That kiss had my knees trembling. He still has that effect on me, and I curse it to hell!

I have no idea if my stomach had butterflies or if my central nervous system was frying because I've been shaking since I woke up this morning.

Memories flooded my head. Those quirky, adventurous nights-damn! He taught me things I never thought I'd learn about intimacy. He washed away my innocence, and now I'm dirty-minded as fuck.

Cuffs, chains, and blindfolds. They were just ordinary things until I realized how to use those unholy tools to satisfy his fetishes.

I almost forgot everything about some of the dirtier kinks I developed back then, but the man who woke up the woman in me came back and decided to knock down the wall I built.

"If he thinks I'm going to welcome him with my legs wide open-I mean, with my arms wide open-he's wrong. Absolutely wrong!" I exclaimed, slamming the car door behind me.

Still in the depths of frustration, my morning couldn't be fixed by a cup of hot coffee.

Last night was either a blessing or a nightmare. 'Nothing happened.' I should celebrate because I didn't voluntarily strip down and let his gigantic sword stab me repeatedly.

But as much as I wanted to rejoice, I was confused when I actually felt disappointed that nothing happened between Valerian and me.

The worst part wasn't even the unspoken words. I walked out on him in my broken heels, got lost in his resort, and he didn't even try to help me.

"Jerk," I groaned as I ascended onto the veranda of the villa.

The usual beauty of my resort greeted me. Everything looked luxurious and elegant. It's the perfect place for someone having a bad day, but in my situation, I don't think anything could ease me-unless I could choke Valerian to death and rub it in his face that I'm over him.

But am I?

"Finally realized how ugly you are?" My sister's voice immediately greeted me.

This person. I should probably give her an uppercut and send her to another dimension.

"What's with that face?" She asked, trying her best to keep things casual. "You know, I was waiting for you here yesterday. My hair lost its curls, you didn't show up. Not even a text, a voicemail, or a letter. What happened?"

"You want some tea to spill?" I asked, and she bobbed her head rapidly. "First of all, Mr. Blackwood is already willing to sign the contract even before we dined together. Second, he's still a menace, cheeky, and-and an absolute jerk the whole meeting! And last but not least, if you don't want to see me digging up your grave, you should start apologizing to me."

"May I remind you that I'm more than a decade older than you?" She crossed her arms and pouted her lips, which looked like she'd eaten some greasy food and forgot to wipe her mouth.

"Are you reminding us that you're that old?" I retorted and continued to march to the pool area, where things were a bit off, according to the report I received this morning.

The resort is still getting ready to open, and we only have less than twenty days to prepare the whole thing, but there are parts where the quality failed about two percent compared to last year. We also have to plan strategies to advertise the events for the opening since the collaboration between my resort and Valerian's started late-it's going to be a bit of a rush.

"I'm certainly aware of that," she chuckled, following from behind. "And what's with 'Mr. Blackwood'? I thought you were just going to address him by his name when he's not around."

"I don't want to talk about him," I dismissed it before she could say more. But I know my sister-she's a pain in the ass.

"And I heard from Hernandez that he saw you with an entire 'wet look' going home last night. Did you decide to take a dip in the sea in your dress? I wonder if you hit your head." She pointed her finger at the side of her head and widened her eyes.

"I had a rough night because of that guy. I fell into his pool and..." My frustration eats me because I let him kiss me, and I kissed him back.

"And?"

"Nevermind that," I moaned, wincing as I reached the pool area and found a disaster. "What the hell is this?" I motioned my hands towards the largest pool-there's a freaking palm tree in it!

"An idiotic worker cut that palm tree the wrong way, that's what that is, E," she replied, walking towards the edge of the pool. "Is the water being drained?!" She yelled at the manager, standing there with both hands on her hips.

Groaning, I facepalmed. This is another problem.

Some of the sun loungers were damaged, along with the glass door we just walked through.

"Shit..." I muttered.

"I know."

I jumped in place, hand on my chest. Not out of surprise, but out of fear of having an evil suddenly summoned behind me when I can't quite recall casting a spell.

As far as I'm aware, the devil should wear black or red, never anticipated a pink shirt, a beach hat, and a pair of green and white Hawaiian shorts. His toes are showing. Is he that proud to show the world his toes?"

"Jumpy," he chuckled, showing me his rows of white teeth and grumbling his manly laughter. "Bet you drank a liter of caffeine this morning."

It's no other than the last man I ever want to breathe the same air with. What the hell is he doing here?

"Good morning." With that panty-dropper smile, he lowered his sunglasses to give me a wink and blew me a kiss.

I shivered.

"In business, I have a saying, 'Frown, and your business will go down.' Catchy, right? It's effective though." He shrugged. "If you want our business to strive, iron your forehead, baby."

"In which hell hole did you come out, huh?" I crossed my arms and glared at him. "Just how dare you show up here and ruin my morning even more?"

"Believe it or not, I came through the door," he answered, closing the little gap between us. He reached for my face and straightened my forehead.

Swatting his hand away, I took a step back. "Don't touch me."

"So sensitive," he teased. "No wonder why your business is riding on a rough road. You should always be smiling all the time. My father used to say that showing teeth is the best way to attract luck."

"Keep your wisdom to yourself, I don't need it," I spat, heaving a deep sigh. "And I don't need you here, so if you don't mind, get the hell out of my resort."

"Grumpy, jumpy, scaredy cat Ellie," he sang. "Never changed a bit. Good riddance."

"How about I throw you in my pool this time?"

"The morning looks bright and great, why so gloomy? Is it your time of the month?"

I gasped when he suddenly poked what's below my stomach. "You-"

"Keep ranting and I'll kiss you."

"Is that a threat, Mr. Blackwood?"

"More like a blessing. I know how you like it whenever I kiss you."

God, please give me strength not to erase his face.

"E, stop glaring at our partner," Bree chided, pulling me beside her and wrapping her arm around me. I shrugged her off. "Valerian actually volunteered to pay for all the expenses and the damage before we could even announce the partnership. He saved your idiot worker's job and our wallets from going bankrupt."

I shot Bree a look. "Wait, I thought you weren't on his side?"

"Come on, E. You know me. If someone's got the dough, I'm on their team. And in this case, Valerian's got the whole bakery," she replied, biting her lip as she looked at my ex-husband like he was the most delicious steak on the menu.

"You greedy monster," I whispered, earning a giggle from her.

"Just being practical and confident," she replied.

I couldn't tell if she was all about capitalism or if she was plotting something I'd hate.

"I've called an expert, and I estimate everything will be fixed in about three days, before the resort opens," Valerian butted in. "And I think I forgot to mention last night that we still need to discuss the events we're planning."

I narrowed my eyes at him. I could see a pattern of deceit in his pretty face. I didn't trust him.

"Don't worry about that, Valerian. My sister won't miss the chance to perfect the plan," Bree told him, turning to me with those warning eyes. "Right, E?"

Why did I feel like I was being forced into this?

She turned back to Valerian and said, "The contract is ready. All that's left is to sign it." Bree giggled like a tipsy fox before turning to me. "You can't back out. This is the moment where the profit will be sealed with a handshake. Don't chicken out," she lectured, faking a laugh at Valerian.

This bitch.

I rolled my eyes and whispered, "How about I think about it?"

I heard my sister grumbling something under her breath before getting distracted by a machine that sounded like it was farting. She started coaching the workers about their jobs as if she was an expert in labor.

"Always knew your sister had a mouth, but I'm still surprised every time I hear her machine-gun blah-blah," Valerian commented, making a talking mouth gesture with his hand.

He withdrew his grin when he saw my glare. "Since my 'reliable' sister already prepped the contract, I can call our lawyer, and maybe we can meet at my office. When are you free to sign the contract?" I asked, noticing the sparkle in his eyes. He thought I was making the first move. Hah! Jokes on him.

He cocked his head to the side and pouted his lips.

Is he fucking blushing?

"Even if I have a million things to do, you know I'd cancel everything if you asked."

Sighing heavily, I gave him my deadpan stare. "So, when are you free?"

"Why? Eager to work me, baby?" He wiggled his eyebrows.

Jeez, I just couldn't with him. "No, thank you. And concerning the plans for the events, I can write something up. If you need someone to discuss it with, I'll send you my representative."

"Cold," he muttered. "How about tonight, at my place?"

Sucking my cheek, I stepped closer to him. The jerk thought I was going to kiss him. "Are you thinking I'm that easy, Mr. Blackwood?"

He protruded his lower lip and leaned in close. "Should I remind you how you kissed me back last night?" he retorted. "I know you want me."

I froze.

That kiss has been bugging me ever since it happened. I slapped him before I walked out, yeah, but the warmth of it is still on my lips, and the taste hasn't gone away, even after brushing my teeth three times!

"You're biting that delicious lip of yours right now, I'm taking a wild guess. You're soaking wet for me now."

The confidence!

I pushed his face away with my forefinger. "Keep dreaming," I spat, rolling my eyes. "And keep your distance from me, Mr. Blackwood. Hate to see you with a black eye."

Wearing his signature smile that makes me want to squeeze my legs, he hummed and looked at his hands, which seemed like they were made of candles. My eyes lingered on his popping veins peeking from the cuffs of his shirt, and oh lala... how I missed those fingers inside me-no!

I had to erase those creepy memories! They haunted me!

"Then stop looking at me like you want me nine inches deep inside you, baby." He stole a kiss from my lips and wore a triumphant smile as he caught me off guard. "See you later tonight, hmm?"

Valerian started walking toward the lobby with his hands in his pockets, whistling a happy tune.

I watched his delicious figure walk away until he was gone. Then I realized... my sister was grinning at me, pointing at her phone.

"Don't worry, sis! I've got it all on camera!"

Fuck...

The air crackled with a vibrant energy that only New York City at night could offer, a complete opposite of the coast, and for the first time in years, I found myself missing the city's noise.

Three years ago, I'd traded the honking horns and the smell of exhaust fumes for the calming scent of salt air and the endless expanse of the beach. I'd buried myself in the sand, trying to escape the noise and the pressure of my life. Now, I was back, standing in the heart of the concrete jungle, feeling a strange sense of homecoming.

"Still a mystery to me why you suddenly decided to grace us with your presence," my father uttered in confusion, his voice a low rumble as he poured himself a golden drink in the back of his limo. "Last I heard, you swore off these 'boring' events." He air-quoted the word 'boring,' a mischievous glint in his eye.

It had been three days since I'd fled the coast like a runaway bride, ever since Valerian...

My sister informed me that the contract was still pending, Valerian hadn't signed it since I'd sent it to his office. He was probably fuming.

"Is there something you're not telling me?"

Harrison Beaumont, my father, was a master of observation. His eyes, piercing blue and sharp as ice, could detect a lie from a mile away. He was allergic to deception, which was why my sister and I had grown up to be terrible liars.

I tore my gaze away from the glittering cityscape and met my father's gaze. "It's a surprise," I said, offering him a bright smile. "And by the way, the resort is doing great. We're opening more activities, and everything is running smoothly." I hoped he'd be distracted by the good news.

He hummed, taking a sip of his drink. "That's good to hear, but what's not good is that I called your sister, and she had no idea where you were before you showed up."

Oh, crap.

"Breeden mentioned you left the coast three days ago. You know how I hate it when my daughters disappear without a word," he said, his voice laced with concern. "This world is a big place, and a lot of things can happen."

"Sorry, Dad," I mumbled, scratching the side of my eyebrow. "I just needed a break. Spa, shopping, hair appointment... I've been stressed out." And let's not forget the jerk I had to deal with.

"You should have called me."

"I know, I'm sorry." Guilt painted my face, and that was enough to earn my father's forgiveness.

"Just don't do it again, Elodie."

A promise is a promise, and my dad was a sucker for them. He'd made me promise to socialize at this event, which felt like a punishment.

I couldn't decide what was worse: facing Valerian after his... enthusiastic seduction or enduring hours of business chatter while trailing my dad like a fly around a pile of gold.

As we entered the venue, the luxurious atmosphere enveloped me, the scent of expensive perfume, the glittering chandeliers, and the buzz of conversation all spoke of millions of dollars invested, which was exactly what my father was after.

"Who organized this event?" I asked, standing beside the table reserved for us.

"A very attractive, down-to-earth philanthropist. Smart guy. Organizes fundraisers, involved in charity events for children, the whole shebang. Last I heard, he donated a fortune to the typhoon victims in Asia," my father said, his voice tinged with admiration.

My father wasn't one to gossip, so his enthusiastic description of this philanthropist made me raise my guard.

"Right now, this is like an assembly of all the business eggheads. My chance to gather brilliant minds to invest in our company. An opportunity I couldn't miss."

I understood my father's enthusiasm for these gatherings, but I wasn't thrilled about his fascination with the event organizer. The last time he'd been this smitten with someone in the business world, I'd ended up marrying him.

"In fact, it's a good thing you're here. I want you to interact with him, and I don't doubt you know him well," Dad said, his words making my perfectly sculpted eyebrows shoot up in question.

I'm not exactly a social butterfly in the business world, let alone acquainted with every big shot from head to toe. I've met a few, sure, but nothing personal. Unless it's someone I'd rather avoid eye contact with.

But my gut feeling was right.

"Dad, I'm not ready to be introduced to anyone," I said before he could even start. "I've had enough of your matchmaking attempts, especially after the Valerian fiasco. I'm not going to be in any relationship with another businessman you think is 'best' for me."

Straight to the point, as always.

Three years had gone by since Valerian and I called it quits, but those years were a struggle. I couldn't shake the things he'd awakened in me.

My hormones, for one.

"Valerian was, and still is, the best for you," Dad said, his words making my jaw drop. "Honestly, I'm still baffled why you divorced him. It's something I never expected."

I'd kept my reasons for leaving Valerian after two years of marriage a secret from Dad. But even so, he hadn't asked until now.

"Was there something I should know?" There it was again, that dreaded question. I hated it when he used those words, digging into things I wanted to keep hidden, forcing me to speak.

"That was in the past, Dad. And it's an obvious reason, I don't even have to answer," I tried to dodge him, but his stare added tension to my shoulders, a weight I couldn't bear. "Can you please stop looking at me like that?"

"Valerian is a fine man, someone I've known since he was a kid. He's a bit crotchety, but responsible. He treats a lady like a fragile thing..."

I almost choked on my champagne. Like a fragile thing? More like an old asphalt road in need of a good jackhammering.

"I clearly remember him promising me he'd treat you differently, a belle of his life. That's why I was surprised when Breeden brought me the bad news."

"Nothing lasts forever," I commented. "Looks like the event's about to start," I announced, trying to avoid the hot seat my dad was pushing me into.

"Tell me, my daughter, would you perhaps reconsider accepting Valerian back as your husband?"

I frowned, his question feeling like a cursed spell. "Dad, I left him for a reason."

The host stood in the middle of the stage, a cue for everyone to quiet down, raise their glasses, and prepare for a toast.

"I wouldn't disagree that he's a fine man. He's very attractive and a 'gentleman.' He uses his words well and is a man of his word. The kind of guy everyone would feel comfortable with, and that's actually the problem," I recited.

"His charm and good looks will only be a problem if you keep peering through the windows of the walls he built between you both and the world, Elodie. And in your case, I think you even wandered outside those walls."

"It's not my fault he's being chased by a lot of desperate women," I grumbled. "He's simply a jerk, a bastard, and he thinks he can get whatever he wants by flashing his toothy grin."

"I beg to disagree, baby."

My shoulders rose, gasping for air. My stomach tightened when I heard that familiar, smoky voice. All the hairs on the back of my neck started to sizzle as I felt his presence so close.

Valerian.

A charming man in a navy three-piece suit, holding a glass of scotch, looked dazzling and dashing as ever. His eyes, frankly, were glued to me, that sinful smirk plastered on his face.

His presence alone felt like a command – strip down, 'open your legs', and be at his beck and call.

"If ever your statement is you, I'd have you as my partner tonight," he added, standing next to me and holding out his hand to my dad. "Uncle Harrison," he greeted formally, shaking his hand.

"Valerian," Dad beamed widely, his hand clapping Valerian's on the back. "I'm glad you opened this event for everyone. You really know how to tickle my excitement," he laughed, a hearty chuckle that rumbled in his chest.

"Who am I not to leave the door open? And it would be my honor to present you the webs of my business. Feel free to collect these great men in your pocket," Valerian replied, his eyes never leaving mine, that smirk still playing on his lips.

Wait, what? It was Valerian, the guy my dad kept gushing over? I knew it!

"Very well, I must mingle around," Dad said, turning to me and catching my knowing look. He ignored it, his smile turning a little strained. "Remember what I told you."

"Don't worry about anything, Uncle. I'm quite sure that Ellie will behave, I'll keep her company," the jerk insisted, his hand already on the small of my back, a possessive gesture that sent a shiver down my spine.

My back straightened instinctively, the air catching in my throat.

"Keep my daughter safe and make sure she won't leave this event without telling you or without my consent," Dad demanded, his voice a low growl that could only be directed at Valerian. Valerian saluted, a mockingly exaggerated gesture, before my father disappeared into the crowd.

"Great," I muttered under my breath. "Just great."

I'd left the coast for a reason. And that reason had followed me here, right here in the city. How wonderful!

"On the contrary, leaving me hanging isn't so good at all, Ellie," he whispered, his breath warm against my ear as he pulled me closer. The scent of his cologne, a mix of leather and something spicy, filled my senses.

His hand rested on my belly, closing the space between us. My bare back tingled where his suit brushed against my skin, the heat of his body hinting from the fabric.

"Remember what happens to good girls misbehaving, baby?" he murmured, his lips brushing against my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. The words were a low growl, laced with a danger and lust. "I think you remember it well."

The memory of our sinful nights. Those night when he kept me up all night, screaming his name, biting the sheets, and being punished.

Cuffed in bed or tied on my back. Those memories had me squeezing my legs tight.

"Don't even think about it," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the soft music and chatter of the crowd. I tried to pull away, but his grip tightened on my waist, holding me close.

He chuckled, a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine. "Don't worry, baby. I'm not going to do anything you don't want."

But I knew better. I knew that look in his eyes, the way he held me, the way he spoke to me. He was playing with me, and I was falling for it. Again.