The tension between them was unbearable.For days after the gala, Aiden ignored her—but not in the usual way. No, this was worse. He was cold, ruthless, and completely in control. At work, he never spared her a glance, never addressed her directly. And yet, she could feel him everywhere. His presence was suffocating, his dominance over her mind even more so.Jessica told herself she didn't care. That what happened at the gala meant nothing.But that was a lie.Because every time Aiden brushed past her, every time their eyes locked for a fleeting second, her body betrayed her.She wanted him.And that pissed her off.
The Night It All Falls Apart
Jessica had been at the office late, working alone, when she heard the door to the CEO's office slam shut.Aiden.She didn't want to talk to him. She didn't want to see him. She wanted to go home.But as she gathered her things, the glass wall between their offices gave her a perfect view of him. He stood with his back to her, suit jacket discarded, his white dress shirt unbuttoned at the collar. His sleeves were rolled up, exposing strong, veined forearms.She swallowed.He looked furious.Like a man on the verge of losing control.Jessica knew she should walk away. Ignore him. But instead, she found herself knocking once before stepping into his office.He didn't turn."I need to lock up," she said, forcing her voice to stay steady.Aiden's broad shoulders tensed. Still, he didn't speak.She sighed, reaching for the door handle. "Fine, be an ass—""I don't like seeing you with him."Jessica froze.The room felt smaller.Her grip on the door tightened. "Excuse me?"Aiden finally turned, and his eyes were dark with something dangerous."You heard me."Jessica let out a breathless laugh, crossing her arms. "You don't like seeing me with Ethan? That's rich, considering I don't give a damn what you like."Aiden took a step forward. She stepped back."Don't play games with me, Jessica." His voice was low, rough.She lifted her chin, refusing to back down. "Why? Because you don't like when things don't go your way? Because you think you can control me?"Aiden's jaw clenched. "I don't want to control you."Another step."I want to ruin you."Jessica's breath hitched.Aiden was in front of her now, so close that she could smell his expensive cologne, the faint trace of whiskey on his breath. His hand came up, fingers brushing against her jaw—so soft, so damn careful.But his eyes? They were anything but soft."Tell me, Jessica," he murmured, tilting her chin up. "Did you let him touch you?"Her pulse pounded. "It's none of your business."Aiden exhaled harshly, his grip tightening ever so slightly. "Wrong answer."Jessica should have pushed him away. She should have said something cutting, something cruel—but she didn't.Because, deep down, she wanted this. Wanted him."Tell me you don't think about me at night." Aiden's lips brushed against her ear. "Tell me you don't want me."Jessica's entire body burned.This was dangerous. This was reckless.This was everything she shouldn't want.But when she finally met his gaze, her next words shattered whatever was left of his control."I hate you."Aiden smirked. "That's not what I asked."And then his lips crashed against hers.