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“I think you’re more intrigued than you’re letting on. I think part of you wants to see what happens when you meet with him.”

I opened my mouth to protest but found myself unable to form the words. Was she right? Of course she was. The man had been the star of my thoughts when I got myself off several times since our first encounter, including when I was taking a bath. But I wasn’t ready to admit that yet. “That’s not—” I started, but my phone buzzed again, interrupting whatever weak defense I was about to toss out there.

This time it wasn’t an email but a text message from an unknown number:

My driver will pick you up at 9:30. Be ready.

I stared at the screen as the blood drained from my face.

“What now?” Cassie asked, leaning across the table.

I turned the phone so she could read it. “He has my personal cell number too.”

“Jesus,” she whispered. “How did he⁠—”

“I don’t know,” I said, cutting her off. “And that’s what terrifies me. I’ve been at this company for a decade. I know everyone. I’m careful with my information. And he just… has it.”

I scanned the bar again, this time more thoroughly. The happy hour crowd had thinned slightly, but nothing seemed out of place. No one was paying particular attention to us. And yet I couldn’t shake the feeling I was being watched.

9

SUTTON

My phone screen was the only source of light in my bedroom at 4:47 a.m. I’d been up for over an hour now debating whether or not I should email Erica and avoid this whole situation. Literally all I needed to do was start a new email and type out: Erica, I’m not feeling well. Cancel everything for today, thank you.

But I couldn’t do it. I had never called out sick when I wasn’t actually sick in my professional career. My father had drilled this work ethic into me since childhood: you show up, especially when it’s difficult. The thought of breaking that streak now made my stomach flip into a knot. Not to mention, I was willing to bet Cain would see right through it, and worse, he’d know he’d gotten to me.

I set my phone down on the nightstand and stared at the ceiling. Cain Ashcroft, the man who had somehow acquired my father’s company, my personal email, my cell phone number, and now apparently expected to acquire my time as well.

I rolled out of bed, knowing that sleep wasn’t going to happen and I needed to get ready to head to the office, anyway. I walked into my bathroom, flicked on the light and immediately winced at the sudden brightness shining in my eyes. When my eyes finally adjusted, I found myself staring at the woman in the mirror and she looked every bit exhausted, worried, and pissed off.

“Do you know who the hell you are? You’re Sutton fucking Prescott,” I whispered to my reflection. “You don’t hide from anyone. Pull yourself together.”

My little pep talk in the mirror didn’t immediately remove the anxiety in my stomach, but it was enough to get me moving. I turned on the shower, cranking it hotter than usual, hoping the scalding water might wash away the anxiousness that had taken over my body.

As steam filled the bathroom, I stripped off my pajamas and stepped under the spray. The heat hit my shoulders, and I closed my eyes, letting it work into the tense muscles of my neck. I hadn’t realized how tight they’d become until the water began to loosen them.

After drying off, I walked to my closet and studied my options. Today wasn’t just another day at the office. I was preparing for battle, and I needed all of the armor I could get. I selected one of my best suits: it was all white and made me feel invincible no matter what room I walked into. I laid it out on my bed and continued getting ready.

I took my time with my hair and makeup to make sure my complexion looked flawless despite my lack of sleep. As I dressed, I mentally prepared for whatever Cain had planned. I knew this meeting wasn’t just about business; it was about power. He was testing me, seeing if I would bend to his will without question.

I refused to bend to the will of anyone, let alone a man.

I picked my shoes next and decided on a black pair of Louboutins that added four inches to my height and made a decisive click against hardwood floors that announced my presence before I entered a room. I slipped them on and immediately felt the shift in my posture, my spine straightening, my chin lifting slightly. It was remarkable how much footwear could change your entire life.

By the time I left my condo I felt ready, or so I was telling myself. When I reached the office, I had just under three hours before Cain’s driver would arrive. I used that time to prepare for the other things I needed to get done today, but all the while my mind was on what the hell Cain actually wanted to talk to me about. But I would never let that be known publicly. The last thing I wanted was for him to even get a whiff that he had me this stressed out. Also, if he thought he could derail my entire day, he had another think coming.

At 9:25 in the morning, my desk phone rang and I swore my heart jumped into my throat. It was Erica.

“Sutton, there’s a driver waiting for you in the lobby. I assume this is for the meeting you have at ten with Mr. Ashcroft?”

“Thank you,” I said. “I’ll be out shortly.”

I hung up and took a deep breath. I gathered my phone, notebook, and purse as I started doing a mental inventory of what I might need. The truth was, I couldn’t prepare for this meeting in any meaningful way because I had no idea what Cain wanted to discuss. That uncertainty was certainly intentional on his part.

When I left my office, I stopped at Erica’s desk. “If I don’t check in within two hours, call my father,” I said quietly, hoping no one would hear for various reasons.

Her eyes widened slightly. “Is everything okay?”