The Despirate deal

ndows in soft, steady taps. Lena stood in the walk-in closet, her fingers

hat hugged her figure. It was the first time she was dressin

had asked her to

al d

, no hidde

taring back at her didn't look like the nanny who used to tuck kids into

immed, casting a warm glow over the table set for two. Candles flickered.

tton-up shirt fitted perfectly over his lean frame.

ed, lips parting slightly as he t

ring just slightly. "You clea

. "Let's eat before I decide

silence danced between th

s, grilled vegetables seasoned to perfection. But Lena barely tast

she set he

hen we kisse

ely, eyes meeting hers. "I know it

ounding. "Then what does that

ht reflecting in his eyes. "I do

the table, brushing ag

contract," he added. "More than carryi

tightened.

ed sharply on the table. He ignored it. But when it buzzed

ce wen

t?" she as

n against one of our overseas contracts. It

it b

to dismantle my company from the ins

use o

aid gently. "And I wo

The storm outside had grown louder

ning. There's a legal hearing, and if

nk. "How long w

ll take my team. You'll be

said. "I just... don't want t

rward with purpose. He cupped her

me, Lena. You're the on

and in that moment, e

ke it back to

hearts. The slip dress fell to the floor like a whisper, and his hands roamed over her skin like a prayer. T

e pret

ery sigh, every

eside him hours later, her body sore and

s alre

ntract, or circumst

ackwood had claimed m

laimed h

-

orning cam

is travel bag. His demeanor had shifted-busi

saw something in his eyes t

Conflict

and," he promised,

the inside of her

lway

, if Patricia or Jasmine show up again, or if

wil

ime. Their lips lingered as if ne

he wa

watching the black car p

she was a

-

me too loud. Lena tried reading, tried cleanin

walk on the priv

pilling across the city skyline. She let the

hen she

an alert o

it from h

ink he's gone. But you'

ood ra

yes darting across the garden

ent. No

th

of unseen eyes

rushed back inside a

ouse, she forwarded the message

t to vo

ried

l no

she couldn't hold back. The air felt he

was wa

as a thousan

-