Falling For The CEO Again

Olivia tried to corral Hazel before the child could disappear entirely into the sea of moving bodies and rolling suitcases that filled the arrivals terminal.“Hazel, slow down,” she called, breathless, already knowing it was useless.Hazel, five years old and powered by pure mischief, only lifted her arms wider and made a louder whirring sound as she ran ahead of her, weaving dangerously close to strangers’ legs. “I’m an airplane, Mommy! Look! I’m landing!”“Hazel Wicks,” Olivia warned, the edge in her voice dulled by exhaustion, “airplanes do not land in airports without permission.”Hazel laughed, a bright, delighted peal that turned a few heads, and took off again.Olivia groaned under her breath and tightened her grip on Poppy’s small hand. Poppy, quieter and softer by nature, walked obediently beside her, clutching her well loved stuffed octopus in her other hand. Noticing Poppy’s footsteps were slower than before, Olivia turned to look at her daughter and noticed the little gir

Victor shot her a worried glance, but Olivia couldn't speak. For one terrible, heart-stopping moment, she was certain he must know. That this was cruel punishment, not coincidence. That he was toying with her.But his grey eyes held only cold curiosity. No recognition or spark of memory. He didn't remember the night they'd spent tangled in sheets. He didn't remember the way she'd whispered her name against his chest, or the way he'd held her like she mattered.No, he doesn’t know it’s me. He doesn’t know about Poppy or Hazel. Breathe.Cyprus spoke again, turning to Victor. "I reviewed the preliminary documents you submitted last night, the ones you assured me were ready for client presentation. Page fourteen, Victor. The core financial projections are off by nearly two million. Do you have any idea what that would have done to our credibility if I hadn't caught it?""S-Sir, I assure you—""Your assurances mean nothing to me." Cyprus's voice was ice. "Your work means something. Your re

She opened her mouth, but no words came. Her skin prickled with heat.He pulled the car to a stop and turned to her fully. "If you ever decide you want something from me, I appreciate transparency." He leaned closer, close enough that she could smell his cologne. "Just tell me what you want. I'm very… accommodating."She stared at him, heart pounding, lips parted."Here we are," he announced, pulling back smoothly as if nothing had happened. "I hope you're hungry."He wasn't. Not for food. And the look in his eyes told her exactly that.They arrived at the restaurant moments later. Cyprus handed his keys to the valet without a second glance and gestured for Olivia to follow him inside.A hostess greeted him by name and immediately led them past the main dining area to a private room at the back. Soft amber light glowed from wall sconces, reflecting off polished wood and crisp white linen.Olivia’s steps slowed as she took it in. It was intimate in a way that made her skin prickle. Wha

Every line of Cyprus’ body was taut with restrained patience. His attention shifted back to Olivia. "You should leave."Olivia did not need to be told twice. She clutched her handbag tightly against her chest and nodded. "I agree," she said quickly, taking advantage of the opportunity. "This really doesn't concern me."She rose carefully, making sure to keep enough distance between herself and London. The memory of being shoved into the chair was still fresh enough to make her wary. She slipped through the doorway and quietly pulled the door shut behind her. The instant it closed, raised voices quickly resumed. She heard London's voice first, sharp and accusing. Then Cyprus answered. His voice was lower, impossible to make out through the thick wooden door.Whatever they were saying, she couldn't distinguish the words.Perhaps that was for the best.Olivia rubbed absentmindedly at her forehead. Everything that had happened since she'd stepped into Saint Liman that morning replayed rel

Olivia had barely slept.Every time she had managed to drift off, something had pulled her awake again, leaving her staring at the ceiling long before dawn. First it had been the kiss. Then London's furious face, twisted with hatred as she accused Cyprus of murder. And finally, those photographs. Those unsettling candid photographs.Even now, hours later, they lingered at the forefront of her mind. She had almost told Flora on the drive home, but stopped herself in the nick of time. Nothing had actually happened. She was perfectly safe. At least, that was what she had repeated to herself over and over until she'd almost started believing it.It was probably nothing more than an overzealous fan who had crossed a line. Being Livienne came with strange encounters from time to time. Fans sent gifts. They waited outside hotels. They occasionally learned more about her than she found entirely comfortable.Perhaps this was simply another one of those situations. The only part she couldn't ex