Claiming What's Forbidden

thicker, heavier, almost electric. She walked through the glass doors, head held hi

s confession, his kiss that left her

rashing down, even after t

r of the floor. Eyes lingered longer t

rom HR shot her a curious glance, and two junior analysts

inbox, the subject l

g with Ares Kn

brief, professional. No trace of last night's kiss. No sig

calenda

step louder than usual. When she knocked and he called out, "Come in," she opened the

n: former

intimidatingly elegant. Her blonde hair was pulled into a sleek twist, her designer

lly, uncrossing her legs

e in place.

ng. "Valentina this isn't

thought I should meet the woman who managed to steal the heart of Ares K

caught. "I did

ut don't fool yourself. You're a temporary thrill. Ares loves rebellion,

ough," Are

littering. "You want to throw away decades of alliance b

I'm choosing something real for once in my life

ll survive in our world? The boardrooms

e calm but clear.

eart. I know your type better

m fell

door. "You'll regret this, Ares. Maybe not now, but

that, she

n turned back to Selena. His sho

rry," h

air Valentina had vacat

, taking her hand. "I

ena whispered. "About

n't c

myself. Keeping my life clean. Focused. My mom's still sick. The bills are still piling. A

e," Ares said, voice

elieved him. But beli

, spoon-feeding her soup. Evelyn looked weaker t

, baby," she sa

Mama," Se

en working

ke my

ways said you wouldn't get in

a sti

ck, but I'm not blind. You're glowing an

ted... then n

er hand. "He better

ked back te

d on the balcony of his pe

ows," h

you thinking, boy? Valentina's family will destroy you for

don't want any alliance that cost

cting lik

l for twenty-eight y

hun

nking of her. The war had begun, and he didn't know how lo

t lettin

t

ev