dreams even after his light went out.

* * *

I stroll into the W Hotel just past eight p.m. Antonio sits in the same seat as before, waiting for me with a martini ready. The first part of my plan is to find out if he set me up. It’s hard to believe that I wasn’t targeted for complete and total destruction.

Sleeping with me would be a surefire way to seal the deal and be the last straw. He toys with the glass in his hand and checks his watch before he takes a sip. Standing in the back, I stare at him for a few minutes, trying to work up the courage to approach him. Coming to a stop behind him, I clear my throat and wait for him to turn around.

“Ah, Elizabeth,” he says, turning his head with a smile and setting his glass down on the bar. “I’m glad you could come.”

“Antonio.” I’m not going to play the game and use the fake name he gave me. There is no time for it. “I won’t be staying.”

“Lauren, please.” He pats the stool next to him and motions for me to sit. “Have a drink with me. Not as enemies, but as…”

My back straightens, and I plant my feet shoulder width apart. “Mr. Forte, I’m sorry to burst the illusion, but we’ll always be enemies.”

“Nonsense.” He waves me off, pushing the drink closer to the edge. “I got your favorite.” His blue eyes twinkle from the halogen lighting overhead.

“I’m sure you’re not always a bastard, but no drink will make up for what you’re doing to me.”

He laughs, tipping his head back and showing off his perfectly white teeth framed by his lusciously full lips. “Lauren, I’m not doing anything to you.”

I set my purse on the bar and slide onto the stool, but I keep my body as far away from him as possible. “You’re trying to steal my company and ruin me in the process.”

He touches his lip, slowly pulling his finger back and forth. “I’m not trying to ruin you. What would give you that crazy idea?”

I glare at him, not willing to back down from my statement as I raise the glass to my lips. Taking a small sip, I formulate my next statement very carefully before speaking. “You sought me out on purpose, Antonio. You knew exactly what you were doing when you seduced me right in this very spot. I may be a woman, but I’m not stupid.”

His body jerks backward. “I would never,” he scoffs and shakes his head vigorously.

“You did,” I sneer before taking another sip.

“I had no idea who you were when I sat down next to you. I was lonely and looking for a little company.” He grabs his drink, whiskey, from the looks of it, and turns it in his hand. “I didn’t seek you out to fuck you.”

“But you did fuck me.”

“I did.” His lips turn up into a smile, and his eyes flash.

I cross my legs, trying to put all thoughts of sleeping with him out of my mind. “You did it on purpose. You’re trying to ruin my credibility in this industry.”

He raises his left eyebrow, forming a beautiful, dark arch. “How could sleeping with me ruin you?”

I gnaw on my lip. “It just can.” I dare not answer his question. I don’t know why, but I don’t feel the need to explain my accusation. “Why do you want Interstellar so badly?”

“You’re poised to jump in front of Cozza. I’m used to being on top, Lauren, and nothing will keep me from staying there. Not you. Not Interstellar. Nothing.”

“So, your plan is to take us over and halt any progress we’ve made in developing new technology.” I watch him over the rim of my glass, trying not to stare at his mouth as he speaks.

“Don’t play coy with me. I know what’s going on at Interstellar.” His finger traces the rim of the glass, slowly moving in a circle over the smooth edge. “You’re beyond development and are ready to start the final test phase.”

I laugh. “You know nothing.”

“Believe what you’d like, but I know.” He smiles smugly, but he gives nothing more away. Running my hand down my throat, I let my fingers linger near my cleavage. His eyes dip, following the line. “I plan to make it mine.”

“I will fight to keep Interstellar. I’ll never willingly hand over the reins to you, Lou.” I grin, watching his eyes as they continue to follow my fingers while I stroke my skin.

He licks his lips, lazily dragging his tongue across before looking into my eyes. “I’ve never had a problem taking what I want, Ms. Bradley. Whether it’s Interstellar or you, I like a good challenge.”

I slide my finger to my neck. “I’m not for sale, Mr. Forte, and neither is Interstellar. Did you set this up? Did you have me followed before you showed up at the bar and seduced me?”

“Lauren, you give me too much credit. It was serendipity.”

“I’ll never fully believe I wasn’t set up, and even if I wasn’t and it was by chance, the answer is and always will be no.”

He inches closer, his stool scraping against the floor. “I’m not a man who takes no for an answer.” He moves his mouth close to my ear and speaks in a low, husky tone. “I remember how you taste, the way you moaned when you came, and how your body feels wrapped around me. You can deny it all you want, but I know you want more.”

I choke on the martini. I tap my chest and try to clear the alcohol lingering in my throat. “I most certainly do not.” My voice comes out strangled and the words unbelievable. Somehow, I thought it was a good idea to take a sip and pretend not to be bothered by his proximity and words, but it was an epic fail.

His hand snakes behind me, resting on the high-back barstool and lightly brushing my back. “So, if I touched you right now, it wouldn’t mean anything?”

My eyes shoot to his, the hatred in my glare unmistakable. “It would mean absolutely nothing.”

One side of his mouth curves up before he moves forward, stopping centimeters from my lips. “May I?” he asks, staring me straight in the eyes when his hand touches my face, sliding behind my neck.

My body grows rigid, and I try to ready myself for his lips. The way he kissed me the other night was indescribable. The most passionate and intoxicating kisses of my entire life, followed by the hottest, rawest sex I’ve ever experienced. I know before his lips touch mine again that if I’m not careful, he’d know he was right. I wanted him, even though I hated him. The phrase, there’s a thin line between love and hate, it fits us perfectly. “Yes,” I reply, my voice unwavering.

I hold my breath and close my eyes as he leans forward. It starts slow, his lips testing mine and his warm breath cascading across my face. My mind’s fuzzy and drunk as the kiss grows more demanding. His tongue sweeps across my bottom lip, tasting me, and I open for him, sucking in a breath and making his air my own.

He moans, digging his fingers into the back of my neck and pulling my body closer to him. My one hand clutches the bar, holding on for dear life as he consumes my every thought and fantasy. I can’t stop my body from moving toward him and into the kiss. I want him. I want to feel him inside me again, and no matter how hard I try to deny it, I can’t stop the ache.

I push against his chest, trying to break the contact. Needing for it to end before it goes too far and I won’t be able to recover. “Stop,” I whisper into his mouth. He grunts and kisses me deeper. “Antonio, please.”

Our lips stick together when he backs away. His fingers still dig into the back of my neck as his eyes search mine. “Please, what?” The softness of his thumb strokes my cheek, touching the corner of my mouth.

Chills rake my body from his touch alone, and I’m almost breathless from the aftereffects of his kiss. “We can’t.” No longer can I deny that I want him, but that doesn’t make it right.

“Why?” He doesn’t blink or look away, just stares at me, waiting for a response.

I close my eyes, trying to steady my pulse that has been racing out of control since his lips touched mine. “It’s not right. I can’t risk my entire life for a fling.”

“You think I just want to fuck you again for thrills?”

I break free from his grip and out of the trance his lips had put me in. “I don’t care what you call it. It can never happen again.”

“Lauren.” He reaches out, stopping me by grabbing my wrist. “My goal for coming to Chicago was taking over Interstellar, but now…” He takes a deep breath, dragging his eyes up my body and finally meeting my glare.

I grab my purse off the bar and stand quickly. “You can’t stop what you’ve started. We’re at war, Mr. Forte. No matter how well you kiss, I’ll never forget the simple fact that you’re trying to destroy my company and, by default, me. We are nothing. We will never be more than enemies. Good evening, Antonio.” I march off, my heels clicking against the black tile of the hotel bar as I make my way to the lobby. My knees shake with every step. The effect he has on me is undeniable, but under no circumstance can I allow anything to come between Interstellar and me, especially Antonio.

When I step outside, I press my body against the building and let it be my support while I catch my breath. How could I let this happen? I slept with the one man in the world who could end everything I’ve done professionally in my entire life. He’s the one person who could destroy my reputation and ruin everything I’ve worked so hard to accomplish. If I’m not careful and allow myself another night of pleasure, it will be the proverbial nail in my coffin.

After smoothing out my suit, I tuck my purse under my arm and walk home.

Antonio Forte will not be my undoing.