I narrow my eyes at him. He ignores me.

  "How about you? Did you sleep well, or is jet lag still affecting you?"

  "I'm fine," Stella says confidently.

  "You definitely look it," Asher tells her. "Doesn't she, Ethan?"

  I tear my gaze away from her and turn to Asher. "I think we should get going. Are you ready?"

  "Yes."

  "Then let's go." I take a sip of my coffee. "We have a big day ahead."

  ~

  We arrive at the company headquarters of Odermatt Corp. with time to spare. As soon as Simone Odermatt arrives, the meeting begins. After an exchange of the usual pleasantries and some small talk, I start off with a speech then Ryker follows with his presentation. Then Asher. Then the discussion begins. Odermatt comes off as a reserved man of ideals. That's not exactly the best combination for business, but I acknowledge his brilliance and the fact that his top executives seem to be willing to follow him into the depths of hell itself. I'm almost envious because that's the kind of leadership I've been aspiring to establish.

  Now that I've met him and his top executives in person, I'm even more convinced that his company will be an asset to ours. No, not just an asset. It will be an ace, something that will add a lot of value to the company and pivot it forward. I'm determined to see this acquisition through.

  So far, everything seems to be going well. Asher and Ryker's presentations were both impressive, and while Odermatt and his gang seem to be a tough crowd to please - they haven't cracked a smile since the meeting started - I haven't heard any serious objections or any sign that they might bolt. Just some minor concerns that we already saw coming and are prepared to address.

  Everything is under control.

  There's only one tiny, unforeseen problem - Stella. Not that she's committing any blunders. In fact, for her first time in a meeting with another company on foreign soil, she's been perfect. She sits in the corner taking notes, silent, invisible, and yet whenever I need something from her, it appears in front of me, sometimes before I say anything. I couldn't have asked for a better assistant.

  The problem? As much as she tries not to draw attention - and she succeeds with the other people in the room - she somehow keeps getting mine.

  It's that red dress. Each time I glance in her direction, it catches my eye, just like that red laser dot on the floor never fails to pique a cat's interest. I find myself staring at that patch of skin above her asymmetrical neckline and thinking that maybe I should have left my mark there on that spot above her pulse. My gaze wanders to the knees peeking beneath the hem of her dress, especially when she crosses her legs. I wonder what underwear she's wearing today. Another enticing silk piece? Lace? Does it match her bra? I don't see a strap, but surely she must be wearing one. Or is she?

  All I want to do is tear that red dress off her and place my hands and my mouth all over that incredible body that's hidden underneath. I want to leave an indelible mark on every inch, to taste every part of her. Last night wasn't enough. Not close. There's so much more I want to do to her, with her.

  Fuck.

  "Ethan?" Ryker calls my attention. "What do you think?"

  About what? I didn't hear what he just said.

  I suppress a frown. What am I doing, entertaining fantasies in the middle of an important meeting, playing porn inside my head when I should be listening to every concern, answering every question?

  I suddenly feel ashamed of myself. Stella isn't the problem. I am.

  "The board wants full access to Mr. Odermatt's original program," Asher speaks up, his voice filling the awkward silence in the room. "Isn't that right, Ethan?"

  I silently thank him for my cue and straighten my shoulders. Enough messing around.

  "Exactly. And this is something I'm afraid we cannot compromise on, though we are willing to hear out all your concerns on the matter and are prepared to make all the arrangements to make sure the code remains secure and intact..."

  ~

  "I think we did good," Ryker tells me after the meeting.

  It's evening now and we're in the lobby, finally free of that conference room. We're just waiting for the car so we can go back to the hotel and get some much needed rest. Much deserved, too. The meeting took longer than I thought it would, but Ryker's right. It did go well.

  "It's all thanks to you," I tell him. "You were on top of everything."

  "Just doing my job," he says humbly. "Which I couldn't have done without your support. And Asher's. It's a team effort."

  Well said, but I'm still ashamed of my lapse earlier.

  "Is there something else bothering you?" Ryker asks.

  Of course he noticed.

  "Now that the meeting is over, we can talk about it."

  "I'm fine," I assure him as I try to push the thought of Stella from my mind.

  I should at least be able to stop thinking of her when she isn't around.

  "I just... remembered something for a moment there, something from the office, which of course I shouldn't have. I'm sorry."

  "It's okay. No harm done. You were able to shrug it off."

  "Thanks to Asher." I look around. "Speaking of Asher, where is he?"

  Ryker shrugs. "Restroom?"

  Just then, the elevator doors open. Asher steps out, a woman with curly black hair in a royal blue two-piece suit beside him. Why am I not surprised?

  "There he is," Ryker announces.

  My eyes narrow. "Wait a second. Isn't that Violet Cleary?"

  She was at the meeting. The Head of Odermatt's finance department. Intelligent. Confident. Fierce. The kind of woman Asher won't easily be able to charm into bed - which means he won't be able to help but try.

  He looks like he's trying now. I know that grin, that gleam in his eyes. He's found his prey and he's trying to corner her.

  Violet, though, isn't having any of it. She's standing her ground, claws ready to swipe. She looks like she wants to kill Asher, actually, instead of just trying to brush him off.

  I frown. I sure hope Asher hasn't tried anything stupid and undone all of our hard work.

  "What did you do?" I ask him as soon as he joins us.

  Asher gives me a puzzled look. "What do you mean? I was just having a friendly chat with a woman who, as much as I hate to admit it, might just match my financial genius."

  "She didn't look too friendly," Ryker points out the obvious.

  "That woman is the head of Odermatt's finance department," I state another fact.

  Asher shrugs. "I know."

  "So you're aware that she has Odermatt's ear. If she hates you, which she seems to, she could very well convince Odermatt to walk, and then everything we just discussed in that room will go up in smoke. The acquisition gone."

  "Relax." Asher pats my shoulder. "She isn't like that. She's very professional."

  I narrow my eyes at him. "And were you? Did you try something?"

  Asher snorts. "Oh, you of little faith in me."

  "Did you?" I demand to know.

  "No," he tells me firmly. "I didn't do anything. I swear."

  "And you won't, right?" It's an order as much as a question. "You'll behave yourself while you're here in Zurich?"

  "Don't worry," Asher tells me. "I won't cause any trouble."

  I hear a "but" coming.

  "But I can't promise you that you'll be the only one having fun. That's not fair, right?"

  I should have known he would bring last night up. Of all people, why did he have to be the one to barge into my room this morning?

  "What are you talking about?" Ryker asks.

  "Nothing," I tell him.

  It's enough that I have one brother with his nose in my personal affairs.

  "I think I see the car," I tell them both. "Let's go back to the hotel."

  ~

  I wanted to go straight up to my room and just order room service, but Ryker wanted to have dinner at the restaurant and he did so well at the meeting that I felt like indulging him. Asher joined us, too. And everyone else. Including Stella.

  She's sitting three chairs away to my left around the large table, still close enough that I can hear her voice when Asher isn't saying anything. I try not to pay attention to her, but it's hard when she's still wearing that red dress and Asher seems to be talking to her a lot. In fact, I daresay he's flirting with her, which annoys me more than I can tell.

  Wasn't he just trying to get into Violet Cleary's good graces earlier? And now he's using those same charms on someone else? And not just anyone else. He does know that Stella is my assistant and therefore every bit as off limits as Odermatt's head of finance, right?

  I try to be patient. I try to focus on the good food and drown some of my frustration in the wine. I remind myself that Asher is my brother and that's reason enough not to strangle him. I remind myself that we're in public and so I should get a hold of my temper. For the most part, I succeed. But when Asher ambushes Stella on her way back to the table from the restroom and starts to whisk her towards the garden, I lose it.

  I excuse myself from the table and walk towards them. I stand right behind Stella and clear my throat.

  "I'm going back to my room," I tell her. "I need those documents from Mr. Odermatt's secretary."

  "Can't they wait until tomorrow?" Asher asks me.

  "No," I tell him without averting my gaze from Stella. "Do you have them?"

  "Yes." She starts to open her purse. "I - "

  "I need you to transfer the files to my computer. Now."

  Stella draws a deep breath and nods. "Yes, sir."

  Chapter Nine

  Stella

  Is Ethan mad at me?

  The question rattles my thoughts as I follow him quietly to the elevators.

  It's not the first time. When I went to his room this morning, I got the feeling that he was upset with me, especially since he didn't say anything about my dress. Not that I was expecting a compliment. Just a smile, maybe? Some kind of approval? But I got nothing. Then in the car, on the way to the meeting, he didn't say a word to me, which made the trip seem much longer than ten minutes. He wouldn't even look at me. Surprising considering he's been so warm and kind lately.

  Then again, that was before last night, before Ethan and I had sex.

  I try not to blush at the memory as I step inside the elevators after him. Just in case I fail, I stay behind him in a corner.

  Don't think about it, Stella.

  Then something occurs to me. What if that's why Ethan is mad at me? What if he's upset with me because he thinks it's my fault?

  I can't deny it is. I'm the one who decided to go to his room and accept a drink from him in spite of knowing the risks. I'm the one who couldn't say no when he asked if I wanted him to kiss me and again when he asked if we should have sex.

  Is that why he can't stand to look at me now? Has he lost all faith in me? Am I going to get fired?

  I want to ask him outright, but fear gets the better of me.

  "I think the meeting went well," I say instead. Best to start with small talk. "Mr. Odermatt seemed pleased."

  "I think so, too," Ethan answers.

  Inwardly, I let out a sigh of relief. He spoke to me. That means he's not mad at me, right? I'm just overthinking things.

  "Just as I thought, you and your brothers make a good team," I go on. "And they're both very nice, too. I mean, I never thought they weren't, but I've never actually spent much time with them or talked to them before. I didn't know Mr. Asher was an avid reader. He - "

  I stop because Ethan glances over his shoulder. No, not glances. Glares.

  Shit. Have I been talking too much? Is he mad at me after all?

  Just then, the elevator doors open. Ethan steps out. I follow him down the hall.

  "Where are the files?" he asks.

  "In my tablet."

  I take it out of my purse and try to turn it on but frown when I realize the battery is dead.

  "Shit."

  "What's wrong?" Ethan asks.

  "I need to get my charger."

  He says nothing. As I open the door to my room with my keycard, I feel his eyes on me. Is he glaring again?

  I can no longer stand it so I turn around and face him.

  "Ethan, I'm so - "

  I don't finish my apology because his mouth swallows the rest of my words. He closes the door behind him then pins me against it. My purse drops to the floor.

  His lips crush mine and I can't breathe. His tongue enters my mouth and pins mine down.

  Heat rushes down my spine. My thoughts start to blur. Somewhere amid the chaos in my head, an alarm goes off, telling me that I'm about to make another mistake, that I should stop right now. I know I should. But my body won't listen. My heart is already racing, leaping, ecstatic that Ethan doesn't want to get rid of me, that on the contrary, he can't get enough of me. My skin is tingling all over in excitement, already remembering all of Ethan's touches and anticipating more. My hands find Ethan's chest. I can feel the firm muscles through the layers of clothes he's wearing and heat stirs in my palms. My tongue pushes his back. I suck on its tip before my lips press hungrily against his.

  The more our lips touch and our tongues mingle, the more my head spins and my hesitation vanishes. The facts that I can smell Ethan's cologne mingled with the scent of his sweat and that I can still picture him looking so cool and in control in his suit in that conference room earlier help, and so does the glass of wine I had at dinner. The alarm in my head turns into a distant siren - going, going, gone. Every coherent thought follows. Nothing makes sense. I don't care.

  Ethan tugs my lower lip. Then he drags the tip of his tongue along it, making it tingle even more. When I try to suck on his tongue again, he pushes it in. It rubs against the roof of my mouth and I tremble. The last of my defenses melts away as desire awakens in my veins. My body takes over.

  I unbutton Ethan's jacket and slip it off his shoulders. He shrugs it off. His fingers slip between the strands of my hair and they start to unravel. He finds the pins keeping my bun in place. He takes them off and my hair tumbles down past my shoulders. He works on the hook behind my dress next. He struggles so he turns me around.

  "How do you get this fucking thing off?" he growls impatiently.

  "Let me," I offer, afraid that he might break it and ruin the dress. I bought it especially for this trip. It was on sale but still expensive.

  I try to remove the hook. I own a lot of dresses and normally I can get this done in ten seconds at the most, but this time I struggle because my fingers are still trembling from that kiss Ethan just surprised me with.

  The hands that start to travel up my legs and the lips that press against the back of my dress, just on top of my ass, make the task even harder. He grips my knees and I suck in a breath.

  Can't Ethan stay still for just one minute?

  Apparently not, I think as his hands continue to climb higher. They're under my dress now, stroking my thighs. If I don't get myself out of this outfit, I'm afraid he's going to end up fucking me in it.

  And I'm starting to think that may not be a bad idea.

  Just when I'm about to give up, my fingers finally succeed. The hook comes off. I grab the zipper and start to pull it down but Ethan takes over. As he drags it down my back, he leaves kisses on my skin. When it reaches the end, he pushes the dress off my shoulders. I take my arms out of the sleeves and he peels off the rest. The garment falls in a puddle at my feet and I leave my shoes in it as I step out.

  Ethan turns me around and pulls me in for another kiss. I grip his waist. His fingers run through my hair. His hands caress my shoulders and my arms. Then he reaches behind me to unhook my strapless bra.

  As he tries to rid me of one of my last two remaining items of clothing, I try to get one off him. I hook my finger at the base of his throat and pull on the knot of his tie in an attempt to remove it. I only manage to loosen it before my bra falls away. Then Ethan grabs my arm.

  He pulls me towards the desk on one side of the room, the one that has a mirror on top of it stretching all the way to the ceiling. As soon as he stops in front of it, my breath catches.

  Are we going to have sex in front of a mirror?

  I know I read about it in a book once, which means I fantasized about it, too. I was curious to know what it would feel like. But now that it's happening for real, I can't help but feel apprehensive.

  Am I ready for this?

  Ready or not, Ethan jerks my arm and puts me between him and the mirror. I stare into my own wide eyes as he gathers all my hair and drapes it over my left shoulder. Then he wraps his arms around me as he kisses my exposed ear. My lips part to let out a soft gasp.

  I watch his hands caress my belly, his palms rubbing against my skin. I can feel my cheeks getting hotter. I can see them turning a darker shade of pink than the powder I coated them with. Even my breasts look flushed. Ethan cups them as he plants a kiss on my right shoulder.

  "What are you thinking?" he asks, his breath tickling my skin.

  I shrug as I stare at my reflection. I don't know. I really don't. I'm too embarrassed to think.

  Ethan's lips hover right outside my ear. "Don't you think you're beautiful?"

  I blush even more. Beautiful? He's called me that before, but I still can't get myself used to it. Yes, I pay attention to how I look. I always try to look my best. I spend a considerable time in front of the mirror. I invest in premium quality makeup and I take care of my skin and teeth. But I'm not vain. I doll myself up because it makes me feel more confident and more professional, not because I'm trying to impress or attract anyone. Does that make me beautiful?

  "I think you are," Ethan tells me as his hands tighten around my breasts. Then he presses a kiss against my neck. "And you know what else I think?"

  I don't answer.

  "I think I don't want anyone else looking at you and thinking it."

  My eyebrows furrow. What?

  Before I can make sense of his statement, I feel his lips on my shoulder again. This time, he doesn't just leave a kiss. He sucks. So hard that I let out a whimper and begin to worry that my skin might break. He stops before it does, but I see the bruise he left behind.