Paige walked towards the front of the queue of people waiting to get inside TG. She had no idea how many were lined up for the Shipton club a few blocks away, but she wouldn’t be surprised if it was less than half of this.

It saddened her that their company wasn’t competing as well. She was hopeful, though, that they could find a way for the Shipton establishments to get their mojo back.

But while she felt a pang of guilt that she was about to enter their rival’s venue as a patron, she wasn’t sorry she was here. In fact, her heart was beating fast in anticipation and excitement. She approached the doorman, hesitating a tad. This wasn’t the same person who’d let her in the two previous nights.

“Hi, I’m Paige,” she said with a smile. “I’m here to see Tristan Grant.”

“Sure, let me check.” The guy spoke on his walkie-talkie. “A lady named Paige is here to see Tristan?”

A women’s voice answered. “Let her in. Tristan’s in the Rose Room.”

“Tristan’s in the Rose Room,” the doorman repeated to Paige.

“Thank you,” she answered, then pushed her way through a throng of people to walk up the staircase leading to the Rose Room. She’d first met Tristan there two days ago. It must be one of his favourite spots in this club.

She went in and looked around. The place was buzzing, but it wasn’t as packed as the floor below due to the room having a smaller dance floor. Of course, it didn’t stop people from gyrating to the music in between tables.

She smirked. She herself, along with her friends Annette and Pam, had kicked their heels in this very room, right next to where Tristan had sat.

She glanced at the same booth, which was currently vacant. A man in a dark suit appeared to be standing guard next to it. Clearly, it was being kept available—for the boss, most likely. But where was Tristan?

She hoped he’d take her to a private room tonight, where they could have some privacy and hear each other better, but she supposed she was getting ahead of herself.

Corny as it sounded, she felt so comfortable with him already. Since two days ago, when Tristan had approached her and said, “I’m Tristan,” and she’d responded with a coquettish, “I know. I’m Paige,” they’d been getting along like a house on fire. And when she’d joked she was at TG to compare it to the Shipton club down the road, Tristan had just laughed, not bothered in the slightest that the daughter of his competition was checking out his joint.

Not that business was her real reason for being there. It was Tristan himself she’d wanted to see. He’d made such an impression on her two days ago at the Safety in Nightclubs function they’d both presented at. Unfortunately, she’d been constantly sidetracked by people asking about her father, who’d been unable to attend, so she hadn’t been able to seek Tristan out and talk to him there.

She had to remember to tell him later how much she’d enjoyed his speech, but not right now. Work-related topics were such a downer, and she’d just got there.

“Glad you’re back,” a husky voice said from behind her, his breath blowing warmly against her ears.

A sultry smile formed on her face as she turned to face him. “Glad you invited me back.”

Tristan chuckled. “Your friends are not gonna turn up unexpectedly, are they? Like they did at midnight last night to whisk you away?”

“No. They got the hint that they’re not invited tonight,” she teased.

Tristan slid an arm around her waist, pulling her to him. “They interrupted us while we were dancing.”

Her arms snaked around his neck. “Yeah, annoying women.”

Tristan’s lips curved up as they started swaying to the slow music, right where they were standing.

Then they stopped. They just stopped, and stared at each other.

After one long, breathless moment, they were devouring each other’s mouths.

Oh, God, this was what she’d been hoping for.

She was hearing the loud music, she was registering laughter and conversation, even feeling the occasional bumps of people walking past them. But none of those bothered her one bit. She was much too busy drowning in Tristan’s kisses and revelling in his hands roaming her body.

“Do you want to go somewhere private?” Tristan asked against her lips.

“Yes. I’ve been hoping you’d ask,” she murmured.

Tristan grabbed her hand and walked towards the guy in a dark suit. He whispered something to the man, then Tristan led her to a side stairwell that took them down to what appeared to be a loading dock.

Paige looked around in confusion.

“We’re going out through there,” Tristan said, pointing to a door.

“Oh, right. I thought we were going to one of the private rooms inside.”

Tristan stared at her in dismay.

She smiled at him. “I’m happy to go somewhere else, though. Where are you planning to take me?”

“Well… I was thinking of…”

She chuckled at Tristan’s sudden uncertainty. Placing her arms around his neck, she kissed his lips. “I know what you have in mind. It’s just the venue I didn’t expect.”

“Phew. And here I was already commiserating with my blue balls,” he teased.

She pressed herself against him. Oh, yes, he was still hard. “So where are we going?”

Tristan ran his hands down her ass. “To my hotel.”

“Let’s go, then.”

They exchanged a searing kiss before they exited to the back alleyway, where a black sedan was waiting for them.

She climbed in the back seat, followed by Tristan. They stared at each other, smiled, then leaned in for another kiss. It turned torrid in a second, and before she knew it, she was cupping Tristan’s crotch while his finger rubbed her clit through her undies, all without breaking the connection of their lips. God, she was turning mindless, and she didn’t care.

“Excuse me, Mr. Grant,” a cool, professional voice interrupted. “We’re here at your hotel.”

Tristan broke the kiss, exhaling loudly. “Thank you, Dale,” he responded.

Reality intruded and Paige blushed. She’d never, ever made out with a guy—not like how she’d just done with Tristan—with anyone watching. Hopefully, the driver had kept his eyes on the road instead of the rear-view mirror.

She straightened her clothes, then quickly got out of the vehicle, murmuring a thank-you to Dale, who’d opened the door for her.

Tristan came around to her side and put an arm around her shoulders. “Thanks, Dale,” he said. “See you tomorrow.”

“See you, Mr. Grant,” Dale answered.

“Is he your Brisbane driver?” Paige asked as they walked into the hotel.

“Yeah. He drives me around every time I’m here. He’s a trustworthy guy.”

“Good,” she couldn’t help saying.

Tristan glanced at her, trying to hide a smile. “Don’t worry, he’s a professional.”

She frowned. How many times had Dale seen Tristan make out with a woman in the back of the car?

She pushed the unwelcome thought aside. Tonight was her night with Tristan, and she wasn’t going to sour the mood by her sudden jealousy.

They were the only ones in the elevator and Tristan didn’t waste any time picking up where they’d left off. He ground his hips against hers, lifting one of her legs for better contact. By the time they got to his hotel room, her panties were absolutely soaked.

“Finally,” Tristan breathed when he closed the door. Then he pinned her against the wall with his body, his mouth creating a trail of hot kisses on her face, her neck, her throat. His hands were equally eager, unzipping her dress and letting it fall to the floor. Her underwear quickly followed, and she was naked in no time flat.

Hurriedly, she undid his belt while he shrugged out of his jacket, and their lips sought each other once again. Even the small distance between their bodies created by Tristan’s hand unbuttoning his shirt and her fingers fumbling with his fly, was frustrating her.

She’d never felt this in need of a man before. She was burning for him, with no other thought than to assuage the delicious ache between her legs with the erection she was trying to set free.

Tristan moaned when she pulled down his trousers and briefs, then he pulled away from her to completely undress himself.

She watched him, breathing through her mouth, as he got out of his clothing. God, he was magnificent.

“Come here,” Tristan said before lifting her up in his arms.

She shrieked in surprise. “I’m not running away, you know,” she teased.

“I should hope not,” he said with a laugh as he deposited her in the middle of the bed. “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, as he ran his hand on her leg.

Her breath hitched from the carnal look in his eyes as his gaze raked her body from head to toe.

“I need you, Tristan,” she breathed.

With a salacious smile, Tristan pushed her legs apart and kneeled in between them. Then he leaned down and took a pebbled nipple in his mouth.

She gasped, pleasure shooting straight to her wet core.

“So beautiful,” he repeated, going to the other bud to lave it with his tongue.

She moaned, arching her back unashamedly.

Tristan started crawling down, leaving butterfly kisses along her ribs, her belly, her mound…

She tensed as he kissed the inside of her thigh. “Tristan.”

“Hm?” he said teasingly as he licked her wetness.

She gasped, her hand going to his head, undecided whether to push him away or to urge him closer. Oh, God, she wanted him inside her, but she’d also love for his mouth to—

She let out a lusty moan as Tristan let his tongue loose on her clit. This time, she tried to sit up so Tristan would stop. It was too soon to come.

Tristan glanced up at her, the sheer desire on his face taking her breath away.

“I’m so close,” she whispered.

He grinned wickedly. “Then why did you make me stop?”

“It’s too soon,” she said with a laugh.

“Really?” Tristan covered her with his body so his face was inches from hers. “Or did you want my cock inside you when you come?”

She gulped, fresh moisture rushing to the apex between her legs at his words.

Tristan didn’t wait for an answer. He went back to his wallet and pulled out several packets of condoms.

Oh, good. He planned to fuck her more than once. That should make up for the quickness of this first round.

She watched, mouth dry from breathing with it open, while Tristan wore the protection. When he re-joined her on the bed, she smiled, parting her legs wider for him.

But Tristan had other ideas. He lay next to her and teased her nipple with his tongue. Then his hand travelled to her mound, his finger rubbing her swollen nub.

“Tristan!” she cried.

Tristan left her breast to whisper in her ear. “Yes, babe?”

“You’re gonna make me come,” she said, her breath coming out in soft pants.

“That’s my aim,” he said with a chuckle.

She grasped his erection. “Make me come with this.”

Tristan gazed at her, smiling… fondly?

“Right now?” he teased. “We have all night.”

“What, you only want to do it once?” she asked with disappointment before she even realised what was coming out of her mouth.

“Hell, no. I plan to do it as many times as we can. But I don’t want to come yet. Once I’m inside that delicious pussy of yours, I won’t want to leave until I do.”

“But you’re driving me crazy, and I want—” She let out another lusty moan, her eyes closing as Tristan’s fingers evoked pleasure and desire that was bringing her ever closer to the crest.

“Tell me,” he said against her neck.

“I want to feel you inside me… Make me come with this.” She tugged his hard-as-steel rod.

“Is that so?” Tristan asked huskily, positioning himself on top of her. “You want this?” He wet the tip of his erection with her juices, then ran it against her clit, before pushing it inside her.

She was ready for more in an instant, her body revelling in the fullness.

“Fuck… Paige…” Tristan murmured as he slowly moved in, then slid out, then in again… and slowly out.

“Yes,” she breathed.

Tristan buried his face in her neck as he thrust into her over and over, his breath harsh and hot.

Paige surrendered herself to the sensations. There was nothing she could do to hold back the tide of pleasure assaulting her senses. Soon, she was trembling, crying out Tristan’s name in a high-pitched whisper.

Tristan grunted, nuzzling her face with insistence as he drove in and out—until he stilled for a beat, then groaned out his breaths as he came long and hard.

Paige stared at the ceiling, stunned, as she kept Tristan within the circle of her arms.

“God, that was amazing,” Tristan murmured. He kissed her cheek repeatedly before leaving her and going to the bathroom.

Yes, that was incredible, and all she could think of was that they’d only just begun.

And she was right. After a few minutes of cuddling and talking about what they might want for dinner, they were at it again. Her release was less urgent this time, but just as mind-blowing.

“I think I better order that food or we’ll end up starving,” Tristan said, heaving a contented sigh.

She giggled. “I think you’re right. I’d like to have a shower while we’re waiting for the food.”

“Hey, I’ll join you,” Tristan said wickedly.

“If you promise not to touch,” she said laughingly. “Or room service might arrive while we’re in there.”

Tristan made a face, hesitating. “You better go in by yourself, then. I hate being interrupted while I’m having the best time of my life. Maybe we can have a bath together later.”

“I like that plan.” She placed a kiss on his lips and went to the bathroom. She had a quick shower, not wanting to be away from Tristan for longer than necessary. This night was unfolding far better than she’d imagined.

An image of her parents flashed inside her head and she hurriedly erased it. She wasn’t in any mood to think of business and rivalry and complications. Tonight was all about connecting with Tristan, and she only wanted to focus on what would bind them together. There was plenty of time for topics other than the two of them enjoying each other’s company and bodies.

She was putting on her robe when Tristan went in the bathroom.

He made a beeline for her, snaking his arms around her waist. “My turn to have a shower,” he said against her hair.

“Okay.”

They kissed. Passionately. And she felt her robe start to slide off her shoulders.

She pulled away and ran her finger on his bottom lip. “Have that shower, then feed me with some food because I’m starving, then you can have me again, all night long.”

Tristan took a deep breath. “Okay, then. Out you go.” He slapped her butt lightly.

Giggling, she left him.

They had dinner on the sofa, feeding each other as they talked about the amazing and bizarre foods they’d tried during their travels overseas.

Halfway through their meals, they were making out again.

“Time for bed,” Tristan said, carrying her and placing her on the mattress.

Ah, she loved being in his arms in every way! “Sleepy already, are you?” she teased.

“No. Hungry for you again,” Tristan replied.

She smiled, and they caressed each other everywhere. His manhood was hot and hard and velvety in her hand as she tugged and pumped. Soon, Tristan was slowly crawling down her body, his eyes hooded and mouth hungry. And when he pushed her legs apart, she propped herself up on her elbows to watch.

She’d never felt this comfortable with any man before at this early stage of a relationship. And yes, in her bones, she knew there was something between her and Tristan. It wasn’t just physical chemistry, although that was clearly a product of this… magic happening between them.

She hesitated to call it love. She didn’t believe in love at first sight, even though she couldn’t stop thinking about Tristan ever since seeing him at that function. But whatever she might call this feeling, it was already making her consider a relationship with him.

Tristan’s tongue flicked against her clit and she gasped, desire spiralling up.

She bit her lip, loving the horny look on Tristan’s face as he paid attention to the seat of her pleasure. She moaned as she watched him insert a finger inside her, then continue to use his mouth on her nub.

Ah, she couldn’t keep up with the visual. He was so good at what he was doing that she found herself throwing her head back, eyes shutting at the pleasure of it all.

Tristan gave her what she wanted, exactly how she wanted it for a couple more minutes, then he stopped.

With a blazing look, he grabbed another condom and sheathed his impressive erection with it.

She lay back and stretched, legs apart and offering her body to him.

Tristan settled in position and slid inside her. Then he moved, his pace deliberate as he unerringly hit the spot that made her wild. Over and over Tristan moved inside her, bringing her again to heights of ecstasy she’d never reached before.

She was more turned on than she’d ever been, and her body was desperate for release even as she was keen to make this exquisite feeling of horniness last for as long as it could.

But she couldn’t hold on. Her breaths came in loud moaning gasps as her whole body shook from the onslaught of a powerful release.

Tristan reared up to look at her and their eyes locked. With face scrunched in pleasure, he groaned and emptied himself inside her.

Despite the waves of orgasm still washing over her, Paige became aware of something undefinable bathing the moment, but it was gone before she could fully grasp it.

Tristan collapsed on top of her, replete. She wrapped her arms around him and ran her hand against his back lazily, as she tried to recapture the fleeting feeling.

Ethereal.

Paige raised her brows at the word that suddenly popped up in her mind regarding that weird, blissful moment. She held Tristan tighter and smiled. Whatever it was, she was still feeling the effects of it.

Tristan kissed her cheek and slid out of her. “I’ll be back.”

“You better,” she murmured as Tristan walked to the bathroom.

Gosh, she was tired. Good, sated tired. She’d never come as much as she’d done tonight—multiple times!

“What the…?” she heard Tristan mutter.

“Fuck,” he said after a pause. “How the fuck did that happen?”

She got out of bed and went to him. “What’s wrong.”

Tristan turned to her, his face pale. “The condom broke.”

Her heart lurched. “What?”

“I don’t know why or how,” Tristan said, his eyes wide with disbelief.

She stared at him.

“You don’t have to worry about STDs,” Tristan said. “I’m completely safe and healthy.”

“I am too.”

“I know,” Tristan said, smiling apologetically.

Paige tried to remember when her last period had been and whether she could be ovulating or about to ovulate. “I think it’s okay. I think the timing’s safe,” she said definitively.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. It’ll be fine.” She was pretty sure, but she’d double-check later.

“Okay, great,” Tristan said with relief.

* * *

Paige shook her head vigorously to bring her mind back to the present. She got out of her bed, not wanting to remember the next sequence of events after she’d assured Tristan she couldn’t get pregnant from their accident.

She went to her kitchen and poured herself some water, but her brain was refusing to follow orders. It reminded her that she and Tristan had fallen asleep together after their short discussion about the broken condom. Then the next morning, when she’d casually mentioned her role as the Staff Training Manager at Shipton Enterprise, everything had turned upside down.

Tristan had been shocked to learn she was working for Shipton Enterprise. But that was nothing compared to his anger at discovering that her parents were Larry and Debbie Shipton. He’d accused her of being their spy and refused to listen to her explanations. He’d asked her—no, ordered her—to leave his hotel room.

She’d been so hurt and humiliated that she’d forgotten to double-check her ovulation dates. By the time she’d realised her mistake, she’d already missed her period.

She looked down on her belly and rubbed it. “I’m not sorry for the accident, darling. I’m glad to have you, and so is your daddy.”

No, her pregnancy wasn’t something she regretted. But amicable as things were between her and Tristan regarding the baby, it was the total opposite when it came to her parents and Tristan.

She’d have to help them resolve their conflict, because if one of them had to win, she’d lose.