Business

Myra's P.O.V

"Stop overthinking," he murmured, his voice sounding deep and sinfully tempting.

His face slowly drew closer to mine, and I did not pull back; I did the very opposite by inching closer to him. When our lips met, it felt like an electric spark, the kind that gave a hint of excitement and vulnerability at the same time.

His arms wrapped around my waist, and he pressed me against his body, while my fingers locked into his hair.

As the kiss deepened, the cool rush of mint from his mouth clouded my tongue.

Beneath it lingered something warm and faintly sweet, like dark chocolate. That made me press closer, craving more of that intoxicating mix.

"Um, Jade... sir," a woman said from behind Jade.

My eyes snapped open and, like a trance cut off, I broke the kiss. Jade's arms still held me firmly, like he wasn't ready to let go.

His frame was blocking my view, so I couldn't see the woman who had spoken.

"Did you forget how to knock?" Jade snapped.

"I'm sorry. I knocked but no one answered," she explained nervously.

Had we been so engrossed in the kiss that we suddenly blocked out everything else? I didn't even hear when she came in.

"What is it, Phoebe?" Jade asked, a heavy hint of irritation in his voice.

"There's a man here to see you. He's just," she began.

"Good evening, Mr. Dantrix. I don't mean to intrude, but we have business to discuss," a male voice said, cutting the woman off.

Every muscle in me went rigid.

That voice. I knew that familiar voice.

Jade sighed as he pulled away from me and turned around.

"Vincent Cross, we don't have an appointment till tomorrow," Jade countered firmly.

It felt like ice water had been poured on me as Vincent's eyes locked with mine.

The shock on his face didn't last long. His gaze snapped back towards Jade.

"I apologize for the sudden, unannounced appearance," Vincent said, though he didn't sound the least bit apologetic.

I'd been married to the man for six years and known him for ten. I knew when Vincent wasn't feeling remorse.

"My manager will escort you to my office. I will be with you momentarily," Jade said, his tone stiff.

Vincent simply nodded and left with the woman.

Just like that? Why didn't he say anything?

"I need to attend to that guy," Jade's voice snapped me from my thoughts. "I'm sorry about tonight. This is not how I planned for things to go."

"Nothing's ruined yet. Just finish up your business. I'll be here waiting," I replied, as I brushed past him and went to sit on one of the plush leather sofas.

Jade stood for a few seconds longer, his gaze lingering on me with genuine concern, before he finally turned and left. I let out a long, shaky breath the moment I was completely alone.

I'd been so incredibly tense that my shoulders actually throbbed.

If Jade had been staring directly at my face when I first saw Vincent, he easily could have realized that we had history with each other.

My heart continued to hammer wildly against my ribs as I leaned my head back against the soft leather cushions, trying to calm my frayed nerves.

I sat there all by myself for the next long ten minutes. The luxurious room must be completely soundproof because I couldn't hear a single thing from the chaotic, rowdy club downstairs.

The absence of noise felt like a thick absence, making the ticking of my own thoughts sounded much louder as I wondered why on earth Vincent had picked this very night to come here.

What demon was controlling the man's thought.

Eventually I got pressed and had to pee. There was a clean, private restroom attached to the lounge, so I simply used it.

After washing my hands thoroughly with the lavender-scented soap, I stood in front of the large mirror and tried to carefully retouch my faded lipgloss.

I suddenly heard the heavy lounge door click open, and I smiled at the immediate thought of Jade having returned so quickly.

I quickly finished up, throwing the gloss back into my small purse, and stepped out into the main room. But when I did, the remaining heat completely drained from my face.

"Congratulations, Myra. I really didn't think you had it in you," Vincent stared me down from my head to my toes, his jaw clenched tightly with a dark, furious expression. "Barely a month after our divorce and you're out here, fucking Jade Dantrix."