Six

Nita’s P.O.V.

“You’re beautiful,” he whispered, fingers pressing against her lap. “I like you.”

Nita’s gaze dropped to his hand. A bitter laugh almost slipped from her throat. Five years ago, she had sworn off men. Sworn off heartache. Sworn off every distraction that could take her attention away from Nate.

She didn’t need a man in her life. And if she ever did… it would never be someone like Sam Moore.

“I know you must be desperate,” Sam went on, his tone smug. “Why else would you take this job when everyone else is leaving? Nicro is crumbling. The smart ones are already jumping ship.”

His voice droned, but she wasn’t listening anymore. Her eyes remained on him, cold and sharp.

“You know what?” he leaned closer, lowering his voice to a whisper. “If it’s money you need, I have more than enough. I can make your life here bearable… or unbearable. Depends on how badly you want to keep this job.”

Her lips curved into a slow smirk. “Are you sure?”

He nodded, arrogance lighting his features. “I’m Sam Moore. One of the most important men in this company. You’d be wise to choose carefully.”

His hand slid higher, dangerous in its intent—

Nita’s grip shot out, her fingers wrapping tightly around his wrist. With one twist, she bent it back against his own lap. His smirk faltered.

“If I were you,” she said softly, her voice like ice, “I wouldn’t push my luck.”

Sam drew back with a laugh, though the flicker of pain in his eyes betrayed him. “That’s how you all are at first. Pretend to resist. Don’t worry. You’ll come back.”

Nita simply gave a small nod, dismissing him. She had dealt with men like him before—wolves in tailored suits. He wasn’t worth her anger.

The rest of the day passed uneventfully. She focused on her codes, tuned out the whispers, and when the clock finally gave her freedom, she left early to return to Nate.

---

Driving through the city, Nita kept her eyes on the road—until her instincts prickled. A glance at her rearview mirror confirmed it: a black car trailing her.

Her grip tightened on the steering wheel. Someone’s following me.

Had her identity already been exposed?

She pressed down on the accelerator. The car behind her sped up too, never letting the distance widen.

Her pulse quickened. With a sharp turn, she swerved into a side street, maneuvering quickly to shake the tail. For a brief moment, she thought she’d lost them—

Until the car suddenly overtook her, screeching to a halt directly in her path.

Nita slammed the brakes, heart hammering. Fury replaced fear. She threw her door open and stormed out.

The driver’s door opened.

He stepped out.

Nita froze.

Five years dissolved in a single breath. The world tilted as familiar eyes locked with hers.

“...Nita.”

His voice was exactly as she remembered—low, commanding, threaded with something that made her chest ache.

“Nick.” Her own voice cracked. She cleared her throat quickly, forcing steel into her tone. “What are you doing?”

His brow arched in amusement. “Saying hi to my wife.”

Her frown deepened. “I’m not your wife. Remember? We’re divorced.”

Nick’s lips curled. “If I recall correctly, you never signed the papers. Which means…” His gaze softened, almost teasing. “We’re still legally married.”

She took a bold step closer. Once, she would have trembled in his presence. Once, she would have let his nearness undo her. But that woman was gone.

“Are you here just to remind me of that?” she asked.

Nick studied her, his smile tugging wider. “No. I’m here to claim my wife back.”

Her breath hitched, but she masked it with a scoff. How convenient, after all these years. She let her gaze travel over him despite herself. He was taller, broader, his muscles more defined than before. Time had sharpened him, not dulled him. He was devastatingly handsome—more than he had any right to be.

But she had vowed never to make the same mistake twice.

“That ship sailed a long time ago,” she said firmly. “If you want closure, I’ll sign the divorce papers. Just say the word.”

Nick’s eyes gleamed. “Are you sure? Wouldn’t it be better for us to stay together… as a family?”

Her steps faltered. She turned back to him slowly, suspicion clouding her face. “What do you mean?”

His smile widened, triumphant. “I’m talking about my son.”