The CEO's Forbidden Possession

“Lock the door, Maeve, or I’ll let the security feed run live so the whole board can watch me ruin you.”Xavier Greaves didn’t look up from his desk. He didn't have to; his presence pinned me in place. I locked the door on instinct, the deadbolt clicking like a final sentence.“Come here,” he commanded.I walked toward him, my pulse thudding. The air was thick with bourbon and predatory intent. He was a wall of tailored wool and raw, terrifying power."You’re three minutes late," he said, finally raising his gaze. His eyes were flint, hard and unreadable. "In my world, three minutes is worth ten million dollars. Do you have ten million dollars, Maeve?""No, sir. I... my father’s debt—""I don't give a fuck about your father’s debt. Not in the way you think." He stood up, and the room shrank. He was massive, his shoulders blocking the city lights. He stepped so close I felt the searing heat of his body clashing with the industrial AC. "You’re shaking. Is that fear, or are you already

The basement archives were freezing. It was midnight, and a single light bulb flickered over the rows of old files. I clutched a folder to my chest, turning to leave, but Xavier was already there, blocking the only way out."Working late, Maeve? Or just hiding?"His voice was a low rasp that made me jump. "I’m done. I was just heading up.""You aren't done until the debt is paid." He walked toward me, his boots clicking slow on the concrete. "The interest is piling up faster than you can file those papers.""I’m doing my best, Xavier.""Your best isn't enough." He stopped in front of me. I heard the sharp, metallic snap of his belt buckle. The sound of leather sliding through his loops made my stomach drop. "Hands on the shelf. Now.""Xavier, don't—""I said hands on the shelf!" He grabbed my arm and swung me around. He shoved me hard against the tall metal shelving unit. The cold metal bit into my cheek and chest. He grabbed my wrists and hauled them high above my head.He didn't ju

The limo door slammed shut with a heavy thud. Before I could even sit down, Xavier’s hand was a vice around my throat. He hauled me toward him, his eyes dark and full of a cold, mean fire. He was pissed. I’d seen that junior dev smile at me in the lobby, and I knew I’d pay for it."You like the attention, Maeve? You like it when he looks at you like you’re something he can actually have?"His voice was a low, dangerous rasp. "Xavier, it was just a smile. I didn't even—""Shut up." He didn't wait. He reached out and grabbed the front of my dress. With one violent yank, the fabric gave way. The sound of the seams ripping filled the quiet car. He didn't care that it was expensive. He just wanted it gone. He shredded the silk down to my waist, leaving me shivering in the air-conditioned chill."The partition is locked," he growled. "No one is coming to save you."He shoved me down onto the leather seat. The leather was freezing against my bare back. He wasn't. He was a furnace, his heat

The drywall was thin. On the other side, Clarisse was droning on about lilies and white roses. Her voice was sharp, entitled, and bored. She was just inches away, separated by a layer of paint and plaster.Xavier didn't care. He had me pinned against that same wall. The surface was cold and rough against my bare front. He was behind me, his body a wall of heat that made the sweat on my neck feel like ice."Xavier? Are you listening?" Clarisse’s voice muffled through the wall. "I told the florist the white ones looked cheap. I want the imported cream. Do you hear me?"Xavier fisted my hair, pulling my head back until I was looking at the ceiling. His other hand was between my legs, fingers digging into my slick heat."I hear you, Clarisse," Xavier called out. His voice was perfectly calm. "I’m just busy with some paperwork."He leaned down, his mouth right against my ear. "You hear her, Maeve? She’s picking out flowers for a wedding that’s never going to happen. Because you’re her