Unplanned Desires

ain composed as Ethan introduced her to his colleagues and associates. The weight of his hand on her back was a constant reminder of the unspoken tens

as magnetic, the kind that drew people in with ease. Women looked at him with desire, and men watched with equal part

group of investors. His tone was casual, but there was an underlying insistence. "After all, you're not just her

ust a business deal-more than just a temporary arrangement-sent her pulse racing. She hadn'

f corporate heavyweights, but her mind was elsewhere, scr

n with some board members. She excused herself, slipping through the crowd and finding solace in the

er thoughts, a familiar voice

smooth, laced with condescension. Sofia's body

looked every bit the high-powered executive, her sleek black dress hugging her form p

ing a neutral expression. "

pped closer, her presence commanding attention in a way that made Sofia uneas

she refused to rise to the bait. "I'm here

voice dropping to a more intimate tone. "But let's not pretend, Sofia. You and I both know it's more than that. You don't jus

ow-she couldn't. But the way the woman was staring at her, like

t," Sofia said, her voice steady despi

y he looks at you? The way he practically devours you with his eyes every time you're near? I've kno

hat was Vanessa trying to get at? Was th

company," Sofia said, her vo

on't forget one thing, Sofia. Ethan doesn't share. He never has. And if you think for one seco

tone was unmistakable, as if she considered Ethan her territory. But there was somethi

Sofia said, keeping her voice calm. "

let me make one thing clear. Ethan may be playing nice with you now, b

tomach. This was no idle threat. Vanessa was clearly more than just an employee or a co

spond, a voice interr

hing ok

commanding as ever. His eyes flicked between Sofia and Vanessa, hi

instant to something more professional. "Of course

er statement, before he turned his attention to Sofia. "I've been looking for you,"

n between her and Vanessa still hung th

n glanced at Vane

fore she regained her composure. "Of course,"

ned back to Sofia, his hand brush

counter with Vanessa had ra

if sensing the unease that lingered beneath the surface

. "It's fine. I

htly. "Vanessa has a tende

the word, but she forced herse

ween them seemed to melt away, leaving only a quiet unders

nd, the sound of clinking glasses interrupted them. The host

ck," Ethan said,

heir way back into the throng of guests. But even as they moved through

eir son? Would he consider that a betrayal? Or would his possessive

certain-their fragile balance was teetering on the edge, and