The click-clack of Nicole’s heels echoed across the Cyber10 development floor, drawing Sutton’s attention away from her monitor. She knew that woman’s walk anywhere. It was almost angry. Nicole was heading directly for her workstation, fake smile in place.“Sutton,” Nicole said, voice dripping with forced pleasantness. “Luca wants to see you in his office.”“Did he say what about?” Sutton asked, already saving her work. After last night, was he going to push her into this car service? It wasn’t like she ever went home super late.“No.” Nicole’s eyes turned cold. “He wants you there. You shouldn’t be asking why.”Sutton kept her expression neutral. “I’ll head up now. Thanks.” Sutton leaned forward and locked her computer. Her code was on the system for her new virus software. At this stage, she trusted… well, no one.Nicole lingered. “I’ve been meaning to ask… just how far along are you? Seven months?”“Almost seven months. Why?” Sutton replied cautiously.“And the father?” Nicole’s sm
Sutton stood at the bus stop after her first day in the development team, which had been a whirlwind… no, the whole day had been a bloody tsunami of emotions, starting with the confrontation with Luca to proving herself to the skeptical dev team. At least she’d texted Blair earlier to confirm she was okay and to let her know she and Keira would still be coming over tonight.The sky darkened overhead, gray clouds. Perfect. It looked like rain. Great, this was all she needed to get wet to the skin. Just what she needed to end the day.She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, glancing at her phone to check the time. Her bus was already five minutes late. Other people waiting for buses huddled under the small shelter, everyone avoiding eye contact. It was the thing she hated most about the city.The first drops of rain began to fall, spattering the sidewalk with dark circles. Sutton edged closer to the shelter.A sleek black car slowed beside the curb, before the passenger side
Sutton looked up to find Tyler standing over her, arms crossed, expression amused.“I was,” she corrected, keeping her voice even. “Now I’m a developer.”Tyler raised an eyebrow. “Just like that, huh? Must be nice. What did you do sleep with someone?”The implication wasn’t subtle. Heat rose in Sutton’s cheeks, but she kept her expression neutral. “I have a degree in computer science. I’ve applied for a transfer three times.”“Right.” His eyes flicked to her stomach. “And I’m sure your… condition… had nothing to do with the sudden promotion. Whose is it?”Before Sutton could respond, another developer, Kevin, she remembered, rolled his chair over. “What are you working on, anyway? Something simple, I hope? We’re in the middle of a major system overhaul.”His arrogant know it all tone made her jaw clench. “AI-driven virus detection self thinking,” she said, turning her screen slightly so they could see. “It adapts to new threats in real-time by analyzing behavior patterns rather than r
Her hands trembled slightly as she pulled out her phone, scrolling to Jake’s number. This was more exciting than getting her degree.The baby kicked, a sharp jab that made her press a hand to her side. “I know,” she murmured. “Everything’s changing again.”Jake answered on the second ring. “Hey, Sutton, what’s up?”“It’s happening,” she said, keeping her voice level despite the storm inside her. “I’m being transferred to development. Luca just told me to call you.”A beat of silence, then Jake’s voice, bright with excitement: “Finally! Someone with actual sense around here. Come find me as soon as you’re packed up.”The elevator reached the lobby floor. Sutton stepped out, still processing everything. She couldn’t still believe Luca was her new boss. After months of believing he wanted nothing to do with her or their baby, he’d apparently been searching for her all along. And now he wanted to get married.Her chest tightened. Too much. It was all too much. She didn’t know if she coul
Sutton pressed her hands to her face, trying to steady herself. This was too much. Too fast. “I don’t know, but I need time to think.” “Of course.” Luca nodded quickly. “Take all the time you need. But please, don’t shut me out. I know I don’t deserve to ask.” Sutton lowered her hands, meeting his gaze. “If you remember, I didn’t shut you out. You pushed me away. So I came home. There’s a difference.” Before he could respond, a sharp knock came at the door. It opened without waiting for an answer, and Nicole stepped in, her face a mask of professional concern. “Luca, I’m sorry to interrupt, but you have that conference call in five minutes.” She glanced at Sutton with barely disguised contempt. “I’m sure whatever this is can wait.” Luca’s expression hardened. “Nicole, the call can wait. We’re in the middle of something important.” Nicole looked taken aback. Her eyes flicked between them, clearly trying to figure out what was happening. “But they specifically requested… well, you.
He stared at her, shock was written on his face. “Sutton... Warner?” “Yes.” Luca came around the desk slowly, like he was afraid she would vanish or bolt like a wild animal. His eyes dropped to her stomach, lingered there, then rose back to her face. The relief in his expression was easy to see.. “You kept it,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “The baby. You didn’t...” “Get rid of him?” Sutton finished, a flash of anger rising. “Of course not. I told you I was keeping her.” “He?” Luca’s eyes widened further. “It’s a boy?” Sutton shook her head. “No, just a figure of speech… better than ‘it.’” “Jesus Christ,” he breathed, running a hand through his hair. “All this time... I’ve been looking for you. Everywhere. And you’ve been here. Working for my company.” “I didn’t know it was your company until this morning. I knew about the new owner, but I didn’t know it was you,” Sutton said. “And it’s not like I’ve been hiding. I’ve been right here, using my real name.” “Your real