Chapter 1 One-Night Stand Gabriela Haynes stumbled out of Room 1205 at the hotel before dawn, hair tangled, lipstick smudged, clutching her shoes with numb fingers.

Just before the company retreat, her world had caved in-her boyfriend caughtred-handed with someone else. One heartbreak and two shots of tequila tonight, she'd lurched down the wrong hallway and let herself into the wrong room.

The instant she crossed the doorway, she spotted a man inside. Gabriela tried to retreat, but herlegs gave out and she tumbled right into his arms.

He went rigid with surprise. For a heartbeat, there was only his low, startled murmur, then he gently tilted her face up and pressed his mouth to hers.

She wanted to shove him away, but as his lips traced the line of her jaw and his steady heartbeat thundered beneath her palms, the alcohol and sadness blurred her senses. She melted into his warmth, helpless as her will slipped through her fingers.

By the time he held her waist tightly and thrust into her, everything had spiraled out of control.

...

Once their lovemaking was over, regret hit Gabriela like a sharp and merciless wave. She slipped out as quietly as she could, nerves jangling.

She glanced back at the gleaming number plate on the door-and realized, with a jolt, that she'd spent the night in Brenden Saunders's room. He was the department's general manager.

A breath escaped Gabriela's lips as relief washed over her.

Brenden had a reputation for womanizing-his list of ex-girlfriends could fill a small phone book. A one-night stand with him meant nothing; he probably wouldn't remember her, especially since the room had stayed dark. He hadn't even gotten a good look at her.

She resolved to put this episode behind her, acting as if nothing had occurred between them.

Trying to wash away the remnants of their intimacy, she returned to her own hotel room and lingered under a steaming shower, then tugged a high-necked sweater over her head to hide the scattered hickeys on her skin.

No sooner had she finished dressing than Aubrey Holt, her ever-dramatic coworker, started pounding on the door. "Gabriela! Open up! Something big just happened-hurry!"

Gabriela's pulse stuttered. Dreadpooled in her gut.

Could her night with Brendenalready be out in the open? It wasn't even sunrise yet.

Brenden held a high-ranking post at Apex Group, while she was just a lowly intern caught up in a mess she never meant to make.

If word ever got out, Brenden wouldn't lose a wink of sleep-he already had a reputation for chasing women and left a trail of rumors wherever he went. But for her, the fallout would be brutal. An intern daring to get tangled up with a senior executive? Her career would be finished before it even started.

With shaking hands, she cracked open the door.

Aubrey burst in, practically bouncing with excitement, completely missing Gabriela's ashen face and the stiff, self-conscious way she moved.

"Hurry up! You have to come with me-guess who's here? The company heartthrob himself! Mr. Moss actually showed up here!"

So that was all it was. Her secret was still safe, for now.

As Aubrey rambled on, Gabriela's nerves began to settle, and she followed her into the bustling hotel buffet.

Wesley Moss-the company's enigmatic CEO-had only crossed paths with Gabriela once, back during her interview. Still, he was impossible to forget. He was dangerously handsome, the kind of man who could own a room without saying a word.

Wesley had built the entire company from nothing, transforming it into an industry heavyweight in just seven years.

Back at her interview, he'd barely cracked a smile, keepinghis expression all business, but Gabriela had been instantly hooked. Quietly, she'd dubbed him her unattainable crush.

Now, there he was by the window, posture perfectly upright, exuding an effortless poise and silent authority that made him impossible to overlook-like the sunlight itself had picked him out of the crowd.

He looked so polished and self-assured that Gabriela found herself utterly entranced.

Most of the women in the room were angling fora seat near Wesley, their heads together in a swirl of murmured speculation and shy glances.

"Mr. Moss is unbelievablygood-looking!"

"I just realized-he's got a hickey on his neck! I wonder which girl scored that last night?"

The word "hickey" drifted over from the next table, making Gabriela instinctively yank her collar higher. The thrill of seeing Wesley instantlyfizzled out as memories of her own recklessness from last night hit her.

Meanwhile, Aubrey practically vibrated with the urge to dig out the story behind the hickey, but Gabriela barely had the energy to acknowledge her.

Just then, Brenden strode in with his usual swagger and claimed theseat directly across from Wesley.

"So, did you get a good night's sleep?" he queried, asmirk curling on his lips.

Wesley took his time with breakfast, the corners of his mouth twitching with barely concealed amusement. Though his gaze swept the room, it paused-just for a heartbeat-on Gabriela, his eyes dancing with quiet mischief.

"Not bad," he replied, a cocky grin spreading across his face.

Gabriela instantly felt the weight of his once-over. Embarrassed, she hunched over her plate and shielded her face with her hand, desperate to blend into the crowd and disappear.

Brenden grumbled, dropping his voice to a dramatic whisper, "You snatched my room! I bet you slept like a king, while I wandered the halls last night hunting for a place to crash. Have a little sympathy, will you?"

With the entire Apex Group holed up at the hotel, every room had been snapped up. Wesley's last-minute appearance at the retreat meant that as a meredepartment manager, Brenden had no choice but to surrender the best suite.

Wesley offered a lazy reply. "I'll make sure you get a raise later."

Brenden's mood flipped instantly, a cheerful expression brightening his features.

第2章 Chapter 2 A New Friend Request Gabriela's table sat far from Wesley's, leaving her clueless about the hushed conversation happening across the room. She remained blissfully unaware that the man she'd encountered in Room 1205 last night hadn't been Brenden, but Wesley.

Watching Brenden wave his arms around, animatedly chatting with Wesley, Gabriela's nerves were shot.

Her pulse thudded in her ears, half-terrified she'd be recognized, but even more rattled by the fear that Brenden-the company's infamous flirt-might let something slip right in front of Wesley. She couldn't focus on a single thing all day, her thoughts spiraling with unease.

By some miracle, the day passed without incident, and the retreat wrapped up without drama.

When the company shuttle arrived to pick everyone up, Gabriela found herself lagging behind, every muscle in her body still aching from the intense lovemaking of the previous night. Moving stiffly, she ended up boarding last.

Aubrey spotted her and waved. "Gabriela, over here!"

The bus fell into a sudden hush. Wesley's voice broke the silence, laced with impatience."Is there really nowhere else for her to sit?"

Gabriela froze mid-step, her nerves jolting. Why was Wesley on the shuttle bus? Was that sharp tone directed at her? Was he annoyed she was holding up the line?

She was only an intern-surely the CEO didn't care where she sat.

She darted a glance toward the front. A gorgeous woman was already halfway into the seat beside Wesley, her cheeks flushed with hope. Wesley met her eyes with an icy stare and jerked his chin toward the aisle, clearly dismissing her.

A soft sigh escaped Gabriela when she figured out Wesley's words weren't meant for her.

The woman shrank back, mumbling an apology beforeawkwardly squeezing into the row next to Aubrey-nabbing Gabriela's intended seat in the process.

With a scowl, Aubrey remarked, "That spot's for my friend."

The woman shot her a sharp, irritated look. "What? Does your friend's name come engraved on the seat? This shuttle belongs tothe company-when did your friend get an exclusive spot in here?"

Aubrey's jaw snappedshut, her glare smoldering with outrage.

Only one seat remained-right beside Wesley. For asplit second, Gabriela thought about fleeing the bus and blowing her savings on a cab ride home.

But Wesley's gaze pinned her in place, his expression thunderous. "Well? Are you sitting down or not?"

Gabriela froze, completely thrown off.

Was he really getting irritated just because she hesitated?

With everyone else watching-some barely hiding their jealousy, others shooting her looks of sympathy-Gabriela finally took the seat next to Wesley, her heart pounding in her chest.

A tense silence followed, until Wesley leaned over and inquired, "Do I really look that intimidating?"

Gabriela silently agreed with every word, though she'd never dare admit it.

She might have been hopelessly smitten, but at this moment, Wesley's expressionwas all sharp angles and stern authority.

If she spoke her mind, she'd probably be out of work before the week was over.

Instead, she mustered her brightest, most ingratiating smile and met Wesley's inscrutable stare. "Not at all, Mr. Moss. It's honestly an honor to sit with you."

Wesley's posture loosened a fraction. He leaned back, closed his eyes, and projected a chill so strong it could frost the windows.

Gabriela sat frozen with anxiety, trying not to fidget.

Luck really wasn't on her side.

She'd recently discovered her boyfriend was cheating and lost her virginity in a drunken blur. Now she was riding home beside the CEO himself, tense as a violin string, counting every minute until this ride finally ended.

The second Gabriela set foot outside the shuttle, she filled her lungs with the crisp morning air. For a brief, blissful moment, life seemed a thousand times brighter now that Wesley was nowhere in sight.

Aubrey fell into step beside her, practically bouncing with curiosity. "Tell me-what was it really like sitting next to Mr. Moss?"

Gabriela's expression didn't budge as she answered, "Like a naughty child caught in the act."

Blinked in confusion, Aubrey pressed. "Why?"

Gabriela let out a theatrical sigh. "Because I wouldn't dare move an inch!"

A look of pure sympathy washed over Aubrey's face. Without another word, she suddenly hurried off, casting Gabriela a glance so mournful it was almost comical-like she'd just seen something terrifying.

Gabriela frowned, tempted to call after her, but something on her phone caught her attention-a new friend request on WhatsApp from a bizarre jumble of letters. Figuring it was just spam, she declined it without a second thought.

Almost instantly, the same friend requestreappeared. This time, there was a message attached. "You left something behind."

Gabriela racked her brain, trying to remember if she'd actually forgotten anything. As far as she could tell, nothing of hers was missing.

She nearly brushed off themessage, but then a joltof panic shot through her.

What if she had forgotten something in Brenden's hotel room last night?

Her stomach dropped. That would be a disaster.

Was this friendrequest actually from Brenden?

With her nerves on edge,she hit "accept" and typed, "What do you want?"

Almost ten minutes dragged by beforea reply finally popped up. "Teaching you, naughty girl, a good lesson."

Gabriela's heart skipped a beat.

Had Brenden heard her venting about Wesley earlier? That would explain why Aubrey had made such a hasty getaway.

But what truly unsettled her was this odd tone-the person on WhatsApp felt less like Brenden and far more like Wesley himself.

That couldn't be right, could it?

Gabriela raked her fingers through her hair, half-laughing at her own paranoia.Clearly, she was just being ridiculous.

Without overthinking, she hurriedly typed out a message. "About last night-it was all just a mistake, Mr. Saunders. Let's put it behind us, all right?"

The moment she sent it, dread washed over her. That sounded way tooblunt. Panic-flushed, she yanked the message back and tried again. "When would be a good time for me to come by and collect my things?"

Meanwhile, in the CEO's sleek office, Wesley sat behind his imposing desk. His jaw tightened as he read Gabriela's text. Each keystroke came down cold and deliberate. "You actually thought I'm Brenden?"

Gabriela could practically hear the tension crackling in the silence, picturing him grinding his teeth on the other end of the line. Her stomach twisted itself into knots as she responded, "Aren't you?"

The screen stayed stubbornly blank.Nothing came back.

Was Brenden just messing with herthis whole time, and now that she'd caught on, he was pissed off?

That was funny. If anyone had the right to be pissed off, it was definitely her.

These situations always ended up with the woman taking the fall, every single time.

If she had even an ounce of true courage, she'd be striking back, going after Brenden with no mercy. Losing her job? So what?

But deep down, she wasn't really that fearless.

Gabriela forced herself to swallow her prideand asked quietly, "Mr. Saunders, when would you have time? I need to collect my things."

His reply was frosty and abrupt. "Just wait."

The blunt dismissal left Gabriela reeling, at a total loss.

Wait? But for how long?

With the team-building event over, everyone had left for the day. The shuttle had already dropped them at the office, and her colleagues had all vanished.

Even Aubrey was nowhere to be seen. Gabriela found herself alone in the echoing lobby, the empty space making her anxiety swell.

How long was she supposed to stand here, waiting for a man who clearly had nointention of making things easy for her?

第3章 Chapter 3 He Was Just Plain Difficult Night closed in, painting the city in deep shadows.

Gabriela sat hunched over her phone, the screen casting a pale glow across her tense features. Brenden hadn't sent a single update about collecting her things, nor bothered to answer any of her frantic texts.

A cold dread seeped into her bones. What exactly was he waiting for? Did he want to corner her just to sleep with her again?

After last night's tangled, reckless affair, wasn't he satisfied?

She longed to walk away, but anxiety nagged at her.

Apex Group was influential, and she considered herself lucky to have been accepted as an intern. Angering Brenden, her boss, now would be as good as throwing her own future away.

Gabriela sat alone, nerves raw, endlesslycycling through half-remembered fragments of the company's protocol in her head.

She tried every trick she knewto steady herself, even willing her own heartbeat to slow.

In the end, reality won out. Afterall, her entire future at Apex Group hung by a thread Brenden held.

Worse yet, she was the one who had stumbled into his arms last night-drunk and reckless. Even if she wanted to report him, who would take her side?

By the time the wall clock ticked past nine, Gabriela had sunk into numb resignation. At last, sharp footsteps echoed down the polished floor-leather soles striking the silence like a warning.

"Well, what do we have here? Who's still hanging aroundat this hour?" Brenden's breezy voice sliced through the lobby, cool and unhurried, making Gabriela stiffen.

She sprang to her feet, forcingcomposure into her voice. "Mr. Saunders, you are finally here."

Arching an eyebrow, hequeried, "You were actually waiting for me?"

As if he didn't already know.

Gabriela swallowed her irritation, searching for a civil response, but Brenden cut her off, his tone suddenly sharp, "And what were you mumbling about just now?"

He'd noticed Gabriela from day one, mostly because of her striking looks. She always appeared so sweet and delicate-every bit the gentle beauty-but in reality, she was icy and kept her distance, completely unfazed by his usual brand of charm.

Why hadn't she just gone straight home after the retreat? What was she still hanging around the office for?

"I was reciting the company's protocol," Gabriela snapped, clenching her jaw beforeimmediately wishing she could take it back.

Though Brenden typically treated hisemployees well, but what if she'd just managed to get on his bad side?

While she scrambled for a way to fix things, a low laugh drifted in from the hallway. Gabriela turned and found herself face-to-face withWesley, tall and impossibly composed, watching the whole scene unfold.

He filled the hallway, his sculpted features casting sharp shadows beneath the overhead lights-a living, breathing work of art. No amount of cocky smirking could dim that allure; a face like his was magnetic in any mood.

Gabriela's pulse stuttered. Just standing there, Wesley somehow raised the bar for every man she'd ever laid eyes on.

Brenden let out a snort, clearly amused by how completely Gabriela was captivated by Wesley.

He had to give credit to his cousin Wesley for hisunmatched charm. Even Gabriela-the company's most aloof beauty-couldn't keep it together around him.

The sharp sound snapped Gabriela back to earth.

That was Wesley, the man who signed her paychecks-her forbidden obsession. And there she was, shamelessly gawking at him like a lovesick teenager. Did she have a death wish?

Gabriela forced herself to concentrate-getting her things from Brenden had to come first.

She snapped her attentionback to Brenden. "Mr. Saunders, about last night-"

Before she could get another word out, Wesley's voice sliced through the tension. "Brenden, go get the car."

Wesley always had his own driver, but Brenden clearly knew better than to argue. He shot Wesley a stiff nod and slipped away without a single complaint.

Now Gabriela was stranded in the echoing lobby with Wesley, nerves thrumming so loud she could barely breathe. What was she supposed to do now?

Wesley's face was unreadable, but his cool stare made her wonder if he'd pickedup on something between her and Brenden.

Outside, Brenden pulled the car around just as his phone buzzed. When he saw it was his girlfriend calling, he shot Wesley a cheerful goodbye and sped off, eager for his own evening.

Wesley paid Brenden no attention. He slid into the car, shutting the door with finality.

For a split second, Gabriela finally exhaled, relief flooding through her. Maybe now she could escape.

Wesley's presence wasso intense, she barely dared to breathe.

But before she could even move, Wesley's window slid down. His eyes, dark and appraising, landed on her. "How are you getting home?"

Trying to sound casual, Gabriela replied, "Oh, I'll just catch the bus, Mr. Moss."

A sharp frown creased Wesley's features. "Get in."

Panic sparked in her chest. The idea of letting the CEO drive her anywhere was unthinkable. She quickly shook her head, hands raised in protest. "No, it's really fine. I can take the bus, honestly."

Wesley fixed her with a look so unreadable it sent an involuntary shiver crawling up Gabriela's spine. She barely breathed as she eased open the car door, moving straight for the back seat-distance was safety, and right now, she needed every inch she could get.

Before she could settle in, Wesley's voice cutthrough the quiet, cool and razor-sharp. "DoI look like I run a taxi service or something?"

Though his tone was polite enough on the surface, the bite underneath madeher heart lurch. Flustered, Gabriela quickly abandoned the back seat andslipped into the front beside him, fastening her seatbelt with shaky hands.

She kept utterly silent the entire ride. Wesley's face stayed icy, his jaw clenchedtight and his mouth set in a severe line.

Gabriela clutched her bag so hard her knuckles turned pale; herfingers trembled uncontrollably.

After several interactions with Wesley today, Gabriela realized he was just plain difficult, his moods shifting like storm clouds.

She made up her mind right then: from now on,she'd keep her distance.

When they hit a red light, Wesley looked like hemight say something, but after a moment's hesitation, he just stared straight ahead in silence.

Even after she climbed out of the car, that look of cold disdain still lingered on his face.

Gabriela's chest tightened with frustration and a sting of injustice.

She hadn't done anything wrong. She'd never asked him for a ride, so why did he have to act so annoyed?

But the gloom was short-lived. Her irritation flared up-because just then, she spotted her ex, Dustin Owen, standing at the entrance.

第4章 Chapter 4 Brenden Is Getting Transferred Gabriela and Dustin had been inseparable all through college, dreaming up weddingplans the moment they got their diplomas.

But the minute Gabriela dove into her firstreal job, Dustin stabbed her in the back-hooking up with her cousin, Phyllis Haynes.

He didn't even bother to apologize. Instead, he looked her right in the eye and had the audacity to rationalize everything. "Gabriela, I do care about you, but honestly? I care more about having money. We're adults now. We can't just float through life on feelings. Let's not kid ourselves-besides being gorgeous, what do you actually bring to the table? We've dated for years, and you still won't let me touch you! Your parents are gone, and you have nothing to your name. If we get married-if we ever buy a house or a car-it'll all come out of my family's pocket. It's not just the men's responsibility anymore; women have to contribute too. What can you offer? You can't even bring a single cent to the table. My mom's right-you're nothing but a burden. I'm done. Let's just end it."

At first, Gabriela felt devastated, convinced that maybe she really wasn't enough.

Now that she finally saw Dustin for who he was, everything snapped into focus. The cause oftheir breakup had never been her-it was Dustin.

He wanted to take advantage of his future wife for an easy life, all while spinning it so she'd feel like the burden.

And if it weren't for their breakup, she wouldn't have drowned her sadness in wine,leading to a one-night stand with Brenden.

In hindsight, she wanted to scream at her pastself for ever being so blind. How had she let herself get swept up by someone like Dustin?

Now that he'd wormed his way into Phyllis's life, Dustin strutted around in tailored suits, every inch the polished poser, his shameless charm replaced by a mask of fake sophistication.

He intercepted Gabriela at the door, blocking her way. "Why are you getting home so late? Phyllis hasn't slept a wink waiting for you, you know. You're aguest under someone else's roof-don't give the hosts anything to worry about."

Gabriela almost laughedout loud at the ridiculousness of his words.

This was her own home!

On her deathbed, Gabriela's mother entrusted everything-eight-year-old Gabriela, the house, and the business-to her brother, Josh Haynes, asking him to take care of her daughter. That was how Phyllis's family ended up moving into the house her mother had left behind, all under the pretense of looking after Gabriela.

Now, somehow, she'dbecome the outsider in her own house.

Arguing felt pointless. She ignored Dustin. As she stepped forward to leave, his hand clamped down on her arm.

"How can you be so cold when Phyllis is concerned about you?" Dustin scolded, his eyes hard and full of judgment.

Gabriela didn't even bother to fake a smile. "My phone was on the entire time."

Phyllis's excuse was quite flimsy. Who actually waited up for someone without just calling or texting these days? The whole thing was a theatrical act-and somehow, Dustin had fallen for it.

He really was hopeless.

Dustin's scowl deepened, impatience seeping into his voice. "Phyllis couldn't sleep because of you, and you still refuse to acknowledge her kindness? Is it that difficult to show a little warmth to your own family? After everything your uncle's family has done for you, this is how you act?"

He threw his shoulders back, self-important. "Go apologize to Phyllis. And fromnow on, let her know if you'll be late."

Gabriela yanked her arm free and marched into thehouse, done playing along.

Phyllis lounged across the sofa, one arm thrown over her forehead as if she might faint at any second.

Spotting Gabriela, she pushed herself upright, her voice trembling with practiced concern. "Gabriela, you're finally back! I've been worried sick."

Gabriela barely mustered a glance, exhaustion dulling her expression as she brushed past, intent on reaching her room.

But Dustin caught her by the wrist. "Seriously? Why the cold shoulder? Phyllis couldn'tsleep because of you, and you just walk away?"

Phyllis rushed to play peacemaker, her tone soft and apologetic. "Don't blame Gabriela, Dustin. Shehas the right to be upset with me since I hurt her."

Dustin wrapped his arms around Phyllis, glaring daggers at Gabriela. "This isn't on Phyllis," he said, his voice low and defensive. "If you're upset, take itout on me. I told you-my feelings changed, that's all. Don't blame her for it."

Gabriela couldn't keep up the charade any longer. Her lips curled into a cold, dazzling smile. "Oh, couldn't sleep? Sounds serious. Maybe get it checked out-insomnia's no joke. I'd hate for you to drop dead from missing a few winks."

Her words sliced through the room, and Phyllis's face drained of color. Tears sprang toher eyes, shimmering on the verge of falling.

"How could you say something like that, Gabriela?" Phyllis's voice wavered withfeigned hurt. "You loved Dustin for so long-I get how much this must hurt. But you can't blame me for everything. Dustin and I, we genuinely love each other."

Dustin's expression twisted, his jaw clenched in irritation. "Gabriela, I never imagined you could be this bitter and petty. Honestly, I'm disappointed in you."

Phyllis immediately stepped in, pressing a gentle hand over Dustin's lips and gazing at Gabriela with an overdone look of sympathy. "Let's not be too harsh, Dustin. Poor Gabriela might never find another man as extraordinary as you. She'lljust have to settle for a guy who is way beneath your league. I can only imagine how much she's hurting. I feel for her."

Gabriela let out a cold, dismissive laugh. Please, she had just spent the night with someone like Brenden. She didn't like Brenden, but next to Dustin, he was practically a prince.

Gabriela refused to sink to Phyllis's level-she didn't have the energy for such pointless bickering.

Without a word, she retreated to her room and locked the door behind her, shutting out the noise from the hallway.

A hot shower washed away some of her tension. Soon after, she sprawled across her bed, staring at the ceiling as the whirlwind of the past few days replayed in her mind-ridiculous, almost absurdly overblown.

She braced herself for a sleepless night, certain her worries would keep her tossing and turning. Instead, exhaustion took over and she drifted off almost instantly.

When morning came, Gabriela shrugged off the gloom like an old jacket, determined to reclaim her usual carefree self.

At the office, she barely had time to set down her bag before Aubrey appeared at her side, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Did you hear the news? Mr. Saunders is getting transferred to one of the branch offices."

Gabriela's spirits soared. "Wait, what happened?"

For once, fortune seemed to smile on her. Things were working in her favor.

Aubrey leaned in, voice hushed. "Everybody knows he's connected to Mr. Moss.Naturally, only Mr. Moss could have arranged for his transfer." She added,barely able to contain her smirk, "He must've crossed the line with Mr. Moss."

He deserved that for antagonizing Wesley.

But Gabriela's happiness faded as quickly as it arrived. She abruptly remembered she'd left some thingswith Brenden, and a fresh wave of anxiety rolled in.

She turned to Aubrey, her voice tense. "Do you know when Mr. Saunders is leaving?"

Gabriela's pulse kicked up a notch-she had to retrieve her things from him before Brenden disappeared from headquarters for good.

"I heard he's already clearing out hisoffice. He'll be gone any minute," Aubrey murmured, glancing around warily.

Without wasting another second, Gabriela rattled off a quick excuse, brushed past Aubrey, and ducked out of sight. She fished out her phone to send a message to Brenden.

"You're reallyinvested in him, aren't you?"

The sudden, icy remark sliced through theair behind her. Gabriela's grip faltered; her phone nearly slipped from her hands.

She turned around, heart pounding, to find Wesley standing just inside the doorway. What on earth was he doing in the sales department?

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I stumbled out of Room 1205 before dawn, barefoot, lipstick smeared, my dress clinging to me like a second skin. The hallway was silent, the carpet swallowing my footsteps as I clutched my heels and tried to steady my breath. One night. One mistake. I’d come here heartbroken, drunk on tequila and humiliation, and let myself into what I thought was my room—only to fall into the arms of a man I assumed was Brenden Saunders. Dangerous. Reckless. But familiar.

Now, sunlight bled through the corridor windows, and reality crashed down. I remembered the way he held me—tight, possessive, like he knew exactly who I was. The way his voice rumbled in the dark, low and commanding. And the hickey on his neck—the one everyone at breakfast was whispering about.

Because it wasn’t Brenden.

It was Wesley Moss.

The CEO.

The man who just locked eyes with me across the buffet, his expression unreadable, his smirk sharp enough to cut glass. He didn’t say a word. He didn’t have to. That look said everything: I know what you did. And I’m not letting you forget it.

My phone buzzed in my pocket—a message from an unknown number: You left something behind.

My blood turned to ice. Did I leave evidence in that room? A hairpin? A trace of perfume? Or was this about more than objects?

The shuttle home waited outside. My seat was taken. The only one left was beside him.

Do I get on the bus and pretend this isn’t happening?

Do I run before the truth catches me?

Or do I face him—and finally ask what he really wants?