Betrayal games & the seduction contract

casual, yet somehow intimate-an upscale Italian restaurant with a secluded table nestled away from curious eyes. Ov

t," he said, eye

, tilting her head.

st people I meet want something. A deal, a favor, an inro

hit her like a punch to the

garden railing, resting her hand gently on it. Moments later, Carter app

nto her role. "Thought you could use this,

" she replied, h

bout his late parents, his struggles to meet the expectations of being a Hawthorne,

y to stick to old traditions. But the world's changing. If we don't innovate, we'll be l

er chest. Victor had painted Carter as reckless a

ter asked suddenly, b

inked.

do you want

ty, freedom, a life free of debts and lies? She couldn't tel

egrets," she said, starin

oughtfully. "Tha

the warmth of his presence unsettling, Ella reminded her

the night, the touch of his hand lingered on her b

ing herself

nto late-night strolls, and business meetings gave way to spontaneous trips

d along the waterfront,

you something," he

ed a beat. Did

s-maybe even longer. But the truth is, every time I look at you, the words get lost. I never expected you. Not here, not

eath, search

ere it's heading... but I do know this-I'm

ad been working toward, the point where Carter would tru

say," she stammered, the

After a lingering pause, he whispered, "Goodnight, Ella," and walked away

sn't just a mark anymore. He was a man she was starting to care for-a man she was about to betray.

ead, tears slidi

nt. It's a move in a g

, everything com

en her. He had been calling daily, demanding updates. Her fingers hovered over t

she knew the cl

s penthouse," he snapped during their last call. "The safe is

s is a mission-nothing more.

'll re

urned as she prom

and Ella grew c

she knew the layout of the penthouse

ose to making her move, so

acking the shift in her mood, the wa

she was hidi

ed into his office under the guise of looking for a book. Her ey

e thought, her

e painting, Carter's voic

for som

racing. "Just a book," sh

r real intentions. "I've g

etreated, the weight of h

d Ella close, whisperi

eep-her mind was rac

closed, pretending to be

ssed his forehead, then slipped

as V

don't deliver those documents by the end of the week, y

hun

e-but he heard nothing. Still,

n. No tears. No

her mother she'd

promise w

er the covers, and wrapped her a

ny masks before-of confidence, seduction, and charm-but this was different. This time, the

g coffee. His ease and joy cut through her like a blade. How

words echoed

finish it for you. Sta

ld be opened, the documents secured, and she wou

portunity to prepare. She slipped into the office, her hands trembling as she removed the painting t

k disengaging sent a jolt

and other legal papers that meant nothing to her but ever

ould change everything. Could

hts. She barely had time to close the sa

row furrowing. "What a

g for an excuse. "I was just looking f

ened, and he let o

. By the way, what are you

r a second, t

leave you a note. Your food has the code on it. I warm

kiss on her forehead. "Come on you're s

e weight of her betrayal hung between the