CHAPTER 3: ENTER THE TEMPTATIONS

EMMA

I woke up to find Adrian's side of the bed already empty, which was a big relief.

Downstairs, Helen was waiting in the foyer with a clipboard and three people standing behind her.

"Ms. Ashford, good morning. I wanted to introduce the additional staff who'll be assisting with the holiday preparations and your business needs," Helen said, gesturing to the woman on her left. "This is Sophia Reyes, she'll be coordinating the company's Christmas gala here at the estate."

Sophia stepped forward and I forgot how to breathe for a second because she was absolutely stunning.

"Emma, it's wonderful to meet you," Sophia said, extending her hand and shook it. "I've heard so much about you."

"All good things I hope," I managed, very aware that Sophia's thumb was brushing against my wrist before she finally let go.

"Only the most interesting things," Sophia said with a smile that made my stomach flip. "I'm looking forward to working closely with you on the gala."

Helen cleared her throat. "And this is Maya Bennett, she'll be your personal assistant during your time here."

Maya was younger, maybe mid-twenties, with soft features and dark eyes. And when she shook my hand her cheeks immediately flushed pink.

"It's an honor to work with you, Ms. Ashford," Maya said quietly, her hand trembling slightly in mine.

"Please, call me Emma," I said, and watched her blush deepen. "I'm sure we'll work well together."

Maya nodded quickly and pulled her hand back, clutching her tablet against her chest.

"The third person is for Mr. Adrian," Helen continued. "His new security details should be arriving shortly."

As if on cue, the front door opened and Adrian walked in with a man who looked like he'd stepped out of an action movie.

"This is Luca Romano," Adrian said, and I caught something in his voice that sounded almost off-balance. "My new head of security."

Luca was tall and broad-shouldered with dark hair cropped military short, a strong jaw shadowed with stubble, and eyes that seemed to miss nothing as they swept the room before settling back on Adrian.

"Ma'am," Luca nodded at me politely before turning his attention back to Adrian. "We should discuss the security protocols for the estate."

"Later," Adrian said, but I noticed how he stepped slightly away from Luca, putting distance between them.

Helen dismissed everyone and I watched Sophia walk away with a sway in her hips that was definitely intentional.

While Maya hurried off clutching her tablet and sneaking one last glance at me before disappearing down the hallway.

ADRIAN

Me and Luca were in the east wing study now minutes after Helen's dismissal.

"About the security protocols," I said, sitting behind the desk and pulling up files on my laptop. "The estate has existing systems but I want everything upgraded."

"Sure," Luca said, but he didn't move from the door. "Or we could talk about why you're acting like we're strangers."

I looked up. "We are strangers. I hired you three days ago."

"Through Dominic's recommendation," Luca pointed out, moving closer. "And he mentioned you two had history."

"Dominic talks too much," I said, keeping my eyes on the screen.

Luca reached my desk and planted both hands on the surface, leaning down until we were eye level. "He also mentioned you have a type."

"I don't know what you're talking about," I said, but my voice came out smaller.

"Sure you don't," Luca said, his eyes dropping to my mouth for a fraction of a second before meeting my gaze again. "But if you change your mind about discussing it, you know where to find me."

He pushed off the desk and left, and I sat there trying to remember how to breathe normally.

The door opened again and I looked up expecting Luca, but it was Dominic walking in without knocking.

"Dominic, what are you doing here?" I stood, putting the desk between us.

"Checking on my investment," Dominic said, closing the door and locking it slowly "We need to talk about this arrangement with your sister."

"Stepsister," I corrected. "And there's nothing to talk about. It's temporary."

Dominic moved around the desk and I didn't back away because that would show weakness, so I held my ground as he stepped into my space.

"Temporary or not, I don't like sharing your attention," Dominic said, his hand coming up to my shoulder and sliding down my chest slowly. "We have unfinished business, Adrian, and I'm not the patient type."

His fingers traced lower, skimming over my stomach, and I caught his wrist before he could go further.

"Not here," I said quietly. "Emma could walk in."

"Let her," Dominic said, leaning closer until his lips brushed my ear. "Maybe it's time everyone knew exactly what we are to each other."

"We're business partners," I said, but my voice lacked conviction.

"We're so much more than that and you know it," Dominic whispered, his free hand sliding to the small of my back and pulling me against him. "Stop pretending you don't want this."

I pushed him back gently. "I said not here. We'll talk later."

Dominic studied me for a long moment before smirking. "Fine. But don't make me wait too long, Adrian. I'm not as understanding as I used to be."

Immediately he left, I sank into the chair, running my hands through my hair and trying to ignore the heat still burning through my body.

EMMA

It's 11pm already, yet I couldn't sleep, so I slipped out of bed carefully and headed to the kitchen in my pajamas.

The kitchen was dark except for the little glow from under-cabinet lighting, and I was pouring myself a glass when I heard footsteps behind me.

"You couldn't sleep either?" Adrian asked, and I turned to find him standing in the doorway wearing nothing but low-slung sweatpants that showed off the defined V of his hips.

"Something like that," I said, taking a drink and trying not to stare.

Adrian moved into the kitchen and grabbed a glass, standing close enough that I could feel the heat radiating off his skin when I poured for him.

"Your event planner is very attractive," Adrian said suddenly.

I nearly choked on my wine. "What?"

"Sophia," Adrian clarified, swirling his glass. "She was clearly flirting with you though."

"And your bodyguard was clearly undressing you with his eyes," I countered. "So I guess we both have interesting staff."

Adrian laughed and it was the first genuine sound I'd heard from him ever. "This is going to be a very strange few months."

"The strangest," I agreed, and found myself smiling back at him.

Adrian set down his glass and turned to face me fully. "Maybe we should establish a truce."

"What kind of truce?" I asked, my heart starting to beat faster.

"The kind where we stop trying to kill each other and actually attempt to coexist," Adrian said, taking a step closer.

"Coexist," I repeated, watching him move into my space. "Is that what we're calling it?"

"What would you call it?" Adrian asked.

"Inheritance," I whispered, and then he was even closer, his hand coming up to brush a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Emma," Adrian said softly, and the way he said my name made something tighten low in my stomach.

I leaned forward without thinking and he did the same, his breath warm against my lips, and then....

I jolted awake in bed, my pajamas twisted around me and a throbbing ache between my legs that made me want to fuck.