VELVET SHADOW: 40 forbidden flames

 STRANDED TOGETHER

Lila.

I stepped off the shuttle bus into the biting mountain air, my boots sinking slightly into the fresh snow. The resort looked beautiful in the brochure, all warm lights and rustic luxury, but right now I just wanted a hot shower and my own room. The conference had already drained me, and I still had two full days of smiling through presentations ahead.

Of course, the first person I saw in the lobby was him.

Marcus Kane stood near the fireplace, tall and broad-shouldered in a black sweater that hugged his chest too well. He was talking to one of the organizers, but the moment his dark eyes landed on me, that familiar smug smirk appeared. My stomach tightened with irritation… and something else I refused to name.

“Well, if it isn’t Lila Harper,” he said, his voice deep and mocking. “Come to steal more clients this weekend?”

I rolled my eyes and dragged my suitcase closer. “Steal? Please. I win them fairly, Kane. Maybe if you spent less time showboating and more time actually working, you wouldn’t lose so many.”

He chuckled, low and annoying. “Still bitter about the Thompson account? That was six months ago. Get over it.”

“I am over it,” I shot back, even though we both knew I wasn’t. “Just stay out of my way this weekend.”

I didn’t wait for his reply. I collected my key card and headed straight for the elevators. The sooner I could lock myself in my cabin and forget Marcus existed, the better.

But the universe clearly had other plans.

The blizzard hit faster than anyone expected. One minute it was light snow, the next the wind was howling and visibility dropped to almost nothing. The resort staff announced that all roads were closed and guests should stay put. I cursed under my breath as I trudged through the deepening snow toward my assigned luxury cabin, the cold already seeping through my coat.

I punched in the code, pushed the heavy wooden door open, and froze.

Marcus was already inside.

He stood in the living room like he owned the place, jacket off, sleeves rolled up, looking far too comfortable. A fire crackled in the stone fireplace. My stomach dropped.

“What the hell are you doing in my cabin?” I demanded, stepping inside and slamming the door behind me.

Marcus turned slowly, one eyebrow raised. “Your cabin? This is mine. Check your key again, Harper.”

I pulled out the key card and stared at the number. It matched the one on the door. My heart started beating faster.

“This has to be a mistake,” I muttered, already reaching for my phone. No signal. Of course.

Marcus walked over to the small table and picked up a note left by management. “Booking system error due to the storm. They’re doubling up where necessary. All other cabins are full. No shuttles running. We’re stuck here together until the roads clear.”

I stared at him, waiting for him to laugh and say it was a joke. He didn’t.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I whispered.

The wind outside picked up, rattling the windows. Snow was already piling against the glass in thick white drifts. The temperature inside was dropping noticeably as the heating struggled against the cold.

Marcus crossed his arms, watching me with those intense eyes. “Look, I don’t like this any more than you do. But we don’t have a choice. I’ll take the couch.”

“No,” I said quickly. “This is ridiculous. I’ll call management and—”

“No signal,” he cut in. “And even if there was, they already told everyone they’re out of options. Deal with it, Lila.”

I hated how calm he sounded. I hated how good he looked standing there in the firelight. Most of all, I hated the unwelcome heat that stirred low in my belly every time he said my name like that.

I dragged my suitcase further inside, jaw tight. “Fine. But stay on your side of the cabin. Don’t talk to me. Don’t look at me. And definitely don’t try any of your usual arrogant bullshit.”

Marcus stepped closer, close enough that I caught the scent of his cologne mixed with the cold air. My pulse jumped.

“Trust me,” he said, voice dropping lower, “the last thing I want is to be trapped in here with you. But since we are… we might as well make the best of it.”

His eyes lingered on my lips for half a second too long.

I swallowed hard and looked away, cheeks burning. This was going to be a nightmare.

The snow kept falling heavier outside. The wind howled louder. And as the temperature continued to drop, I realized with growing dread that Marcus Kane and I were completely, inescapably stuck together.

I glanced at the single king-sized bed visible through the open bedroom door, then back at the too-small couch.

“This is going to be a long night,” I muttered.

Marcus gave a dark, quiet laugh. “You have no idea.”