Thinking of Nova in that situation makes me feel sick to my stomach. I want her to escape right now.

  Digging in deep into the parts of the Internet that people don’t even realize are public, I can see what is going on underneath the scene, and it seems like the men that Jeremy is involved with are sketchy, criminal types with a history of fraud, extortion, and other terrible things. There must be a reason why a successful man would be interested in these guys. Maybe his success isn’t only down to his company. I guess there is a seedy side to Las Vegas, just like there is to any city, and Jeremy must be deep in the middle of it. That makes him potentially dangerous, so I will have to tread very carefully when it comes to dealing with him.

  “Fucking hell.” I lean back and stare at the clock. It’s almost midnight, much too late to be down the rabbit hole, but I can’t seem to stop falling. For Nova, I need to get answers. “This is fucking awful.”

  Even now, thinking of her in that house with him is intense. It brings a sickness to my stomach that I don’t normally get. I deal with a lot of horrible cases, this isn’t the worst at all, but she’s under my skin now. I want to rescue her. She’s like the freaking princess at the top of the tower and I want to get her down.

  It isn’t just because of her beauty, there’s a real vulnerability to her that touches me deeply.

  I hit print on all that I’ve found, and I suck back the rest of my drink. I don’t want to give up now, I feel like I’ve just peeled back one layer of the mystery here, and I want to keep going, but I’m going to drive myself mad if I carry on. I need to get some sleep at some point. I probably have enough to go on for the moment anyway. It won’t be enough to build a full case, against a guy like this. I will need everything that I have, but it’s a starting point. I want to book a new meeting with her anyway to check that she’s okay.

  Since I can’t message her at this time of night without creating problems, I contact my mother instead. It will be about nine AM in Paris where she lives with Jean Claude, her new very nice boyfriend who makes her as happy as she deserves to be. Much as I miss her, I’m glad that she finally has her life.

  Zane: Hi, Mom, how is it going? Sorry that it’s been a few days…

  Mom: Hello, son, what are you doing being awake at this time of the night? Not working, I hope.

  Zane: How are you so tuned in to the time difference? Yes, I am working actually.

  Mom: You need to get your rest. Stop neglecting yourself. I’m always telling you that.

  Zane: This is my charity work, Mom. It’s worth neglecting myself for.

  Mom: I love to hear about you saving the world. I hope you’re looking after your client.

  Zane: She’s new, so I’ve only just started working for her. But I will look after her. I always do.

  Mom: I know you will, my little superhero. You make me so proud.

  Zane: Not so little now! I’m coming on for thirty now, remember?

  Mom: I know, I know. But you’ll always be my baby. How is everything else?

  Zane: All good, thank you. Had a lot going on, but mostly work related.

  Mom: It always is work with you, nonstop! Any women on the scene?

  I sigh loudly, I should have known this was coming. She always wants to know about my love life, even though there hasn’t been anything to tell ever since my last serious relationship with Alison ended three years back. I’ve dated quite a bit since then but there hasn’t been anyone to tell my mom about, which I know disappoints her. I think she has this idea that if I can just settle down, she won’t have to worry about me anymore.

  Zane: Not at the moment, no. I don’t need to have someone to be happy, you know?

  Mom: I’m not urging you to get hitched, I just don’t want you to be lonely.

  Zane: I’m too busy to be lonely. Honestly, Mom, I’m okay as things are.

  Mom: So, says every workaholic…

  I shouldn’t have started this. I shake my head and decide to end it before she can get too worked up.

  Zane: I’m fine, Mom, you don’t have to worry about me, I promise you.

  Mom: I will always worry about you, that’s my job remember? You’ll get it one day.

  Zane: Alright, well if you’re so worried I’m going to be off now. Night, love you.

  Mom: Love you too! Don’t leave it so long next time, I miss you, you know?

  I shake my head and chuckle. Mom really will worry about me forever. I just hope that’s a maternal thing and not because she feels guilty. She’s had enough negativity in her life. I don’t want her to feel bad about anything. It’s absolutely fine. She did her best. She got out before my childhood could be ruined.

  Anyway, I really do need to get some rest now. I must be sharp, I haven’t got my reputation for being tired at work, being sharp minded is everything to me. I just need to push Mom out of my brain and get rid of Nova too. If I lay around thinking about her all night, then I’m in some serious trouble…

  * * *

  Trying not to think about Nova turns out to be impossible. All night long and the following morning she floats through my mind, intriguing me, pulling me deeper into dangerous waters. I know I shouldn’t be thinking of her at all, but she’s stubborn and she won’t leave my thoughts no matter what I do.

  I just want to see her, to know that she’s safe, I can’t help that intense urge.

  “Knock, knock.” I glance up to see Dan standing in my doorway. “How’s it going?”

  I rub my forehead hard, willing the headache away. “I’m good. How are things with you?”

  “Uh oh.” He flops into the chair opposite me and narrows his eyes. “You have that look in your eye again.”

  “What are you talking about?” I don’t have the brain capacity for solving mysteries today.

  “I’m talking about that determined look. Are you working with the women’s charity again?”

  “Yes, I am actually. Is it really that obvious?”

  “Oh yeah. It’s always in your eyes. A fire that I don’t understand.” Dan points to my face. “I don’t get why you need to do this, not when you can earn so much for each job. It’s a waste of time and talent.”

  “It isn’t a waste. You know why I do it. It’s because of my mom.”

  “But offering your services for free is something that you do at the beginning of your career when you’re trying to build up a base. Everyone knows the name Zane Black these days.”

  “I’m not having this argument with you again. Mom had people help her, she wouldn’t have escaped otherwise, so I do the same. It’s called giving back. Maybe you should try it some time.”

  “I do what all normal people do and give money to charity.”

  “Skills are just as useful as money. Sometimes even more so.” I decided to try one more time. “You should come and join me, offer your lawyer services. You will be surprised how rewarding it is.”

  I keep thinking that one day he will crack, but he never does. “Nah! I need cash.”

  “Alright, well we aren’t ever going to agree on this, are we? So, why don’t you tell me about your date?”

  “How do you know that I went on a date last night?” Dan asks in mock shock.

  “Because you’re on a date every night.” I roll my eyes. “I’d be more shocked if you weren’t, to be honest.”

  “Alright, well she was foxy as hell and filthy to boot. A really freaky chick, she likes to do all sorts…”

  I tune out as he launches into a much too detailed explanation of the woman he hooked up with. I don’t mind the tales, sometimes I even have one of my own, but today it feels seedy. Probably because Nova is still on my mind. I just can’t stop imagining her life and what it must be like. One-night stands don’t fit in.

  “Oh, and before I forget, I ran into Kelli while out at the restaurant… you do remember her, right? Well, she was asking for you and I’m pretty sure that she’s up for it. You know… if you want some?”

  He nudges me and winks which actually makes me laugh. He’s ridiculous sometimes.

  “I went on three dates with Kelli and she got crazy. She called me all the time, don’t you remember? And she wouldn’t stop texting. I actually thought I might have to get a restraining order out at one point.”

  “So?” Dan shrugs, totally missing my message. “She’s crazy but hot.”

  “Looks aren’t everything, you know? I don’t need any drama in my life.”

  “Your need to keep away from drama keeps you away from everything. You’re so concerned with keeping your life straightforward and just as it is that you miss out on something that could be amazing.”

  “I know that everything you’re telling me is right, I really do, but Kelli isn’t that. I won’t ever let her back in because she needs way more than I can offer her. Unfortunately, it’s just the way it is.”

  Dan nods knowingly. “Yeah, you’re probably right with that one. But what about if I arrange a double date for us? Get us some hot girls to have a good night with. A really good night if you know what I mean.”

  I know the kind of girls that Dan dates, I’m not sure they are for me. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea…”

  “Don’t shoot me down.” He tosses his head back in annoyance. “Just give it a try, please, I know what sort of women you like, I will make sure the one that you’re dating is right for you.”

  I can see it in his face, he isn’t going to give up. He’s decided that this is what he wants to do now and there isn’t a damn thing that I can say to change his mind. The more I disagree, the more wound up he will get.

  “Fine, whatever but for Saturday night. I can’t have a date on a work night.”

  “You’re a workaholic. Every night for you in a work night.” I flash him an angry glare to which he holds his hands up in a surrendering gesture. “But a Saturday night, of course. That’s absolutely fine.”

  “I don’t know why everyone keeps calling me a workaholic at the moment, just because I’m dedicated.”

  “No, I’m dedicated. You never stop. That’s the difference. For me, it’s a career, for you it is life.”

  Hmm, maybe there’s something to that, not that I’ll admit it aloud, but I don’t know if I can change…

  5

  Nova

  I sit in Zane’s waiting room tapping my hand anxiously against my leg. My feet won’t stop moving either. I’m like a fidgety child who can’t sit still. I’ve pretty much been this way ever since Zane text me yesterday to meet him. He blew up a normal Wednesday afternoon and made me a jittery mess ever since.

  I guess the only good thing to come from it is that Jeremy’s temper didn’t trouble me last night at all. I was too busy getting worked up about what today will bring. It separated me from reality.

  I glance down at my outfit, again wondering if it’s the right thing to wear. I feel weird in the expensive blouse and the tight black pencil skirt bought by my husband. Especially when I’m here trying to divorce him. This is weird, I wish I had some of my ratty high street stuff to wear, I would feel much more comfortable.

  “Okay, it’s two thirty,” his stunning looking secretary calls out to me. “You can go right in.”

  I rise to my feet, my knees knocking together with nervous anticipation, but somehow, I work my way through the anxiety and keep walking forwards. I can’t just walk in though, I must knock first.

  “Come in.” His chocolaty smooth voice runs right through me, affecting me too deeply. I push the door open and visibly shiver as he breaks out into a beautiful wide smile, one that lights up the entire room. When he grins, it seems to be just for me, which makes me feel incredibly special. “Ah, Nova, it’s good to see you again.”

  He clamps his hands together and waits for me to take my seat. Nerves zigzag through me as I tuck my skirt underneath me and sit down. His gaze is intense, it runs deeply through my system. But it doesn’t make me feel small and stupid, the way Jeremy’s does. It strangely builds me up. It’s almost like he really sees me.

  “So, Nova, I have some things to tell you that you might not like.”

  My spine stiffens, I straighten up and stare at him. “I thought this might happen.”

  “How much do you know? About his business, I mean.”

  Uh oh, this doesn’t sound good. “I don’t know anything. I never tried to learn.”

  “Okay, well maybe that’s a good thing. Perhaps it’s good that you aren’t in it.”

  “Why? What is he up to? Is he into something bad?”

  “I don’t know the full details, but there is something criminal going on.”

  “Criminal?” I never suspected that. “Are you sure? I can’t imagine that.”

  “You know he isn’t a good guy, right? You already understand that, so, why is this such a big stretch?”

  I part my lips, ready to shoot back an answer, but I don’t have one. He’s right. I don’t really have any reason to believe that Jeremy wouldn’t be into all this terrible stuff. Maybe he is a criminal…

  “Okay.” I eventually gulp and try to calm myself down. “So, what do we do now?”

  “If you want me to pursue that route, I can get as much evidence as I need.”

  “How will that help me? If Jeremy is a criminal?”

  “He will have to give you the divorce that you need, and you will do well out of it.”

  “I don’t want stuff,” I gasp, a little shocked. “I just want me out of this marriage.”

  “I’m not trying to suggest that you’re a gold digger or anything, I just don’t want you to be left with nothing. You have given this man years of your life and you deserve to be stable afterward.”

  I ponder on his words, knowing that he’s right. I will need something to get started, but I honestly don’t want it to come from him. I would much rather restart my life on my own. Whether he owes it or not, I don’t want it. But I’m not going to argue with Zane right now, I can talk about that later.

  “So, you think this information will help me?”

  “It will, for sure. If you can find out that he’s doing terrible things, it will be so much easier.”

  I gasp a couple of times, trying to get hold of myself. Zane sees that I’m struggling, and he rests a hand reassuringly on my shoulder. His touch is sharp and shocking, it makes me jump. An electricity bolts all the way through me. I stare up at him with a stunned expression on my face. That… was something else.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, I just wanted to…

  “No, it’s okay, you just made me jump that’s all.”

  My blood runs hot, I’m sure my face is bright red, but I can’t seem to drag my eyes away from him. He has me locked in one place, blooming like crazy. I can feel a flower bursting through my body, coming to life without my control. This is the oddest position that I’ve ever been in before.

  The funny thing is, Zane looks a little blown away too. I can’t imagine this Adonis is a stranger to touching a woman. I bet his fingers are expert, that he just instinctively knows what a woman wants. I bet a night with him is magical, something that you don’t ever forget even if it happens only one time. I haven’t ever had incredible sex. I’ve had to source mine from books and movies, just imagining what it would be like… I bet every woman who has been with Zane doesn’t have that worry. The thought almost makes me want to lean in…

  “So, I want to go through the next stages with you.” Zane breaks the magic of the moment by snapping back into all business. It’s probably for the best anyway. “Just to make sure we’re on the same page.”

  “Erm, yeah sure of course. Next week, tell me all about it…”

  I try my hardest to join him in professionalism because that’s where I need to be. Unless I want to wind up in serious trouble, that is. I cannot start thinking about Zane in that way. Not if I want to focus on this divorce…

  * * *

  Zane doesn’t pull back this time. As I feel his lips edging towards me, I don’t yank away either. I want this to happen and it seems like he does too. It sure as hell looks like it, judging by the dark desire in his eyes… the look that drives me crazier than anything that comes before. My heart pounds violently against my chest as my mouth moistens, the anticipation builds with every passing second he edges nearer me…

  Oh my God. As his lips connect with mine, fireworks explode. This is something else…

  His hands snake around my waist, he yanks me closer to him and I go willingly. I shouldn’t do this, I’m a married woman, but it’s all I want in the world. I haven’t been touched for such a long time, and even when I am, it’s uncomfortable, unpleasant, definitely not about me. I need someone to actually want me.

  “You are so beautiful,” Zane murmurs as his mouth moves over my neck. “I want you so bad.”

  His words free me, I feel like I can say the same back. “I want you too. I have ever since I first saw you.”

  “Oh God, me too. You have no idea how happy that makes me. I want to fuck you so bad.”

  Those words are too much, all I can do is moan loudly, my eyes sliding closed, so I can lose myself in bliss.

  We tear each other’s clothes off like animals, unable to stop now. We yielded into the temptation, given in to this deep lust, and now we just need to get that satisfaction. I need a release so freaking bad, and that only intensifies as I run my hands over his thick, muscular chest. He’s so sexy, like a magazine model or something.

  “Oh, Zane.” I part my thighs as he lifts me onto his desk. “That feels so good.”

  His bulge presses at my core and my wet heat cry out for him. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted anyone this badly before. If I don’t have him in a moment, I might actually die. I really fucking need him.

  I toss my head back as he slips inside, feeling sexier than I ever have done before. Right now, I’m a goddess, a seducer, someone worthy of a man like Zane. It feels fucking phenomenal to have him thrusting. Each time he slides into me, he brushes past my poor, neglected clit, sending my head spinning into desire.