He chuckled. “Oh, now. Don’t be like that. I just did you a favor. One of many, I might add. You no longer have to deal with Greg.” He fiddled with a cufflink. “That was because of me. You owe me.”

“I don’t owe you anything. I revoke my yes.” My nose tipped upward. “It’s been amended to a resounding no. Now, go away.”

I spun around and marched back into my office, slamming the door in his face. The second I was away from him, I kicked off my heels and bolted into the bathroom. Grabbing the sink, I stared at myself in the mirror. Hot points danced on my cheeks, and wild insanity replaced my calm capableness.

What was I thinking by saying yes to that man?

I hated the way he made my blood boil. I couldn’t stand the way he spread rumors and none-truths on my behalf. No man since Nameless had earned a reaction from me—either in like or hate. I wasn’t ready to fight. I didn't have time to welcome attraction.

“God, this is all a mess.”

He was a mistake, and one I had to fix right away before he railroaded my life and ruined everything. If he didn’t take my no as gospel, I would call the police to instate a restraining order.

Perhaps, I should become a nun? Then I’d never have to worry about sex or marriage.

I could just focus on what I was good at.

Business.

Splashing water on my face, I rubbed at the smudge of mascara and tamed some of the flyaways. Feeling mildly normal, I nodded at my reflection. Agreeing that my work was done for the day and I’d go home, take a bath, and try to forget about Steve, my father, and most of all, damn Penn.

Opening the bathroom door, I jolted as the man I wanted to throw out my window sat smugly on the couch facing my bookshelves of magazines listing our clothes, houseware awards, and charity plaques for our work with selected organizations.

“You again!”

“Me.” He looked me up and down. “You got your shirt wet.”

I glanced at the sheer white fabric that was now see-through to the dusky pink bra I wore beneath it. I slapped a hand over my chest and stalked toward my desk. My stomp didn’t have the same effect in stockinged feet as it would’ve in heels, but at least I was able to shrug on a cream and black piping jacket and hide a bit of my damp cleavage.

Sage ventured out from under my desk, baring her little fangs at the interloper.

“I thought I told you to leave.” Doing my best to get back in control, I snapped, “Besides, it’s not a shirt. It’s a blouse. If you weren’t such a Neanderthal, you’d know that.”

“Why would I know that? I’m a guy who wears guy’s clothing. I have no interest in women’s unless it’s on the floor after I’ve taken them off her.”

I glowered. “Fascinating insight into your true character, Mr. Everett.” I pointed at my door. “As you weren’t invited into my office, I’ll kindly ask you to go. For the second time. And while you’re at it, retract your lie about our upcoming nuptials.”

“You lost the power to tell me to leave the moment you said yes.” He never took his eyes off me. “It’s too late to change it to a no. However, if you’re so incensed, then hear me out and I’ll go...for now.”

I moved around my desk to stand in front of it and crossed my arms. “Hear what? I’m sure I heard all I needed to. You’re an egotistical maniac who I have no interest in doing anything else with.”

“Your body told me a different story last night.” He chuckled. “And just to clarify, if I wasn’t an ‘egotistical maniac’ as you put it, then you’d consider letting me fuck you...like our original agreement?”

I frowned. “What?”

He stood up, breaching the space between us until he stood only a foot away. My skin prickled as goosebumps erupted under my wet blouse.

Sage hissed, swatting the air with her claws in warning.

Penn took no notice of her. “I’m sorry.” His face darkened with sincerity. “I know I didn’t have a right to talk about you like a trophy to be won from your father. And I’m sorry for warning Mr. Hobson to keep his son away from you.” He smiled tightly. “I would say I did that for your benefit, but really, I did it for me.” His eyes fell on my chest. “I don’t do well with competition.”

“Well, your rules and jealousy are pointless because I have no intention of going to bed with you.”

“Lies, Elle. I thought you’d agreed we’d only have truth between us.”

His deep, heady aftershave stole up my nose, tying my thoughts into a sinful knot.

I didn’t reply as he deleted the remaining space between us.

I leaned back, my butt hitting the edge of my desk and my tummy locking into place.

“You know...I work in an office, too. I know how lonely these job spaces can be.” He licked his lips. “I also know how fantasies can spring from nothing.” His hand crept forward.

I flinched, expecting him to touch me. However, he placed his palm on the glass table, hemming me in on both sides. “Tell me, Ms. Charlston. Have you ever had sex in here?”

I froze. “Excuse me?”

His gaze hooded. “Has anyone bent you over your desk and fucked you? Stolen your power and used it against you?”

I shivered uncontrollably. My mouth urged to scream for Fleur to help. Was he threatening to take me? Here in my office?

I shoved him.

He stumbled backward, a black look dripping over his features. He shook his head, dispelling the clouds, once again settling into cocky. “I take that as a no.”