Chapter 11

“God,” I moaned.

He pulled me downward by my waist, causing him to fully enter me.

“You always manage to take it all. Again and again,” he chuckled against my ear. “So surprisingly for such a tiny, tight pussy.”

I whimpered and then moved upwards. Then, he used his grip on my waist to help me sink back down. I moved up and down. Up and down.

“Fuck,” I hissed, as I was flooded with pain and pleasure.

His thick dick was now coated with my moisture and my movements grew smoother. I began to pick up speed as I crouched to raise and lower myself onto him. Once I found my rhythm, he tightened his grip on me and helped me ride his cock. Pulling me sharply downward, to ensure that he filled me completely.

It hurt.

Like hell.

But God it felt incredible.

“You’re so wet, baby,” he moaned as my ass cheeks bounced with each movement.

I felt him grab my waist and he pulled me off of him. I turned to face him and he walked behind me and pushed me roughly towards his bed. I fell down, face first onto it and he lifted my ass into the air, my feet still on the ground. He had me bent over the bed.

He slid inside of me and I moaned. Then, he began to slam into me. Like he’d lost all control. It was so hot.

“Oh my God!” I screamed as his cock stretched out my pussy with each stroke. “Don’t stop! Please Rowe!”

“You belong to me Sloane,” he moaned. “No more trying to escape. No more lies.”

I responded with another loud moan, my mouth dropping open. I didn’t even hear the door to the bedroom open. Nor did I even see Knox appear behind me. I was too busy being pounded into.

“Accept it Sloane,” Rowe moaned as he continued his thrusts. Then he pulled away and I heard a new voice behind me. Then I felt hands gripping my waist.

“Hello darling,” I heard Knox’s voice. I turned back to see him naked behind me, a smirk on his face just before he plunged inside of me. He began fucking me like a pornstar, pushing into me fast and deep. I could feel my pussy clenching around his fat cock.

Rowe had made his way onto the bed and was now kneeled in front of me.

“Up you go,” he said lowly. He tugged on me, helping me position myself onto my hands, so my face was no longer against the bed. I looked forward to see his cock near my mouth.

“Suck my cock,” he said quietly.

I nodded and opened my mouth. He slid it inside and moaned as he entered. My mouth was completely full of his warm, hard erection. He rocked his hips back and forth as he fucked my mouth, his smooth skin rubbing against the top of my tongue. He pushed deeper, the tip of his cock hitting the back of my throat.

My eyes watered as he continued to go deeper. He looked down at me, “Good girl.” He reached down and wiped the tears from my eyes.

Knox was still fucking me from behind but had slowed down now that I was sucking Rowe’s dick. Then Rowe stopped moving and gripped my hair. Then he held my head in place, his cock now at the entrance to my mouth.

Then Knox began pounding into me so hard, that I lurched forward, Rowe’s cock slamming into the back of my throat again. I gagged and saliva began dripping from the corner of my mouth. Knox was ripping my pussy apart like a savage.

“My turn,” I heard Knox say. They both stopped their movements, by pulling out of me.

Knox sat on the edge of the bed and motioned for me to come over to him, “Kneel on the floor and suck my cock baby.”

I slid off the bed and kneeled in front of him. I took him into my mouth and he groaned.

“Yes, like that Sloane,” he gripped onto my head. “Go up and down sweetheart.” He guided my head, as it bobbed up and down on his cock.

I heard Rowe behind me, “Put your hands flat on the ground and lift that big ass.” I felt his hands on my waist and arms as he helped me get into position.

“Keep sucking,” Knox said, still guiding my head. “Good girl.”

Rowe kneeled behind me and I felt him slide into me. I moaned but it was stifled by Knox’s massive erection.

“There she is again,” Rowe chucked. “She knows she wants us.”

He was rocking back and forth, the pleasure of his warm dick causing my head to spin.

I loved it. Sucking on them. Being fucked. Being used. I wanted it more than anything in that moment.

“She is the perfect fuck,” Knox moaned as I continued bobbing up and down. “Those tits and that big ass. My God.”

“This could be your life Sloane,” Rowe moaned as he pumped even harder. “My brother can please you too. From time to time.”

“Do you like it when I use your body Sloane?” Knox chuckled as I continued my sucking. “That I can fuck you when I’m horny?”

I couldn’t answer but he didn’t seem to care. I felt his cock twitch and then soon my mouth was filled with warm salty liquid as he let out a deep moan of pleasure.

“Swallow it,” Rowe ordered, as he gave my ass a sharp slap. I did as I was told and pulled away, swallowing quickly and then wiping away the remainder with the back of my hand.

My forehead dripped with sweat and my eyes were still watering. I had taken their cocks from both sides and it had made me even hornier than when we began.

“Come here,” Rowe ordered. I turned to see him sitting on the floor. I knew what he wanted.

I crawled over to him and turned so that my back was facing him. Then I positioned myself in a squatting position above his erection. I sighed with pleasure as I sank onto his dick, his hands guiding me. The first inch was incredible. But as I sunk further down, I gasped as his cock stretched the walls of my vagina.

I felt him reach around to rub his fingers along my slick labia.

“God…” I moaned. I looked behind me at Rowe, who had a smirk on his face. Then, I began to bounce. Slowly at first, before I picked up speed. Soon, we were both moaning together and I felt his nails digging into my skin as I rode him.

My ass cheeks were bouncing and the sound of our skin smacking together sounded around us. Now Knox was in front of me watching. Then he knelt in front of me and leaned forward, bringing his mouth toward my vagina.

I slowed down my movements and came to a stop-Rowe’s dick only halfway inside of me.

“Stay like that,” Rowe whispered. Then I felt Knox’s mouth on my clit. I sighed as he sucked on it. Then his tongue began to lap at the top of it. Smooth and wet. Just then, Rowe leaned back on his hands and began to thrust his hips upward, slowly slipping his dick into me.

It was too much. My clit being licked by greedily as Rowe slowly moved in and out of me. My eyes rolled into the back of my head as I screamed, my pussy clenching tightly around Rowe as my orgasm shot through me.

I felt Rowe pulsate inside of me and then soon his hot liquid squirted into me. I fell from my squatted position, now unable to hold myself up. His massive cock filled me up and slammed to the back of my vagina.

“God!” I screamed.

Knox sat up and smiled before wiping his mouth. He winked at me as I let out another series of moans, “Good night beautiful.” Then he stood and walked from the room. Like it had been no big deal.

I was still firmly planted on Rowe’s cock, my breathing sharp and short. I felt Rowe sweeping my hair off of my sweaty back. He then gripped onto my waist and helped me pull myself off. But I stayed on the floor while he stood. I laid flat on my back, my eyes on the ceiling.

‘That was to good,” I said, breathing heavily.

Rowe smirked down at me, “I told you Sloane. This could be your life.” He reached down for my hand and helped me up.

“You go home tomorrow,” he said flatly. “I already arranged it.”

“Really?” I said.

His eyes travelled down to my breasts and he reached out and twisted one of my nipples. I shrieked in surprise at the unexpected pain.

“Yes. But if you stay with me, we can finally get to the good stuff,” he said, his voice low and deep.

I raised an eyebrow at him, “Isn’t that the good stuff?”

He laughed as he tugged on my hand, “You have no idea sweetheart.”

Then he led me to his bed, where he positioned me in his arms.

Then, we fell asleep.

Chapter 12

I awoke the next morning and sat up.

Where was I?

I peered around. Red velvet curtains. Silk sheets.

Rowe’s room.

I looked beside me. He was gone. I heard a knock on the door and scurried out of the bed, pulling on my nightie from the night before. I cracked the door and peeked out. Martha stood there with a tray.

I opened the door wider, my cheeks burning bright.

She raised her eyebrows at me as she handed me the tray. “Mr. Rowe said to bring you breakfast in bed.”

“Thanks,” I said quickly. I took the tray and shut the door.

“What the fuck am I doing?” I said under my breath.

---

Even though I was leaving today, I was back in the office, tackling the code once again while waiting for my ride. Knox was sitting next to me with a confused expression.

“I don’t understand any of this,” he sighed.

“That’s why I am here,” I smiled. “Neither of you really has any coding skills.”

“I tried to learn for things like this,” he sighed. “It never worked.”

I leaned back and sighed. “Well, my ride is almost here. I need to start walking down.”

He smiled at me and leaned forward, placing a warm kiss on my lips. “This place won’t be the same without you.”

I had to admit, I would miss Knox. He had been a pleasantly warm surprise. His eyes lit up in the most perfect way when he smiled and it had comforted me during my time here.

“Maybe I will see you both again one day,” I smiled. “I will be communicating with you through the secure chat I created, so don’t forget.”

He stood to his feet, and I followed him to the door. He walked with me to the entrance of the mansion, where Rowe stood waiting, my phone in his hand. He looked impossibly attractive in fitted jeans and a T-shirt. His hair looked messy-but intentional. I’d never seen him so casual before.

I approached him, the memory of his cock inside me flashing through my mind. I took the phone from his hands.

“Remember to send updates via the secure chat,” he said flatly. “I also texted your dad and your friend Georgie.”

I nodded.

“Your friend Georgie thinks you’re avoiding her, so you might want to sort that,” he said.

“Wow, thanks for that,” I groaned. “She can be seriously vicious.”

I turned to see a sleek black SUV pull up. A driver in a uniform emerged, walked to the back passenger door before opening it. I turned to Knox. He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around me in a tight hug.

“Take care, Sloane,” he said.

He released me, and I turned to Rowe. He didn’t hug me. Instead, he leaned forward and whispered in my ear.

“When you get bored, remember my offer. Remember what you left behind.”

And just like that, I was heading home.

---

I burst through the doors of my apartment, inhaling its familiar scent.

“Thank the gods!” I yelled as I skipped toward my bedroom. Just as I made it through the doorway of my room, I froze and then let out an ear-piercing scream.

“Pretty good lungs for someone with pneumonia.”

It was Georgie. She was lying on my leg, scrolling through her phone, her hand buried in a bowl of popcorn.

“Is that my caramel popcorn?” I whined.

“Was the hospital food not good enough?” she hissed. She sat up, eyes narrowing.

“You lying bitch,” she sneered.

“Georgie, I can explain,” I said, now attempting to let out a fake cough.

“Stop the bullshit,” she yelled. “Where were you?”

I sighed. “Fine, I will tell you the truth.”

She patted the bed next to her, and I lay down beside her.

I took a deep breath and turned to her. “I was kidnapped. The person texting you was my kidnapper.”

“Get fucked, Sloane!” she yelled, tossing the popcorn to the side, causing it to fly around us like confetti. “You’ve been lying to me about things for a long time. I am sick of it!”

She stood to her feet and turned to glare at me. “Do you know how worried I was?”

“Georgie, please,” I pleaded. “Let me just tell you everything.”

“Everything?” she said slowly, her volume lowering.

I nodded.

And I did. We lay there, and I started from the beginning.

From the day I applied to the ad on the dark web. By the time I caught her up completely, her mouth was hanging open, and she had managed to stress-eat two more bags of popcorn.

“Sloane… do you know how much dick that is?” she gasped.

“Georgie!” I squealed. “Stop!”

She laughed. “I’m not calling you a slut! I’ve slept with more than five men. Most women have slept with more than five men. Yours were just done…in a more condensed manner.”

“All jokes aside,” she continued, “this whole mobster thing is serious, Sloane. You can’t get caught up in this. You’re not built for the streets.”

“I know,” I sighed, ignoring her last ridiculous comment. “I just need to follow through on this last contract and then forget any of them ever existed.”

“Would it be that easy?” she cocked an eyebrow.

I shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m honestly lost.”

We lay there for a few more hours. Talking. Mostly stressing, but Georgie had forgiven me. That was all that mattered. We stayed up until late into the night, until everything that needed to be said had been.

---

The next morning, I groaned as my alarm sounded.

“Shut it off!” Georgie said from beside me. She’d fallen asleep in my bed while we were talking.

Then I heard loud knocking on my door. I sighed and covered my face with my pillow. What a way to wake up. An alarm, Georgie screaming, and now knocking.

“Who is that?” Georgie whispered. “What if… someone is coming to… you know…?” She used her hands and pretended to choke herself.

“Stop,” I whispered back. I tapped my phone to turn off the alarm, slung my feet over the side of my bed, and walked to my front door. I looked through the peephole.

Dad…

I opened the door, and he stepped inside. He looked cleaner-tidier-than usual. His short-sleeved flannel shirt was tucked in, and he wore a belt. His jeans weren’t ripped or dirty; instead, they were crisp and clean. He had shaved off his beard, and his salt-and-pepper hair was now neatly trimmed.

I looked up at him, and for a second I just stared at him, like my brain needed time to catch up.

Georgie was in the doorway of my room, watching us both. She froze in place when she spotted him.

“Oh,” she said, already stepping back. “I can give you guys some privacy.”

She slipped back into my room and pulled the door shut… well, mostly. A second later, I saw the door crack open again. Of course she was listening. I couldn’t help but smile.

My dad didn’t seem to notice. He stepped toward me and hugged me tight, like he was afraid I’d disappear if he let go.

“Where have you been?” he asked, his voice cracking. “You scared the hell out of me. Two texts in two weeks, Sloane.”

“I was sick with pneumonia,” I said. “I was in the hospital but I am now mostly recovered.”

He pulled back and looked at me. “I went to three hospitals in your area. No one said you’d been there.”

I shrugged. “Must’ve been a mistake.”

We sat down on the edge of the couch, and he took my hand in his.

“I started something new,” he said. “A different AA program. It’s helping, and I met someone. She’s nice.” He took a deep breath. “I think I am in love with her.”

I snorted. “Good for you.”

He squeezed my hand. “I need you to know that she’ll never replace your mother.”

I shrugged. “Mum was irreplaceable anyway. Unless you found someone who is even more batshit crazy than she was.”

“Sloane,” he said gently, “don’t call your mother that. She is dead. Let her rest in peace.”

“I loved her, Dad,” I said gently. “But when you force your six-year-old to drink a beer in sixty seconds just so you can laugh when they throw up? That was batshit crazy stuff.”

He went quiet.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “For all of it. For the drinking. For the nights we weren’t there for you. For not taking better care of you. For not stopping your mother when she was having one of her…episodes.”

I didn’t pull my hand away, but I didn’t forgive him either. I just sat there.

Listening to the same old empty apology.

Chapter 13

Adrian didn’t stand when I entered; he just looked at me. His expression was unreadable. I couldn’t tell if he was pissed or if he could care less.

It was my first day back at BD Systems and of course I had been immediately called into Adrian’s office.

He sat behind his desk, his arms folded along the top, his computer monitors flickering next to him as code slinked across the screen in straight lines

“You look well,” he said at last as I sat in the chair across from him.

I nodded. “Thank you.”

He looked exactly the way he always did. Far too sexy to be real. His thick brown hair was neatly styled, and his emerald-green eyes made it hard to even breathe. He wore a tailored suit jacket over a thin black shirt.

It infuriated me. The way I still noticed all of it.

“You were gone for days,” he continued. “Why?”

“I was sick.” I said evenly. “You were informed, don’t you remember?”

“So, you said.” He said, his eyes narrowing.

I threw my hands out in false disbelief. “I had pneumonia.”

“That’s serious,” he said. “Hospitalized?”

“Yes.” I nodded.

He leaned back in his chair. “I find it funny. I came to your apartment the night before you had pneumonia. I don’t recall you being sick.”

I’d practiced this part. My mind reeled, trying to remember what I had planned to say if he questioned me.

“I remember,” I said carefully. “In detail.”

“I didn’t see any evidence that you were unwell,” he continued. “In fact, you seemed very much…alive.”

The memories flooded me. The way he had shown up unexpectedly. The way my body felt cold after he left.

But I also remembered that I knew more now. More than I did back then.

I shrugged again. “Pneumonia can take a turn for the worse, rather quickly.”

He studied me. I knew he was watching my every move.

He chuckled. But not because he found it funny. He leaned forward, “You expect me to believe that you went from perfectly fine to hospitalized overnight.”

“That’s the truth,” I said. Somehow, I had managed to keep my voice from breaking.

I looked down at my lap and began smoothing out my skirt. Moments of silence passed.

His voice was gentler this time when he spoke, “Look at me.”

I looked up, our eyes meeting.

“Is that the truth?” he asked.

“Yes,” I said. “I was sick.”

He stared at me for what seemed like an eternity before he finally nodded at me.

“Fine.”

I stood to my feet, desperate to get out of there.

“What happened between us,” he said, standing now, moving around the desk, “It was a one-time thing.”

I wanted to laugh in his face. He knew damn well he had fucked me multiple times. I ignored the sensation of my core tightening as I remembered.

He stopped a few feet in front of me. Somehow, after everything that had happened, I was still attracted to him.

“We got it out of our systems,” he said flatly.

The words were clinical and controlled.

“Of course,” I replied.

He turned away first, returning to his desk.

“In a couple of days,” he said, looking up at me. “the other CEOs and I would like to meet with you.”

I knew what this was. It was whatever Rowe and Knox had warned me about. They were going to ask me to help them protect their underground criminal systems.

“We have a project idea,” he continued. “Something…important.”

I nodded, “Sure, just sen me an invite.”

He dismissed me with a nod.

---

I needed caffeine.

That was the excuse I gave myself as I stepped into the staff room, even though my hands were still shaking after my conversation with Adrian.

The room was quiet as I reached for a mug.

I was halfway through pressing my selection when someone stepped in behind me.

I turned-

And walked straight into someone.

“Sorry-” I started, instinctively reaching out.

My hand pressed against his chest.

The contact was brief as I quickly stepped back.

It was Axel.

He froze, his dark eyes flicking down to where my hand had touched him before lifting back to my face.

“Sloane,” he said evenly, his gaze traveling down my body.

Of course it was him.

Axel was immaculate as always. He wore a blue blazer over a white shirt, unbuttoned enough for a few tattoos to peek out. His blue eyes were intense as he peered back at me, framed by his golden blond hair.

He towered over me.

“I didn’t see you,” I said, pulling my hand back. “Sorry.”

“Clearly,” he said flatly. His eyes traveled up and down my body again.

The closet flashed through my mind.

The way he had lifted my legs and-

I pushed the memory down.

“Feeling better?” he asked as he took a step forward.

“Fine,” I said, my voice beginning to crack as I caught his scent.

Leather and soap. God, he was so hot. I tried to compose myself.

“Recovered,” I croaked.

I nodded.

“You’re thinking about that time in the closet, aren’t you, Miss Heathrow?” he said quietly.

It dawned on me. Axel was the only CEO who had not told me that our sex was a one-time ordeal after our time in the closet together.

But what did I expect from Axel? He was aggressive. Hungry for satisfaction. Insatiable.

I felt my panties becoming wet. “We are not going to do that again.”

Then I stepped away, putting distance between us. He straightened, as if my rejection had not bothered him.

“As you wish,” he said coolly. “I’ll be waiting for the day you crack again.”

He stepped past me without another glance, disappearing from the staff room.

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding.

“Well hello,” a familiar voice said.

I turned.

Luca stood in the doorway, perfectly relaxed, tie loosened, expression unreadable.

“Are you kidding me?” I hissed under my breath. “Another one?”

“Busy morning?” he laughed, walking over toward me. “Everyone was wondering if you were okay. I’m happy to see you’re back.”

Damn it. Why me?

His smooth tan skin. His warm eyes. The way he somehow managed to make a beige shirt and black jeans look like appropriate work attire.

I could only smile.

Memories of the server room invaded my head. The way he had owned me. Controlled me.

He nodded toward the hall. “We have a meeting this afternoon. Investors are swinging by to discuss a potential joint project.”

I took a deep breath. “Which project?”

“One of the AI project teams,” he said. “It’s nothing to do with your work.”

“But they specifically asked about you,” Luca added. “They heard about your success with cracking our code. They simply wanted to meet the person who finally cracked it.”

I kept my expression neutral. “That’s fine.”

“They’d like to meet with you after the meeting.”

I nodded. “I’ll be in my office.”

I didn’t feel like having casual chats with investors, but I played along.

Luca smiled faintly. “I’m so happy you’ve returned. It’s so much better when you’re here.”

I could only smile politely in return as I slipped past him and left.

---

I was reviewing some documents when the knock came.

I groaned. I didn’t have time for socializing. It must be the investors who wanted to meet me.

“Come in,” I said.

The door opened.

But someone unexpected greeted me.

Rowe stepped inside first, his presence filling the room immediately.

My breath caught as he gazed at me. His blue eyes dark and serious, his expression neutral.

Knox followed close behind, a wide grin already on his face.

Delilah waved them in. Then she turned to look at me.

“I’m so happy you’re feeling better,” she smiled. But she barely even looked at me. She was staring at Rowe and Knox. I could practically see the drool dripping from her mouth.

“Would you like something to drink?” she smiled up at Rowe.

“No thanks,” Rowe said gently.

Delilah stared at him for a few more moments and then smiled. Then she turned to look at me, her eyes narrow.

Then she shut the door.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I hissed, standing to my feet.

I watched as Rowe reached behind him and turned the lock on the office door.

“What’s the matter, darling?’ he asked, his voice low. “Didn’t you miss me?”

Then his gaze flicked to my desk, then back to my face. “Busy day?”

I stood slowly. “You shouldn’t be here.”

Knox smiled, peering around my office. “We disagree.”

Chapter 14

“What do you want?” I asked. “If I have something to tell you, I will let you know in the secure chat.”

Rowe stepped closer, and I walked around my desk toward him. I was only inches away when I came to a stop and jabbed my finger into his chest.

“What the hell-” I began.

Then he grabbed me by the waist and pushed me against the nearest wall with a hard thud. I gasped. He leaned forward and brought his mouth to my shoulder, biting into my skin. I wiggled beneath him.

“God, I missed you,” he moaned, his lips now on my neck.

His fingers were already lifting the hem of my dress. I felt his fingers tug on my panties. I pushed him as hard as I could. He chuckled and stepped back with a sigh, rolling his eyes as if I were bothering him.

“Yes, darling?” he said with a smile. “Are we fighting again?”

“You can’t just show up at my job like this,” I said quickly. I tried to walk away, but he grabbed my waist and tugged me back, pushing me back against the wall again.

And for some reason, it made my pussy go mad.

“Why do you play games like this, Sloane?” He said, irritation laced in his tone. “You enjoy letting me do whatever I want to you. You love it. The feeling of my cock. The way I taste you.”

“Stop,” I warned. “Just leave.”

My body was still rebelling. Because God damnit he was right. But this…this was so wrong. It always had been. But he was making me ache with need.

I wanted him to fuck my brains out.

I wanted Knox inside of me too.

“Why are you even at BD Systems?” I said, as he reached out and ran his fingers along my cheek.

“We’ve always done business with BD Systems,” he said, as if this was nothing to be surprised about.

“What?” I said, my stomach dropping.

Knox was now next to us, smiling as he always did.

“Don’t you want to let us fuck you sweetheart?” he said gently.

I looked back and forth between the two of them.

“I think it’s Adrian,” Rowe said to Knox, his voice low. “Maybe Sloane thought she could come back here…to him. And our contract would just…go away.”

“I didn’t think that,” I said quickly. “I am honoring the contract. I just got back today.”

“Did you think you would forget about us?” Rowe said, his eyes locked onto mine. “That you would forget about the time you spent a night in my bed?”

“Just answer me,” I begged.

Rowe sighed, “We’re investors. We came to talk about a new project. And…we came to show you that if we need to, we will come and find you.”

“You’re insane,” I said, shaking my head. He ignored me, his hand reaching for the hem of my dress again.

“Mmm…” he moaned as he leaned forward and planted kisses along my lips. He flicked the zipper of my dress down. Then he yanked on my sleeves, causing my dress to fall to the ground at my feet.

He tugged on the material of my lacy bra and uncuffed it, dropping it to the floor. I looked over to see Knox watching, his belt and zipper already undone, his cock now free as he became naked from the waist down.

Rowe cupped each of my breast, his kiss deepening as my clit began to throb and swell. My body was aching. I wanted him. Both of them.

I gripped his hand and moved it to between my thighs. I parted my legs slightly. He pulled on the elastic of my panties, shoving them to the side. His lips were back on mine and I moaned into his mouth as I felt him insert two fingers into me. Rough and deep.

“Rowe,” I moaned, my hands slipping around his neck.

I reached down and undid the button and zipper on his pants. I slipped my hand inside and pulled out his thick cock. I squeezed it gently and then began to work my hand along the shaft.

He groaned and pushed against me, my bare skin scraping against the wall molding. Then his fingers pulled away and tugged on me. Knox was now sitting on the floor. Soon, I was straddling him. I leaned forward as he cupped my face. Our tongues were exploring each other’s mouths.

I felt Rowe behind me, leaning forward as he massaged my breasts. Then I felt the two of them moving my body. Knox was now lying flat on his back and I was on all fours, hovering on top of him.

Then I felt Rowe’s fingers slipping between my thighs before he found my slick wet folds. His fingers slipped between my petals as Knox’s eyes watched my expression. I moaned, my eyes locked onto Knox’s.

Rowe’s tongue found my opening and he began to lick between my petals.

“God!” I wailed. Knox shoved his fingers into my mouth to stop the noise.

Rowe stopped licking for a moment, “No, I want to hear her.”

Know grinned and pulled his fingers away from me. He took my chin, forcing me to look at him as Rowe pulled my legs further apart and his tongue began to lap at my clit.

“Rowe…” I moaned as the pleasure took hold of me.

Rowe seemed unbothered by the noise. Then his mouth found my clit again and he began to suck on it, pulling it gently into his mouth over and over again.

Knox grinned as I whimpered and cried out, his fingers brushing along my cheeks.

“You like it baby?” he asked gently. I nodded, my mouth hanging open.

Now Rowe was licking my clit as his fingers thrust into me. Then I felt Knox grabbing my waist as Rowe shifted positions. He was now lying between Knox’s thighs, his face looking up at my clit. Knox tugged on me, pulling my face down onto Rowe’ mouth.

“Fuck,” I groaned as Rowe began lapping wildly at my clip. I began to rock my hips, now grinding against his mouth.

Knox chuckled and gripped tightly to my waist, holding me in place, “Stay still baby. Just relax.”

Rowe continued his licking, now thrusting his fingers back into me. I could feel my pussy walls beginning to clench around his fingers.

“She’s so close,” Know said with a smile as he ran a thumb along my lower lip.

Then I tilted my head back and let out a deep, long moan. The pleasure washed over me. Rowe groaned, his mouth still pressed against my soaking wet pussy.

Knox continued to hold me in place as Rowe licked at me, stretching my opening with his fingers as I exploded. Rowe finished and moved away. Knox pulled me downward, our lips crashing together.

He pulled back for a moment, “I love the way you taste.” Then we began to kiss again, my hands sliding into his hair.

I sat up and then I felt Rowe pulling on my waist, moving me so that I was now squatting above Knox’s cock. I stared into Knox’s eyes as Rowe lowered me slowly, onto his cock.

I felt the first thick inch enter me.

“So big,” I sighed, my mouth falling open.

“You’re so fucking sexy Sloane,” Rowe said in my ear as Knox took hold of my waist again.

I whimpered as Knox completely filled me with his massive cock. He watched as every inch filled me, his eyes staring at his cock as it fully slid into me.

My pussy was aching and throbbing now. I began to rock my hips, riding him. Slowly, I began to pick up speed. Rowe was now kneeling in front of me watching.

“So hot,” he moaned, his hand now on his cock where he was stroking it gently. A few moments passed as Rowe and I stared at one another. All while he slid his hand up and down his cock, watching as I rode his brother’s dick.

Then Rowe reached forward and held onto my hips, helping me move up and down on Knox, my breasts bouncing.

“Stop holding her,” Knox said quickly. Rowe released me and then Knox sat upward. Then he stayed buried in side of me as he gently pushed me backward until I was flat on my back. He was still inside of me, his knees on either side of my thighs, my legs around his waist.

He grunted and then lifted my legs.

Then he began to slam wildly into me.

“Take it baby,” he moaned as I cried out. “Take my big cock like the good girl you are.”

“I’m taking it!” I wailed.

Rowe was now standing next to us, watching Knox fuck me like it was his last day on earth. As if I were a possession.

God, I loved it.

Knox stopped his thrusts long enough to flip me onto one side. Then he lifted one of my legs into the air and began fucking me again, my skin burning as it rubbed against the hard floor.

Rowe kneeled over me and began rubbing my breasts and twisting my nipples.

“That’s it darling,” he purred. “We missed you so much Sloane.”

I felt Knox pulsating inside of me. Then he exploded and his warm liquid flooded me. I looked up at Knox, his expression dark as he came.

Then he slid out of me. Within seconds, Rowe was on me. He flipped me over onto all fours, pulling my ass upwards. I felt a sting as he slapped one cheek.

Knox kneeled next to me just before Rowe plunged into me.

I cried out as he stretched my pussy.

“You’re so tight,” Rowe grunted. “A perfect, tight pussy.”

“Do you like his cock Sloane?” Knox said, nipping at my ear, as his hand slid over my stomach.

“I love it,” I croaked.

Then Knox’s finger found my clit. It was enough for me to explode again.

“Fuck!” I screamed as my pussy ached and throbbed, tightening around Rowe’s cock.

“God, that feels so good.” Rowe grunted. “Yes, baby.”

I felt my moisture coat his cock just before he began to pulse. Soon his liquid was flooding me, filling me up to the brim. Knox was watching, his eyes fixed on my jiggling ass cheeks as Rowe continued to fuck me until he had emptied every last drop inside of me.

Rowe pulled away from me and I laid down on my stomach, in an attempt to catch my breath. Then he leaned forward, his mouth at my ear.

“Did you think I was going to let you go so easily?”

Chapter 15

It still didn’t feel real.

The way that they had just shown up. The time I had spent with them was meant to become a distant memory.

A few days had passed, and I was now staring at the calendar reminder on my screen.

11:00 a.m. — Executive Meeting

I released my breath slowly.

So, this was it. The meeting where they planned to ask me to help secure their underground network.

They didn’t know that I knew-or that the two brothers had been the ones to tell me.

They didn’t know I was already inside their network, already mapping out its structure so I could destroy it.

Then, I’d receive a one million dollar payout…and my revenge.

To them, this was the first time that I would ever learn about them being criminals.

They were already in the conference room when I entered. Adrian at the head of the table, his expression flat. Luca relaxed in his chair to the left, smiling at me. Axel was next to him, looking at me with that same hungry desire.

I took my seat across from them, trying to push away the sinking feeling in my stomach.

Adrian didn’t waste a single second.

“This meeting is highly confidential,” he said. “What’s discussed here does not leave this room-ever.”

“Absolutely,” I replied. I tried to look concerned and confused. “Have I done something wrong?”

He folded his hands on the table. “No. Quite the opposite. We need your help.”

Luca’s eyes were now fixed on me.

“There’s an underground network,” Adrian continued. “One we created together.”

Luca leaned forward slightly. “It needs to be secured.”

I turned to Adrian. “Secured from what?”

He replied, “Threats or exposures.”

Adrian finally spoke, “It contains sensitive information. Information that can never be revealed, or it could result in all of us being…imprisoned.”

“You’re talking about something illegal,” I said carefully. “A criminal network.”

“Yes,” Adrian replied flatly.

They all seemed to stiffen, their faces blank. They were waiting for my reaction.

“And you want me to protect it,” I said. “To fortify it.”

They only stared back at me.

I tilted my head. “What happens if I don’t do it?”

“You will do it,” Adian said calmly.

I raised my brows at him. “That’s quite an assumption.”

Luca shrugged at me. “We know you, Sloane.”

Yes…yes, they did. Intimately.

They knew every inch and curve of my body.

Adrian slid a slip of paper towards me.

“Your annual salary increases by one hundred thousand,” he said. “You keep the company car. No spending limit on your corporate accounts.”

I didn’t take the slip of paper-I didn’t even look at it.

I took a breath and looked at each of them. One at a time. Slowly.

Something inside of me ached. Ached for them to touch me again. My mind flickered back to another time. But I clenched my hands together, pushing away the image of their naked bodies. I willed myself to forget the way their eyes peered back at me through their masks.

“I’ll do it,” I said finally.

I saw Luca’s shoulders relax as Axel leaned back in his chair.

But Adrian simply watched me.

The meeting wrapped quickly after that. They gave me a set of temporary usernames and passwords so I could easily access the network. Little did they know, that I didn’t need them.

Luca stood first, a grin on his face, “Welcome to the next level, Sloane. You won’t regret this.”

Axel stood as well and nodded at me, before his eyes flickered down to my breasts. I was wearing a red top and skirt-with just a tiny bit of exposed cleavage. He caught me watching him but he didn’t seem to care. Then he followed behind Luca and they both left.

The door closed.

Adrian still sat at the table, his green eyes watching me intensely.

“How do you feel about it all?” he asked slowly, as if testing for my reaction.

I tried to act casual by shrugging my shoulders at him. “It sounds… interesting.”

He stood and moved around the table, stopping beside my chair. He was too close. His clean scent and the warmth of his body were causing my head to spin. My pulse was racing in my ears.

“Interesting,” he repeated. “You’re not scared? Worried?”

I forced myself to look composed before shaking my head, “No.”

“You must understand how important secrecy is,” he said quietly. “This is not a game.”

“Yes,” I croaked, now struggling to speak. “I understand.”

He didn’t look convinced, but he stepped back anyway.

Then-he left.

I sat in my chair, my hands now trembling and my heart racing.

---

When I returned to my desk, my hands were finally steady again.

I let out a sigh of relief and then took out my phone to open the secure chat. I tapped at the screen, and the chat opened.

They made the offer. Full access given.

I stared at the screen for a moment before adding:

We’re in.

Then I leaned back in my chair, my eyes closing briefly. I felt the phone pulse in my hand, within seconds.

I looked down and tapped on the screen.

Excellent. Keep us updated.

But I wasn’t done communicating. I sent another message.

Do not come here again.

I watched as the response appeared.

I will do what I want, Sloane.

---

Delilah showed up to my office the next day.

No knock. She just walked in.

She closed the door behind her and made her way towards me, her high heels clacking against the tiled floor. She sat down across from my desk. As if this were her office.

She was stunning as always, her blonde hair in a perfect bun. She was wearing a powder blue dress, and her makeup looked like it had been painted on by Da Vinci himself.

I didn’t look up right away as I was already annoyed.

“Can I help you?” I asked, still typing.

She smiled at me. “We need to talk.”

I looked up. “If this is about scheduling, just send an email, please. I’m actually in the middle of something important.”

Her smile widened, “It’s not about scheduling.”

I leaned back in my chair with a sigh, “Ok, Delilah. What is it?”

“I know about you and Mr. Lockridge,” she said lightly.

I hadn’t forgotten about the day she heard Axel fucking the daylights out of me in the closet.

She tilted her head, “The closet.”

I laughed. “You’re delusional.”

“I heard everything, remember?” she said. “Not that I blame you. He is super-hot.”

A cold shiver tingled along my spine.

“And?” I asked. “What exactly are you hoping to accomplish here?”

She clasped her hands together, her eyes bright. “I’m going to tell Adrian.”

That did it.

I stood. “You’re going to do what?”

“Tell him,” She repeated calmly. “About you fucking one of the CEOs in a supply closet.”

I crossed my arms. “You don’t know a goddamn thing.”

“Yes, I do, Sloane,” she said.

She pulled out her phone and tapped the screen with a perfectly manicured finger.

“I have the security footage of you both going into the closet together.”

My throat tightened.

“I could destroy your career in one click,” she said, her voice sweet. “Or I could email it to the entire office or post it online.”

She turned the screen towards me but I didn’t bother to look.

“Go fuck yourself,” I growled, stepping around my desk.

She laughed. “Careful there.”

“You don’t scare me,” I spat.

I stood next to her, looking down at her as the room fell silent.

“All you have to do,” she said, breaking the silence, “is resign.”

I scoffed, “Absolutely not.”

She shrugged. “If you quit, I will destroy the footage.”

I rolled my eyes. “You really think Adrian will believe you?”

She nodded, “I have video.”

She stood, meeting my gaze. “You have three days to resign.”

Then, she grinned and walked to the door. When her hand touched the knob, she paused. “I’d hate for people to think that you fucked your way to the top.”

Then she was gone.

I stood there for a long moment, staring at the closed door.

“Bitch,” I hissed under my breath.

There was no way I could quit. The CEOs might just think I had abandoned our new agreement and shoot me dead in the street.

I mean…would they?

I had seen their background information. Rowe had shown me. They were criminals, and dangerous ones too.

I grabbed my phone and tapped on Georgie’s name in my contact list. The phone only rang once before she answered.

“Hey, Sloane!” she called through the phone.

“I’m in trouble, Georgie,” I sighed.

---

“Hmm,” Georgie said thoughtfully. She was sitting across from me, a large margarita and a pile of nachos in front of her. “This is not great.”

“I know,” I groaned. “What the hell do I do?”

I took a nacho from her plate and shoved it into my mouth before taking a large sip of my own drink.

“Well,” she said slowly. “I reckon you should just tell Adrian yourself. He knows that all three men have slept with you already. It’s not going to be ground breaking news.”

“What?” I practically screamed. “He might get very angry Georgie!”

She shrugged. “Weren’t you meant to sleep with all three of them and then turn them against one another anyway?”

“That’s before I met the brothers and learned about the CEOs,” I replied. “Now I just want to be done with all of this. Destroy the network and move on. Pissing them off could be dangerous.”

“Do you really think that the CEOs won’t figure out that it was you who took the network down?” she raised a brow.

I shook my head, “I am certain I can hide my tracks.”

“Great,” she said. “So what are you going to do?”

I slumped in my chair before pulling out my phone.

I tapped on the screen and Adrian’s name appeared.

“I’m going to just tell him myself,” I sighed. “And hope Delilah doesn’t plaster it all over the internet.”

I sighed as I sent the text, uncertainty washing over me as I hit the send button.

We need to talk.

Chapter 16

The next morning came far too quickly. Adrian had already sent me a calendar invite after my text.

My Yoda mug was filled to the brim as I sat at my desk and booted up my computer.

I groaned and placed my head into my hands.

I’d really done it, hadn’t I?

In the course of only a few months, I had gone from working in IT and searching the dark web for shits and giggles. Now, I was embroiled in a criminal network, with no way out.

A knock sounded.

“Come in,” I sighed. I didn’t feel like seeing anyone right now.

The door opened, and for a split second I thought I’d imagined him.

“Holy shit,” Steve said, peering inside. “Look at this office.”

“Steve?” I chuckled. “What are you doing way up here?”

He stepped inside and shut the door. He was wearing another faded band T-shirt and pair of ripped khakis.

“I had to come up to one of the upper levels to do a job and realized I’ve never stopped by since you left,” he said, grinning. “Private office? Wow Sloane.”

I leaned back in my chair and laughed. “Are you jealous?”

“Obviously,” he huffed. “I still spend half my day walking her through how to reset her computer.”

I snorted. “Ah, yes. The Bitch on Level 28. Some things never change.”

He wandered farther in, walking to my desk and peering at my computer set-up. “So, this is your set-up, huh? Impressive.”

“It’s been…,” I said carefully. “Different.”

He nodded and smiled. “That’s actually why I came looking for you.”

I raised my brows at him.

He moved to sit in the chair across from me. “I saw a job posting pop up this morning and immediately thought of you. I know you’re clearly killing it here, but when I saw it, I figured I’d at least tell you.”

I turned my chair towards him. “What is it?”

“It’s an FBI contract,” he said. “They’re looking for a hacker to help break into a very secure network. No details on what system.”

My pulse picked up slightly, “The FBI actually put that in their job description? Shouldn’t it be a bit more secretive?”

“I have connections,” he replied, leaning forward as his voice dropped low. “It’s only been listed as a job helping build code. But I got the details from a friend. I heard the pay is insane and it opens a lot of doors for a pretty secure long-term career.”

He pulled out his phone. “I’ll send you the job ad now. Just remember that I never gave you the real job description.”

A second later, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and tapped the screen.

Steve: Figured you’d want to see this 👀

“Thanks,” I said, flashing him a wide smile. “I don’t know if I am going to apply… but it was nice of you to think about me.”

He smiled. “No problem. Oh, and just so you know. The job is based in New York. That was the only negative. But you told me once that you wished you had travelled more.”

Then he sighed dramatically. “Unfortunately, I’ve gotta go.”

“Off to do that job?” I asked.

He rolled his eyes. “Because I’ve been summoned by a sinister monster. The Bitch on Level 28 needs my help…again.”

I groaned. “She’s still employed? How?”

“Alive and thriving,” he said. “I reckon she has stuck around because her wife is the HR Manager. I bet she filters all the complaints.”

I shook my head. “So that’s how she has stuck around.”

“The corporate mystery has been solved,” Steve said.

He headed for the door, then paused. “Anyway. I’m glad you landed on your feet, Sloane. You deserve it.”

“Thanks,” I said warmly. I had always liked Steve.

He gave a wave and stepped out, closing the door behind him.

I looked down at my phone again, rereading the message he’d sent.

I took a sip of my coffee and stared at my screen.

Could this job be my way out?

I could crack the code and then get the hell out of here. Take off to New York and work for the right side. The good guys.

---

I stood outside Adrian’s office longer than I needed to. I’d been too scared to even knock. To face him.

Would he mistrust me after I told him? Then, he’d discard of me. Like the mobster that he truly was. I didn’t want to awaken whatever beast he had inside of him. The Adrian that I had yet to see.

I finally took a deep breath and knocked.

“Come in, Sloane,” he called through the door.

I stepped inside and closed the door behind me. Adrian stood near the window, looking out at the buildings below. He turned towards me as the door shut behind me.

He waved at the chair across from his desk. “Sit.”

I didn’t sit, instead I walked towards him, stopping a foot in front of him. His presence was instantly overwhelming. I caught a whiff of his musky cologne and willed myself not to stare at his perfect lips. He studied me for a few moments before I finally spoke.

“I need to tell you something,” I said slowly. “I want you to hear it from me rather than from someone else.”

His face remained blank as he stared back at me.

“Mr. Lockridge and I were…um…involved,” I said carefully.

He raised a brow, “Involved?

“Sexually…,” I managed to croak out the words before I got too scared and ran from the room. “It was a mistake, and it ended immediately.”

His jaw tightened and I saw his eyes darken. He didn’t interrupt me though, so I decided to carry on.

“Delilah has CCTV footage,” I continued. “She saw us enter a supply closet. She confronted me about it yesterday and threatened to show it to you if I didn’t resign within three days. She also said she might plaster it all over the internet or send it to people in the office.”

We stood there, staring at one another. He blinked once and then turned away from me, to look out the window again. I noticed one of his hands was now clenched into a tight fist.

“No matter what happens,” I swallowed. “I wanted to get to you first, so I could take control of my own fate again. I will not resign because she told me to.”

He turned back towards me, his face still neutral.

“Thank you for telling me,” he said finally, his hand no longer clenched into a tight fist.

That was it?

No questions?

No next steps?

“If there’s nothing else,” he continued flatly, “this meeting is over. You should return to your work, there is a lot to do.”

My mouth dropped open. “That’s… all? You don’t want to-”

“Yes,” he replied. “Have a good day.”

Then, he turned back to peer out the window once more.

I hesitated, then nodded. “Okay then. See you later?”

I left his office feeling a sense of uncertainty.

---

I threw myself at my work for the rest of the day until my neck was sore and my fingers hurt from typing.

I was doing whatever it took to not think about my ridiculous predicament. My life was a movie at this point. As the hours passed, the office slowly emptied. Soon, the light outside my office window faded into darkness.

I leaned back in my chair and sighed. It was time to go home. As I reached for my computer, a new email notification popped up.

Resignation: Effective Immediately

I frowned and opened it.

Subject: Notice of Resignation

Dear Team,

I am writing to inform you of my resignation from BD Systems, effective immediately. After much thought, I have decided to accept an opportunity elsewhere that better aligns with my professional goals.

I appreciate the experiences and opportunities I have had during my time here . I wish the team continued success and all the best moving forward.

Kind regards,

Delilah

I stared at the screen and rubbed at my eyes. Was I dreaming?

A sharp knock sounded at my door and I jumped.

“Come in,” I called out.

Adrian pushed the door open, stepped inside and headed straight towards my desk.

He didn’t say anything, he just reached towards my desk and placed a phone on the surface.

“This is Delilah’s,” he said.

I looked at it in confusion.

“She stored the footage on the device and in her iCloud,” he continued. “Nowhere else, other storage locations and devices were checked by myself personally.”

I looked up at him, my lips parted-but nothing came out. What the hell?

“I’m giving it to you, Sloane” he said softly. “So, you can delete everything yourself and have peace of mind.”

“Why…I…thank you,” I stuttered, picking up the phone that was still encased in a bright pink cover. A small Chanel charm hung delicately from the top.

He nodded once but didn’t say anything else. He simply turned and left, closing the door behind him with a soft thud.

I remained standing there, staring at the phone in my hand.

Chapter 17

The days blurred together at BD Systems.

I didn’t see Adrian. I didn’t see Axel. Nor did I see Luca.

No meetings. No secrets.

Just work.

I was now at home on a Friday night, feeling relieved that I could spend the next two days in my apartment alone. I was wrapping up a few emails while sitting on my couch.

By the time I finally shut my laptop, my head was pounding. I changed into pajamas and turned on the shower.

Then I heard a knock at my door. My head snapped towards the sound.

Then whoever it was, knocked again.

I walked to my apartment door and leaned forward, peering through the peephole.

Axel Lockridge?

A wave of nausea and fear washed over me.

I opened the door just enough to look at him with one eye. “What are you doing here?”

He was still dressed for work in a charcoal suit and black tie. His sandy blonde hair was parted to one side, framing his bright blue eyes..

He looked annoyed that I would even question him. Typical.

“I want to talk to you,” he said. “About the footage.”

“I don’t want to talk about it,” I replied flatly. “Adrian…um, I mean Mr. Black, sorted it out.”

His eyes narrowed. “Let me in, Sloane. Now.”

The way he ordered me around, it reminded me of the times when I had been blindfolded. When he had-

I pushed the thought from my mind. I was done with all of these men.

“No,” I barked.

He stepped forward. “Sloane-”

I slammed the door shut in his face and turned the lock on the doorknob. I smiled. There was something satisfying about not giving him what he wanted.

I stood there for a second, heart pounding before I turned and walked back to the shower. I thought he might knock again.

He didn’t.

For once, I was finally in control.

I made my way back to the shower, steam rising from the hot water. I stepped inside and shut the shower door.

I closed my eyes and sighed as the hot water cascaded over me.

In the distance, I thought I heard something.

I didn’t think much of it. Instead, I squeezed a dollop of shampoo into my palm and began lathering it into my hair.

Then, I felt it. A presence. I turned and screamed in surprise, jumping backwards as my back slammed into the side of the shower.

I saw Axel, just beyond the glass. He stood there openly, eyes locked on me with an expression that I was very familiar with.

Hunger.

For a moment, neither of us moved.

Then he stepped forward.

“How the hell did you get into my apartment?” I yelled. “Get out!”

He said nothing, instead he reached for the shower door and opened it. The cool air felt fresh against my warm skin.

“I picked the lock,” he said, his eyes moving from my breasts down to my bare vagina. “It wasn’t hard. I’ll arrange for a better one to be installed.”

“Go away!” I yelled.

He ignored me, his eyes still sweeping my body as he pulled off his blazer, loosened his tie and took off his shirt. I ignored the sensations that washed over me as his muscular, tattooed chest was revealed.

“We agreed that was a one time thing,” I spat, reaching for the shower door and shutting it. “I am done with men.”

I watched as his pants fell to the floor, along with his boxers.

“I never said that Sloane,” he replied, his voice deep.

The door of the shower creaked as he opened it and he slipped inside, the space suddenly feeling far too small. The door swung shut behind him with a thud, sealing us together.

“Get out,” I said, reaching up to push at his chest.

“Woah,” he chuckled. “What’s the problem darling?”

His hands reached for my waist, gripping tightly to my warm slick skin before I could even try to stop him, he leaned in and kissed me, his tongue finding mine as he pressed against me.

Instinctively, I moaned against his mouth as I felt his erection press against my thigh.

But I only lost myself for a single moment before I broke the kiss and pushed against him again.

“I’m serious,” I said firmly.

He stared at me for a moment and then laughed, “Fine Sloane.”

His eyes were dark as he continued, “But tonight when you pleasure yourself, just remember that I could have fucked you senseless.”

I shook my head at him, “I won’t.”

Without warning he reached forward and ran his fingers between my soaking labia. I sighed with pleasure as he smirked at my reaction.

“See you next time sweetheart,” he said, his voice low. “Just so you know…I won’t stop until I own you Sloane. Until you get on your knees and beg me to fuck you.”

More like own me…again.

Then he stepped back, left the shower and scooped up his clothing. He disappeared without another word.

I stood still for what seemed like an eternity, the water eventually running cold before I finally left.

And as much as I hated it, I soon found myself in my bed, my vibrator pressed against my throbbing clit.

Images of Vale flooded my mind.

---

Georgie dragged me into the fifth store in under an hour, already holding several dresses in her arms.

“Use the company card,” she said, as if it was hers to use.

“No,” I said, firmly.

She stopped and looked at me. “Sloane. The CEOs literally said it was endless. This is nothing to them.”

“I don’t care,” I replied. “I’m done letting men control my life with money.”

Georgie burst out laughing as if what I had said was hysterical.

“Oh my god, you’re being dramatic,” she said, reaching into my bag before I could stop her. She pulled out the card, held it up and shrugged. “Too late, babe.”

“Georgie!” I hissed, reaching for the card.

She was too quick, already making a beeline for the checkout counter.

She didn’t hesitate, nor did she check prices. I watched as she quickly grabbed a ridiculous straw hat from a mannequin nearby, one she definitely did not need. She swiped the card like it was just another purchase.

“God, I love being rich,” she said cheerfully as we left the store.

I shook my head, but I was smiling despite myself.

We ended up walking along the beach afterwards, shoes in hand, while Georgie wore her new ridiculous hat.

“You look like a scarecrow,” I snorted.

She stopped and turned towards me.

“Oh,” she said slowly. “By the way.”

I stopped mid walk to listen.

She smiled. “Someone reached out to me…”

I frowned. “Who?”

“Adrian, the CEO guy.”

I felt my heart stop mid-beat as I gasped, eyes wide.

“What?”

She squinted at me. “Yes. Your boss.”

“Why…how?” I demanded.

“He emailed me,” she said, shrugging, as if it was not a big deal.

I stared blankly at her. “Why would Adrian email you, Georgie?”

“He offered me a job,” she said carefully. “As his assistant. Apparently, his old one resigned. Diane or whatever her name was.”

I blinked in confusion. “His assistant? At BD Systems?”

She smiled. “Yup. Apparently, he thinks you need someone you trust.”

My heart was slamming in my chest. “How the hell did he get your contact information?”

Georgie shrugged again. “He said he was aware of our friendship. That’s all.”

I groaned. “He is clinically insane.”

“He also offered me additional paid days off,” she continued, her eyes bright, “so I can work on my art. The best part? He said he has connections with high-paying clients who’d be interested in my work.”

“No way,” I said immediately. “Absolutely not.”

Georgie grabbed my arm. “Please don’t say no, Sloane. I can’t take the job if you say no. Come on!”

“I’m saying no because it’s dangerous,” I argued. “Do you not remember everything I told you?”

“I’m broke,” she said, bluntly. “And this is a lot of money and exposure. I am sick of being the broke artist who never makes it.”

“You don’t need Adrian to make it,” I said softly. “You’re talented without him.”

Her eyes were moist as she stared at me, her hands clasped together, silently pleading.

Moments passed as we continued to look at each other, my stomach twisting and turning.

“I hate this,” I muttered.

“I know,” she said gently. “But I need this. And I won’t take the job without your blessing.”

I exhaled slowly, running a hand through my hair. What games was Adrian playing?

But Georgie was looking at me like she was begging for me to spare her life.

“…Fine,” I said finally. “But there are stipulations.”

I leaned forward, our eyes locked, “You leave when I am done. You go to New York with me.”

She blinked, “New York?”

“I applied to a job in New York,” I said. “It starts in three months and I think I can land it. You work at BD Systems to make money and help your art. You’re an artist. You can always ship your art to paying clients. So, you won’t lose any of the clients you make.”

We stood still for a few more lingering moments before she nodded.

“Wherever you go, I go,” she said softly. “We’re family Sloane.”

Chapter 18

Monday morning came far too fast-and it was Georgie’s first day.

I was barely settled into my chair when my office door flew open.

“SLOANE,” someone squealed.

I jumped at the sudden intrusion and looked up just in time to see Georgie burst into my office, like the true unprofessional employee she was.

She looked… unreal.

A fitted designer dress hugged her perfectly. Her hair was glossy and her makeup perfectly applied. She was born to wear luxurious clothes.

“Oh my god,” she said, spinning once. “This place is crawling with hot-and I mean really hot- men.”

“Please don’t shout,” I groaned.

She ignored me, dropping into the chair across from my desk and leaning back. “I mean, this is going to be fun. We get to work together. I get paid obscenely well. And you-” she smirked, lowering her voice only slightly, “-get to work every day with the three sexy guys you’ve slept with.”

I instantly stood from my chair. “Georgie…stop.”

“What?” she whispered far too loudly. “It’s like a porno in this place and I love it.”

“Keep. Your. Voice. Down.” I growled.

She laughed, “Relax.”

Right on cue, someone appeared in the doorway.

Luca.

He leaned casually against the frame, dressed in grey slacks and an open-collared white shirt that accentuated his tan skin.

“Am I interrupting something?” he asked, amusement showing in his warm brown eyes.

Georgie’s head snapped toward him.

“Hi,” she said slowly.

I closed my eyes. Why me?

“I’m Luca Hernandez,” he said, stepping over to her and holding out his hand. “You must be Georgie, the new assistant.”

She took it, shaking his hand far longer than necessary. “Wow. Yes, yes I am.”

He glanced between the two of us, “What are you two gossiping about so early in the morning?”

Georgie spoke without hesitation. “Our periods.”

I groaned and dropped my head into my hands.

Luca laughed, “Fair enough. I won’t ask follow-up questions.”

He smiled at Georgie. “Welcome to BD Systems. We’re glad to have you on our team.”

“Thrilled to be here,” she said, still smiling. “Like so thrilled.” Her eyes were drifting up and down his body.

He waved at us and left the room.

The door shut.

Georgie sighed. “He’s adorable. You are so lucky. If you had not been involved with him, I would have climbed him like a tree and-”

“I hate you,” I said. “And I mean it Georgie.”

She stood, smoothing her dress out with her hands. “Love you too. This is going to be the best job ever.”

She grinned, winked at me and disappeared down the hall.

---

I worked.

All day.

This was all I could do to stay on the straight and narrow. I was already mastering their network systems. I already knew how to get in. But breaking it down?

It was a real bitch and progress had been slower than expected.

It had been two weeks with no progress to report back to the brothers.

I barely looked up from my screen as time slipped by unnoticed. I wanted the job over and done with.

I had received an email this morning asking me to interview for the job in New York. I’d already locked in a time to fly out and conduct the interview, in just a few weeks.

It was dark outside when my computer let out a soft chime, notifying me that I had a new e-mail.

Executive Meeting Urgent

My stomach dropped.

It started in five minutes, in the conference room.

My pulse spiked as I grabbed my bag and rushed out of my office. As I passed Georgie’s desk, I noticed it was already empty.

Of course she’d left.

I rushed around the corner and pushed open the conference room door, stepping quickly inside.

They were already there. All three of them.

Axel stood near the window, his intense blue eyes instantly landing on me. Luca leaned against the table, a slight smirk on his lips.

And at the head of the table sat Adrian. His face was flat and free from all emotion.

What was going on?

I looked around the room, “What is this about?”

The door clicked shut behind me and both Axel and Luca sat down at the conference table, on either side of Adrian.

Adrian didn’t ask me to sit.

He just…spoke.

“We know,” he said calmly, “that you know who we are.”

I felt my chest tighten as my body froze.

“The three men,” he continued, “that you signed the contract with. You are aware that it was us.”

I couldn’t move or speak. No matter how hard I tried. I wanted to run from the room. Bolt out of there and never look back.

Axel’s blue eyes were quietly assessing me as Luca tilted his head, as if waiting for my response.

“Yes, that is correct.” I said. “I do know.”

Adrian nodded and sighed, “What confuses us , Sloane, is why you never told us that you knew.”

I swallowed. “I didn’t know how. And then…I decided to let it go.”

Luca laughed softly. “So, when you fucked each of us separately in the office, you knew?”

I turned to him. “I-um…yes. How did you find out that I knew who you were?”

He grinned. “Your friend is very loud. The dots weren’t exactly hard to connect.”

My stomach dropped.

Georgie.

I looked back at Adrian.

He leaned forward. “How did you find out that it was us?”

The code. I had cracked into their systems. Uncovered secrets.

But I couldn’t tell him that.

“It was obvious,” I lied quickly. “Your voices. Your scent. All of it.”

I exhaled slowly, trying to steady myself. “You need to understand how strange the situation was.”

“It was a coincidence,” Adrian said flatly. “You being hired and you signing the contract.”

Axel stepped towards me, his voice firm. “It was a simple coincidence that the person we hired ended up being the person who signed the contract.”

Luca nodded. “By the time we realized, it was too late, and we couldn’t take a job away from you that you had earned fairly.”

Liars. They had vetted me for the job while I worked in IT. Then allowed me to sign the virginity contract. Then they had allowed me to apply for the job and be hired.

“We enjoyed our time with you,” Adrian continued. “But that was never a factor in your employment.”

I sighed, “So what’s next?”

Adrian’s raised his brows. “You broke the terms of the contract.”

Oh shit.

“You disclosed information to a third party,” he said. “Your friend. That was explicitly prohibited.”

He was right.

“Do you want the money back?” I asked quietly.

“No,” Luca said immediately.

“But,” Adrian added, “you need to stop talking. Now.”

I nodded, my cheek burning bright. “I struggled with it. I didn’t know how to process everything. I just needed someone I trusted.”

Adrian studied me for a moment, then spoke again.

“I will be speaking to Georgie,” he said. “She will be paid a one-time sum of twenty thousand dollars in exchange for her silence. She will sign an NDA.”

I nodded.

Adrian’s eyes stayed on mine. “If you continue to tell anyone else, we will recover the full amount from you. And your employment here will be terminated.”

The words landed heavy on my chest.

“Understood?” he asked.

“Yes,” I said, my eyes falling to my feet.

“Good,” Adrian said finally. Then he stood to his feet. Luca and Axel did as well.

“Right,” I said quickly. “I think I’ll head home now.”

I turned and reached for the door.

“Wait,” It was Adrian.

I turned to see him walking towards me. He stopped just inches from me and leaned down.

“Want to make another deal Miss Heathrow?” he said gently, reaching out to drag a finger along my cheek. His touch sent a small tingle down the length of my spine.

Luca and Axel were now next to him. Axel had that hungry dark look in his eyes and Luca was smiling.

“W-what?” I stuttered.

Adrian’s finger trailed from my cheek down to my neck.

“Another contract,” Luca said lightly. He was now at my side. He leaned forward and I felt his lips brush against my neck.

“No more,” I said quickly, side stepping away from both of them. I turned and ran straight into Axel’s hard chest.

He placed his hands gently on both of my shoulders and steered me towards the nearest chair at the table. He pushed down gently and I landed with a soft thud.

Adrian turned around and looked at me, “Another contract Sloane. With the three of us. Same as last time. But…different.”

“We missed what we…had before,” Luca said. For once his face was serious. “And we were hoping for…another taste.”

Adrian stepped close to me until our knees were almost touching. Then, he kneeled down in front of me. His hand slid up my leg, under my dress and stopped at my inner thigh.

I instantly felt my panties grow wet.

“A contract,” he said, his fingers rubbing my inner thigh. I sucked in and tried to push away the desire that formed within my core.

“Thirty days,” Axel said as he watched Adrian’s movements. “Come and live with us, in one of our shared homes.”

“And,” Luca said with a smile. “You’re on call for all of us. We can have you wherever and whenever we want.”

I swallowed as Adrian’s fingers moved further upwards.

Chapter 19

My heart thudded against my chest, the feeling of his fingers on my skin causing my body to ache. To ache for what it felt like when they touched me.

But…

“No,” I managed to croak. I reached down and pulled his hand away.

I was done. I was done with the brothers. I was done with these men. And I didn’t have to decide between them.

He blinked a few times and then tilted his head at me, his eyes narrowing as he studied my expression.

“Really?” Luca said, cocking an eyebrow. “We thought you liked the time you spent with us.”

Axel’s eyes grew dark, but he didn’t say anything. He just stared at me. He looked almost… angry.

I stood to my feet and squeezed around Adrian’s large frame, ignoring the sensation that tingled along my spine as my arm brushed against his.

I headed straight toward the door. Just as I reached for the knob, I felt a large hand tug me backward. I felt myself land against what felt like a brick wall. I tried to step back toward the door, but soon I felt hands sliding around my waist and pulling me back. I looked up to see Axel staring down at me.

“You’re staying,” he grunted. “Where you belong.”

“Let me go,” I hissed, attempting to pull free from his arms.

He only gripped me tighter, laughing as I tried to step away.

“Let her go,” a voice demanded.

I turned to see Adrian standing nearby, his arms crossed as he watched us.

Axel hesitated for a few moments before finally releasing me. The moment his arms let go, I rushed toward the door and swung it open.

I looked back to see Luca watching. He seemed confused. Axel was still staring at me, an angry expression on his face. But Adrian… his face was blank. Expressionless.

“Goodbye,” I said flatly.

Then I was gone. They let me leave. Just like that.

---

The next morning, I was getting ready for work. Georgie had stayed the night again. She was now standing in front of my full-length mirror, sliding a stick of red lipstick across her lips.

I had sent her a text last night to let her know that Luca had overheard us. Her reaction was to race to my apartment, beg for my forgiveness, and then pass out in my bed again.

I wasn’t mad at Georgie. How could I be? Yes, she had a big mouth, but she meant well. Now she had caused us to be late to work-on her second day-because she hadn’t been able to choose which shade of lipstick she wanted to wear.

She’d also insisted on styling me again. She insisted I wear one of the olive-green jumpsuits that we had purchased with the company card. It had a high neckline that kept everything clean and sharp. The fabric was draped at the waist, then flowed into wide legs that moved as I walked.

She’d insisted on the outfit, saying, “It’s modest, but you still look hot.”

We somehow managed to get out of my apartment.

I barely made it three steps toward my work car before Georgie flew past me, almost knocking me to the ground as she ran toward the car.

“Move!” she screeched. “If I’m late again, Adrian might fire me!”

Oh, that’s right. She’d been late on her first day. Today was only her second day.

We were halfway across the parking lot when she skidded to a stop so abruptly I nearly ran into her back.

“I forgot my phone,” she gasped.

I stared at her. She stared at me.

“You cannot be serious,” I groaned.

She was already turning back toward the apartment. “Also, I might’ve forgotten to put lip gloss on top of my lipstick.”

I chased her up the stairs, both of us tripping over our own feet, swearing under our breath. She burst into the apartment, grabbed her phone, applied lip gloss in the mirror at full speed, then looked around my bedroom.

“Oh-also-”

“Georgie! For fuck’s sake!” I screamed.

She grabbed a hair clip, and we began to run again.

By the time we finally stumbled into the car, I was breathless, sweating, and questioning how she had ever landed the job.

“Wait,” she said.

I closed my eyes. “What…?”

“I can’t start my day without coffee,” she said quickly.

“You had coffee,” I moaned.

“That was my wake-up coffee,” she whined. “I need real coffee. With lactose-free milk, extra ice, vanilla, caramel, cinnamon foam, two shots-but make one blonde-light whip-”

“We need to go,” I said, pulling out of the parking lot, tires squealing.

The drive was… chaotic. Georgie was navigating even though I knew the route, yelling contradictory directions, changing the music every ten seconds, all while reminding me that Adrian hates tardiness.

But still… we screeched into the drive-thru of a coffee shop.

We finally made it to the office.

And we were late…

We bolted through the lobby, heels clacking against the tile. We jumped into the elevator just as the doors slid shut. I was fixing my hair. Georgie was slurping her coffee and reapplying her lip gloss in between.

The elevator dinged as we reached our level.

The doors opened.

And there he was.

Adrian.

His perfect green eyes stared back at us, and he was unmistakably annoyed. He looked like he belonged on the cover of a magazine, with his hair styled neatly to the side while wearing a light grey tailored coat layered over a grey shirt, paired with slim dark trousers tapered neatly at the ankle. He wore a pair of white sneakers.

He looked like a model on the cover of GQ.

His gaze flicked from me, to Georgie, to the coffee, and then the lip gloss she held in her other hand.

“Well,” he said flatly, adjusting his cufflinks, “nice of you two to finally show up.”

Georgie opened her mouth, but I nudged her with my elbow. I couldn’t let her speak.

“Good morning, Mr. Drake,” I said, forcing a polite smile. “I’m so sorry we were late.”

His eyes lingered for half a second too long before he turned and stepped aside to let me pass.

I walked past him, and caught a whiff of his familiar scent. Then the memories flooded me.

The moments we had spent together.

The Curator.

The moment he took my virginity.

While all I saw was darkness.

I felt my core tighten at the mere thought of it, arousal coursing through me.

I took a deep breath and rushed toward my office.

I heard him saying something to Georgie-something about punctuality and how she needs to be prompt, that she manages a calendar worth millions of dollars.

I slipped into my office and shut the door behind me. I leaned back against it, closed my eyes, and sighed.

“You’re finally here,” a voice said.

I let out a squeak and opened my eyes.

Luca.

He was sitting at my desk, his feet propped along the top, his phone in his hand.

“W-why… are you here?” I stuttered.

“I was catching up on the news while I waited for you,” he said, holding up his phone. He moved his feet off the top of my desk and stood.

God damn, he looked good.

His warm brown eyes and dark brows. His black hair tousled to the side.

He was wearing a crisp white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled to the elbows, the top buttons open, exposing his perfect tan skin. His shirt was tucked neatly into tailored light-grey trousers.

He walked around my desk and toward me, his eyes running up and down my body. He stopped just in front of me and flashed a smile.

“You look sexy, Sloane,” he said, his voice thick and heavy. The way it sounded when he used to…

I shook the thought away.

“That’s not appropriate for the workplace, Mr. Hernandez,” I said quickly. “If you don’t mind, I have a lot to do.”

He chuckled. “I suppose you do, given that you were an hour late today.”

I sighed. “That was-”

“Georgie?” he raised a brow. “That woman is… something else.”

I stepped around him and walked toward my desk. I sat in my chair and reached for the power button on my computer. He lingered for a few minutes, watching me. Then I heard him say, “Have a great day, Sloane.”

Then he left.

I tried to ignore the pounding of my heart. Instead, I went back to my work. Back to trying to find a way to bring their entire network down.

And I was almost there.

The question was… who would I give the answers to?

The brothers?

Or the CEOs?

Surely I would hand it over to the brothers and start a new life…right?

I’d worked through lunch. After all, I’d been an hour late. I heard one quick knock on my door before it swung open.

It was Georgie. She looked oddly calm for someone who had been late two days in a row-and for someone who had pissed off their boss.

Delilah had bent over backwards for Adrian. Despite her bitchiness, she’d been efficient. But maybe that was what made her so damn good. She’d wanted Adrian.

“Sloane, why didn’t you have lunch with me?” she whined before sliding into the chair across from me.

“You are literally the assistant to Adrian Drake,” I said. “How do you have time for lunch when you are an hour late and spend half your day shopping online?”

“I don’t do all that weird shit the other one did,” she shrugged.

“What weird shit?” I asked in confusion.

“Like travelling halfway across the city for Mr. Drake’s morning coffee,” she laughed.

“What?” I blinked.

“That last assistant left behind a manual. With all the things she did every day,” she leaned forward in her chair, her eyes wide. “Can you believe her day started at 4:00 a.m.? Just so Mr. Drake could have a hot coffee from his favourite coffee shop when he arrived?”

“Holy shit,” I laughed. “She really was obsessed with him.”

She nodded. “Yup.”

She stood to her feet. “So, dinner then? I’m staying at yours tonight again.”

“No,” I shook my head. “You made me late.”

“Too bad,” she smiled. Then she walked out of the room, winking at me before she shut the door behind her.

My phone buzzed, and I reached down to pick it up.

It was Axel.

I sighed and answered, “Yes?”

“Come to my office,” he said.

“For what?” I asked.

“How about you don’t ask questions? I’m your boss, Sloane. Get in here,” he replied, his voice hard and commanding.

“Fine,” I said. “See you soon.”

Chapter 20

I smoothed my hands down my jumpsuit before knocking.

“Come in, Sloane,” he called out.

I stepped inside. I was greeted with the scent of leather and his familiar cologne. He looked at me blankly, then gestured to the chair across from his desk.

“Sit,” he ordered.

So I did.

I tried not to stare at him.

His blonde hair was neatly styled but not too neat, like he’d run a hand through it one too many times. His blue eyes were already locked on me. He was dressed in a dark navy long-sleeve shirt, the sleeves pushed up just enough to reveal the tattoo sleeves running down both arms. Light-colored trousers sat low on his hips.

And there it was again. My heart was beating madly in my chest, and my pussy was begging me to climb him like a tree.

Axel had this way of telling you to fuck him-without saying a word.

He smirked at me, then stood and walked to the door. I heard the lock click into place and groaned internally.

Axel really thought he could do whatever he wanted.

He returned to his seat as if he hadn’t just locked me in.

He folded his hands along the top of his desk. “I’m not going to waste time,” he said. “I want to continue to see you. Just like Luca and Adrian.”

My stomach did a few somersaults, but I pushed through.

“No,” I said immediately, standing to my feet. “That can’t happen. The contract is over.”

I turned for the door, my heart still pounding. I was halfway there when I felt his presence behind me.

“Sloane,” he said quietly. “You are not leaving.”

I stopped. I shouldn’t have… but of course I did.

He grabbed my waist and spun me around to face him. I shivered at the contact. I could feel the heat from his large, warm hands seeping through the fabric of the jumpsuit.

“Tell me to stop,” he said. “And then I will.”

I didn’t do a damn thing. I just stood there. My mind flashed back to the times he had fucked me like an animal. Owned me. Controlled me.

But I was almost getting used to resisting these men.

I stepped back, breaking the contact.

He sighed, as if annoyed.

“Stop playing hard to get, Sloane,” he said, slipping his hands into his pockets as he watched me fumble for the doorknob.

“I do what I want,” I said, my voice rising. I opened the door and turned to look at him, my eyes flashing with anger.

He smirked. “I said I want to be with you. So that means… I will be.”

I groaned and walked from the room, slamming the door shut behind me.

---

It was finally Friday. I hadn’t had any more odd encounters with the men at work. I’d also made significant progress on finding a way to break down the CEO’s network. I knew it wouldn’t be long until I could present a plan to the brothers.

I leaned back in my chair, my eyes flickering to the time.

5:00 p.m.

I’d really pulled a long one today.

I heard a ding and looked down at my phone. It was a message from Adrian. I opened it.

We’re at dinner right now with investors. We had someone pull out at the last second. We need someone from your department. I’ll send the address. Wear the dress that Georgie gives you. She should still be at work. She is required to make up her missed hours.

I snorted as I read the last sentence. I headed to the reception area, where Georgie sat. She had headphones over her ears, music blasting as she clacked at her keyboard.

She pulled them from her head as I approached. “God, Adrian is a dictator.”

“Well, you are late… like all the time,” I raised a brow at her.

“Right,” she rolled her eyes and stood to her feet. She reached for a nearby dress hanging over the side of the desk and handed it to me.

“Adrian said he needs you at a meeting. Some dinner at the investor’s home,” she said. “He said it’s last minute, so he arranged this dress for you. And some shoes.”

She handed me the dress and then placed a shoebox on top of the desk.

“I was hoping to go home and relax, but I guess I am still working too,” I sighed.

“It’s a gorgeous dress,” she smiled. “Dior. I looked it up-it costs $15,000. Lucky.”

“Thanks,” I said, shaking my head at the price. “See you soon.”

She went back to her computer, and I took the clothing. I went to my office, changed into the outfit, refreshed my makeup, and made my way towards the parking lot.

The dress fit perfectly. The black fabric skimmed my torso smoothly, the wide straps framing my shoulders and collarbone with a clean, modern line. The scooped neckline exposed just the top of my breasts and it flared out at my waistline.

I’d pinned my curls into an updo and slipped on a pair of tall black strappy heels. Just as I was stepping toward the entrance of the parking lot, I heard a familiar voice.

“Miss Heathrow.”

It was… Nora. She stood waiting on the sidewalk next to a sleek black BMW. She looked composed and professional, just as I remembered her.

“Nora?” I said. “I haven’t seen you in a while.”

I felt my cheeks burn as I spoke, remembering why I knew Nora.

She waved toward the car. “Are you ready to go?”

I looked at her in confusion. “What?”

“The dinner,” she said smoothly. “Mr. Drake said I was to ensure that you were transported.”

“I have a car,” I shrugged. “It’s not necessary.”

I turned back toward the parking garage.

“He insisted,” she said.

I sighed and turned back toward the BMW. A man stepped out from the driver’s seat and approached me. He nodded and opened the door. I slid inside. Nora joined me.

I turned to look at her. “Why are you joining me?”

“I was asked to,” she replied simply, as if that explained everything.

We took off, passing streetlights and city buildings before entering a suburb.

“Where are we?” I said, turning to look at her.

“The dinner party is located in this suburb,” she replied without looking at me.

It was a wealthy neighbourhood. The yards were smooth and well manicured. The roads were wide and spotless, lined with towering trees that arched overhead. It wasn’t just home to the wealthy. No-these homes were enormous mansions, the kind that have multiple wings.

We began to slow down as we approached one of the mansions. The driver pulled into a cul-de-sac driveway with a large stone fountain in the middle. The mansion was well lit, and I could hear music pumping from inside.

The façade was made of stone and columns, with iron balconies wrapping around it. Perfectly trimmed hedges lined the driveway, spotlights casting shadows along the front of the home.

“Holy shit,” I said. It was easily the nicest and most lavish home I had ever seen.

Nora turned to look at me. “I won’t be coming in. Have a good night.”

“Okay,” I said with a smile. “See you later.”

My door opened, and I turned to see the driver. He stepped out of my way, and I pulled myself out of the car.

Then the car pulled away, soon disappearing into the distance. I turned back toward the mansion and began walking to the door.

Within seconds, a man greeted me with a gentle smile. “Welcome. Name, please.”

“Sloane Heathrow,” I said, my eyes scanning the home.

He looked down at the iPad in his hand, then nodded. “Please head inside.” He waved toward the door, and I made my way toward it. It was tall, crafted from heavy, thick wood. I stepped into the mansion.

The space opened up around me. I peered up at high ceilings, polished marble floors, and a sweeping staircase curving upward. It was unreal.

A staff member approached me within seconds, wearing an all-black uniform.

“Welcome,” she said with a practiced smile. “If you’ll follow me, dinner is being served in the garden.”

“Thanks,” I said, still peering around at the pure wealth that surrounded me.

I followed her until we reached the garden.

Tall rectangular cocktail tables were scattered across the lawn, draped in white linen tablecloths. Well-dressed guests sat laughing and drinking. String lights were suspended overhead, glowing softly, and somewhere nearby a live orchestra played elegant music.

My eyes scanned the tables until I saw them.

Adrian. Luca. Axel.

They were seated together. Adrian and Luca sat side by side, deep in conversation. There was an empty chair between Luca and Axel.

Luca spotted me first. He lifted his hand and waved me over.

I crossed the lawn and stumbled slightly.

“Fucking heels,” I hissed under my breath.

Luca laughed as he watched me, but I ignored him.

I slipped into the empty seat, and without warning, a staff member began pouring champagne into a glass in front of me.

“Sloane,” Luca said warmly, gesturing to the man seated across from us. “This is Dan.”

Luca wore a beige button-up shirt tucked into white trousers and a pair of brown loafers. The colors highlighted his hazel eyes and tan skin.

Dan smiled. “Nice to meet you.”

“Dan works for a tech company, NovaCore,” Adrian added, a glass of whiskey in one hand. “He’s been very interested in the code you cracked when you first began at BD Systems.”

Adrian’s eyes flickered down the length of my body. He wore a black classic suit-and-tie combination. He caught me checking him out, and our eyes met, but he said nothing.

Dan interrupted my thoughts. “I’ve heard impressive things,” he said. “I was hoping you might be able to join us.”

“Absolutely,” I replied, my voice professional and polite.

“Perfect,” Dan said, lifting his glass. “After dinner, maybe we can talk?”

I nodded and took a sip from the glass in front of me. Adrian and Luca began talking with Dan, but I just sat there, not really feeling the urge to join the conversation.

“Glad you’re here,” a voice said in my ear.

I turned to see Axel leaning toward me. A glass of tequila with a perfectly cut lime sat on the rim. “Did I have a choice? It’s for work,” I replied evenly. “For professional reasons only.”