Lila Hart's heart pounded.
Alexander Knight loomed over her, the locked door sealing them in together—trapping her in heat and danger.
His eyes—piercing blue flames that had haunted her since the night she dragged him from a burning wreck two years ago—burned with obsession.
The air between them crackled.
Every breath carried unspoken promises and the weight of her contract, chaining her as his "fiancée" for one long year.
"You can't fight this," he murmured.
The low growl slid down her spine, raising goosebumps.
He pressed closer, hands gripping her hips, lifting her onto the edge of his sleek desk.
Papers scattered, forgotten, as her skirt rode higher, baring soft skin he immediately claimed with his touch.
His fingers traced slow, deliberate paths, fire sparking where they lingered.
"Stop," Lila whispered.
But her voice betrayed her—thin, trembling with a need she despised.
She hated him.
Hated his control, his arrogance, the way he had turned her life into his game.
And yet—her body betrayed her.
She arched into his touch, breath catching when his thumb grazed the lace of her underwear.
"I hate you," she spat, but the words were hollow, drowned by the heavy thrum of desire pooling low.
"Do you?"
Alexander's lips curved into a wicked smirk.
His gaze devoured her flushed cheeks, her parted lips.
"Your body says otherwise, little flame."
He leaned in, his mouth brushing her throat, teeth grazing the sensitive spot below her ear.
A moan slipped free, unbidden.
Mortified, she clamped her lips shut, but it was too late.
His hands slid higher.
He pushed her skirt to her waist, exposing her to his hungry stare.
"You saved me once," he whispered against her collarbone, his breath hot and claiming.
"That night in the rain—you were fearless, pulling me from death."
His fingers tugged at her blouse, baring the curve of her breast, her nipple straining against the thin fabric.
"Now I'm taking what's mine."
Lila's grip on the desk tightened.
She wanted to shove him away, but the traitorous thought of pulling him closer made her tremble.
"You're a monster," she hissed.
But her thighs parted, just enough for his hand to slide between them.
The stroke was maddening, precise, sending jolts of pleasure through her body.
She bit her lip hard, stifling a cry.
His hardness pressed against her thigh, a dark promise of what he could take—what he would take if she let him.
"Say you want this," he growled.
His lips hovered over hers, so close she could taste his breath—sandalwood and sin.
His fingers paused, tormenting her with light touches through the damp fabric.
"Beg for me, Lila."
"Never," she gasped.
But her hips rocked against his hand, chasing the heat she loathed herself for craving.
His chuckle was dark, triumphant, as he pinned her wrists above her head, trapping her against the desk.
Then his mouth claimed hers.
The kiss was fire and possession, his tongue demanding surrender she swore she'd never give.
She kissed him back anyway—furious, desperate, drowning in the storm of him.
Her blouse tore beneath his grip, fabric giving way with a sharp sound.
He pulled back, eyes blazing, sliding his hand beneath her bra.
His thumb circled her nipple until she arched, a whimper escaping.
"You're mine," he rasped, voice rough with hunger.
"Every inch, every sound—you belong to me."
Her mind screamed to resist.
But her body burned, caught in his web, trembling for more.
Just as his fingers slipped beneath her underwear, a sharp knock shattered the haze.
"Mr. Knight?" Claire's voice rang from the other side of the door, suspicion threaded through her tone.
"The CEO of Caldwell Enterprises is demanding to see you. Now."
Lila froze, heart slamming against her ribs.
Alexander's jaw tightened, his hand still firm on her thigh.
Their eyes locked.
The air pulsed between them—desire, danger, and the risk of being caught.
Who was waiting outside?
And what would happen if they saw her like this?