Chapter 2

Are we still on Earth, or have we just stepped into space? That was the thought clanging through my mind as Todd and I stepped into the event hall. Everything—from the decorations to the catering—screamed luxury and opulence. I was certain no expense had been spared in putting this party together.

I had attended a few of his company’s parties with him in the past, but none of them could hold a candle to this one.

I guessed it had to do with the fact that this party was specifically in honor of their CEO, Morrison Craig—a name that had people, including Todd, whispering in terror. It made me wonder what kind of man could incite such fear in the hearts of others.

Though I had never seen him before—since he never attended any of the few parties I’d been to—I resolved in my heart that if he did show up, which I seriously doubted, I would stay far away from him. From everything I’d heard, a man like that is nothing but trouble, no matter how much money he has.

“Why don't you go get something to drink? I need to mingle with some of the top executives. Besides, this is a great opportunity to network.” Todd leaves without waiting for my response.

I shrug, already used to how he always seems in a hurry to get away from me whenever we attend his office events. It’s almost as if he’s ashamed to be seen with me.

I decide to grab a glass of wine from one of the ushers’ trays as I walk to a corner away from the crowd, content to admire the party from a distance.

“Do you mind if I share this spot with you?” a smooth, deep voice drawls beside me.

I turn to tell whoever the jerk is that yes, I do mind. After all, I came here for some peace and quiet. But the words die on my tongue as I stare open-mouthed at the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. Calling this Greek god "handsome" feels like the understatement of the century.

My eyes drank in those long lashes shielding the most beautiful blue eyes, and those sculpted muscles that could make a girl weep. He radiated masculine confidence—the kind that comes from a man who knows exactly who he is and isn’t afraid to flaunt it. At six foot four, he towered over my five-foot-two frame, making me feel like a dwarf.

My breath caught as I stared at him, transfixed.

“You’re hot!” I blurted out.

Heat surged to my face as I realized what I’d just said out loud. I wanted to groan but clamped my mouth shut before more embarrassing words spilled out.

Jeez! I’m a grown-ass woman. Why am I reacting like a sixteen-year-old girl?

“It’s not every day a guy’s lucky enough to hear the most stunning woman in the room call him ‘hot,’” he said with a smirk, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement as he took a step closer.

Ha! Me? The most stunning woman? I snorted at his obvious attempt at flirting.

I leaned back, trying to put some space between us—to escape his intoxicating scent and my body’s inconvenient reaction to his nearness.

“Does that line always work for you? Because if this is your idea of flirting, I’m sorry to say, you’re doing a poor job,” I said, feigning indifference.

His eyes lit up with challenge.

“Oh baby, I haven’t even started. And I assure you, when I do, you’ll be begging me to take you somewhere secluded and ravish you until walking becomes a challenge.”

I blinked, stunned by his boldness.

My breath hitched, and I felt my nipples tighten. I suddenly had the urge to press my thighs together to relieve the pressure building between them.

I have never been this aroused in my entire life. It feels like my nerve endings are on fire, and this tall glass of hotness is the only one who can cool the flames.

“You're married, Lina! You can't be having dirty thoughts about a stranger!” I internally scold myself, hoping the reprimand will reset my brain.

“Oh please! Studies have shown that men who make the loudest promises often fall the shortest.” jeez did I just flirt back? what in the world is wrong with me?

“Trust me, beautiful. I don’t make empty promises. To erase your doubt, why don’t you let me give you the best sex of your life—so good, you’ll be begging for more? I know just the right spot in this building where we can have some privacy.”

His eyes bore into me with such intensity, it feels like he can see straight into my soul.

I squirm as a wave of arousal hits me so hard I have to grab his arm for support, not trusting my legs to keep me upright. I can't believe he’s blatantly propositioning me.

“I don’t even know your name,” I mutter, grasping at any excuse no matter how weak it sounds. The fact that I’m even considering his offer is insane—completely and utterly wrong. Todd is somewhere in this very room, and here I am fantasizing about having sex with a complete stranger.

But it’s been so long, and my body is screaming for attention.

“It doesn’t matter. What matters right now is that I might die if you say no. I’ve never met a woman who makes me this hard just by looking at her,” he growls, his eyes devouring me like he’s been starving—and I’m the only thing that can satisfy him.

I know this is wrong, but I haven't felt this alive in a long time. After the cruel things Todd said about my body today, this stranger makes me feel beautiful—wanted.

For one night, I just want to forget my miserable marriage, my dead-end career, and all the pain and heartache I've endured over the past four years. So I find myself saying yes.

"Just one night." I give him a searing look to show I'm dead serious. "After tonight, you've never seen me, and I've never seen you. Do you understand?"

"Just one night that I promise you—you’ll never forget."

The smile he gives me is wicked and sinful as he takes my hand and leads me away from the hall to the restroom. He pushes me against the wall, his hands trailing down my body.

He leans down to capture my lips, pulling up my dress as his mouth claims mine. And in that moment, with his touch burning into my skin, only one thought echoes in my head:

What have I done?