re's

your mistress, right?" I grip

he sneered. "Or do you pre

ld man in that club than spend another minute with you,"

opular. But remember who you're speaking to, little girl. Remember who my fa

th awe and fear-a ruthless businessman, an unyielding leader. He stayed out of the spo

d, but no. I still refused t

l me anymore, Adr

threat still dripping from his word

gh me. But when my gaze fell on Theo's

he radiated in the club, the effortless author

still carried traces of his body heat. The closer I held it,

thoughts. She set a coffee on the table and sat beside

aid flatly, recounti

nt wolf. What does he even want? You r

Alpha," I reminded her. "W

gain?" she said. "Yesterday, he he

aid we're even. He doesn

see you, he doesn't give you his jacket. Especially domi

true? I

jacket. Unless you actually want to

was critical. I had no job le

decide tomorrow morning." Jennife

ut Mom's text stabbed through me at dawn: "Claire, the doct

ely dialed the number

ce before he answe

to return your jacket," I interrupt

softened slightly. "I'l

hun

h and called a cab

self, I'd go with pu

g skyscraper of glass and steel that pierced the clouds. Afternoon sunlight glinted off i

r announced, eyeing the

d been dry-cleaned, but returning it was just an excuse-a reason to see him again. My real

security guard ey

tone suggested he do

see Theo. Pen

led disdain-noticing my thrift-store coat, my nervous posture, all the marke

penthouse?" He raised an

ing me." I lifted my chin,

His tone made it clear what he thought. "I'm

there a

, impeccably dressed in a navy suit that emphasized his broad shoulders. His

as just explaining our visitor protocols to thi

White is my guest. I don't recall

f course not, sir. My

d smoothly. His gaze shifted to me, his voice s

ered, "My sincerest apologies,

elevator. Even through layers of clothing, the contact sent warmth radiating through

eathtaking. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the city skyline, while minimalist furniture

aid, gesturing to the living area b

." My mouth

one, then settled in an armchair across from the sofa.

aid after sipping his wine. "W

bag. "I wanted to return this. And... th

ght nod, his expression unreadable.

urse I could have. The excus

admitted, staring into my win

gaze intensifying. "Why? I told

I closed the distance between us, fingers toyin

the issue," I murmure

pless-not because your cock actually wanted inside me?" My hand s

breath-he cou

don't have to hold back. I just w

rumbled in his throat. Just as I st

rough. "I have a son your age. Bu

. Now!"

ther's medical bills p

y, get a job." He turned away, zipping h

father controls every company

your intelligence and courag

the surface. My shoulders hunched instinctively. Still, I whispe

't so obviously desperate," Theo sai

door, his gaze

d to the elevator. He didn't stop me-but I felt hi

Theo had never wanted me-if my offer disgusted him-why had he agreed to see