Corporate Love

es with her heart pounding against her ribs. It felt surreal being back here, in heels that clicked like a

r, and lips that curved in just the right way to keep questions a

from the gala ec

d you,

his raw, exposed, almost desperate. And it wasn't the appearance of a ma

ly hers, was already unlocked when she walked i

eed a card to know who had left them. The scent

r, the do

arly," Do

the doorway, perfectly tailored in black, dark eyes sweeping her

said. "They're prett

r inside. "I don't do anything unnecess

row. "And yet,

ackling like lightning against glass. Bu

u," he said quietly,

id, voice sharp. "And

er of amusement. "Then

the door. Her new assistant, young, wide-eyed

... They're asking for bot

of

cou

nal smile. "Thank you. We

the tension returne

oor, but Dominic stopp

ou come ba

face him, he

I don't

"Then why does it

n she left, heels echoing

omeone from Ava's past who's not supposed to be the

of papers and the low hum of conversation. Ava stepped in first

Carri

ll p

ug as he had years ago. His navy suit was impeccable, and the kn

nce London. From night

onfidence, but Ava's heart pounded. She could feel Elij

xtending a hand. "Didn't

eplied smoothly, standing. "Merger

ie

l, but her hands curled into f

aze back to her, his tone smooth and layere

ough," she r

, oblivious to the undert

between the two of them, sensing it

answer. Ava

ook shaken, even as Elijah's presence

ring strategic notes. But Ava could barely focus. Elijah's voice k

ting ended, she was

?" Elijah asked

e of us have act

ust don't let old truth

ut didn't look back. Didn't

to the hallway a moment

s he t

stop walkin

what it lo

s flashing. "And what e

s voice low. "Like someone

reath h

r," she said firm

re your han

en them-raw, jagged, vulnerable. But before either of t

mess

ng secrets, Ava? Some thing

st is catching up fast, and Dominic's patience is we

ound the phone. The words were simple, but her

ping secr

e deep into her coat pocket, as if buryin

ic no

voice softer now, not demand

m f

morless laugh. "You

ime, heels clicking like gunshots across

n't you t

your business,

ould reach the elevator. Not ha

's more than just a b

. Tired. Afraid, thoug

trembling with restraint, "don't get

n Dominic's gaze of guilt? Regret?

that doesn't mean I'll let you

unned. She hadn

t afford to bel

her. She paced like a hunted woman, pausing every time her ph

n report she'd promised to submit. Her fingers hovered over

don't stay b

snap and stood, crossing to the window. The city lights blinked below

phone buz

unknow

it wasn't

s a p

h

Dom

n to

throat. Whoever it was...

hand trembling as she dialed a numb

e picked up. Her voice cra

t ask qu

eady on

And Ava's beginning to realize whatever she r