Back in the hotel lobby, the air felt thick with everything unsaid.

"Take me to your room," I whispered.

"Payton, stop. Not like this." Teddy's voice was gentle as he brushed the tears from my cheeks. "You're just angry."

"No. I want to be with you tonight. Nothing has to happen-just comfort me, Teddy. Please." I pressed myself against him, arms wrapping tight around his waist, face buried in his chest.

He sighed, then led me upstairs without another word

.

Inside his room, a bottle of champagne sat chilling on the small table beside the bed. I dropped into the chair, poured a generous glass, and drank deeply.

"Whoa, easy," Teddy said, watching me finish the second glass in quick succession. "That stuff is stronger than it looks." He settled on the edge of the bed, eyes never leaving me.

I yawned, stretching my arms overhead. "My shoulders are killing me. Will you massage them?" I poured another glass and met his gaze as I drank.

"That's enough." He stood and crossed the short distance, gently prying the glass from my fingers. The moment he did, I rose, pushed him back into the chair, and straddled his lap.

"Oh, Teddy..." I tilted his chin up, grinding slowly against the hard length already straining beneath me. "You're not going to leave me like this, are you?" I knew I was already drunk. Maybe I actually wanted to get drunk so I can finally unleash this want inside me without guilt.

For a long time, I felt so guilty about my feelings for Teddy and tried desperately not to betray my husband. But after what I saw and witnessed today, I don't care anymore. Richard has been cheating on me this whole time.

How cruel.

I gasped as his hands found my ass, gripping firmly. "Are you sure about this, Payton?"

"Yes." I leaned in and kissed him hard, tongue sweeping into his mouth. "Please... fuck me. Hard."

I wanted him-badly. My lips moved over his jaw, his cheeks, his neck. I sucked at the sensitive skin there until he moaned, fingers twisting in my hair, eyes fluttering shut in pleasure.

He pulled back just enough to look at me, then slid the thin strap of my dress down one shoulder, then the other. His gaze stayed locked on mine as his hands cupped my breasts. I gasped, head falling back. A second later his mouth closed over one nipple, warm and insistent. I trembled under the assault, clutching his head to my chest while his other hand slipped beneath my dress, pushing my panties aside to find me already wet.

My mouth fell open in a raw, needy cry. He captured my lips again in a deep, consuming kiss. My fingers fumbled with his belt, then his zipper. The moment his cock sprang free, I wrapped my hand around him, stroking firmly. Another low moan rumbled from his throat.

"Fuck... yes," he breathed.

In one swift motion he stood, lifting me with him, and tossed me onto the bed. I laughed breathlessly as he stripped off the rest of his clothes, arousal written in every taut line of his body. He circled the bed slowly while I hurried to shed my own dress and underwear, leaving myself bare for him.

"I want it hard," I said, voice husky. "Do you mind?"

"Please," he growled, "take me as hard as you can."

He was on me in an instant, dragging me to the edge of the mattress, spreading my thighs wide. His mouth descended, tongue finding my most sensitive spot. I arched off the bed, screaming his name.

"Fuck-yes, Teddy! Give it to me-please-haaa... fuck!"

I came hard against his mouth, thighs shaking. He held my legs up, keeping me open as he rose and slowly pushed inside me. My eyes rolled back; for a heartbeat my breath simply stopped. Pleasure so sharp it felt like dying.

He froze, concern flashing across his face. "Payton? Payton-"

A hard slap to my cheek jolted me back. I sucked in a huge, ragged breath, then burst out laughing, wrapping my legs around his waist. "Don't stop."

"You crazy woman," he muttered, a grin breaking through. Then he drove into me harder, faster.

I rolled us so I was on top, riding him with a desperate rhythm. We both moaned, the sounds blending into cries. "On your stomach," he ordered.

I obeyed instantly. He positioned himself behind me and took me from behind, deep and relentless. The room filled with our gasps, our curses, our shared release as we fucked through the night.

Morning light slipped through the curtains. My head throbbed from the champagne and the hours of exertion, but I smiled anyway. Teddy slept beside me, face soft and peaceful-beautiful in a way that stole my breath. Last night was incredible.

Then Richard's face flickered in my mind. He might have had his own wild night. The thought should have hurt more, but right now it felt distant, almost irrelevant.

I slipped quietly from the bed and started dressing, searching for my panties.

"Looking for these?" Teddy's sleepy voice. He held the scrap of lace between two fingers, eyes half-open, mischievous.

I laughed softly. "So you're awake."

He caught my wrist before I could grab them and tugged me back into his arms. I looked up at his slow, sleepy smile.

"You weren't trying to sneak out, were you?"

"I was... sort of. We still have that morning meeting before we fly home."

He brushed a strand of hair from my face. "You were fucking amazing last night.

Makes me not want to go home at all."

Then he kissed me-slow, lingering.

"Not yet," he murmured against my lips.

In one fluid motion, he rolled on top of me, his lips crashing against mine in hungry, teasing kisses. I burst out laughing as his fingers danced along my sides, tickling me mercilessly.

"Stop-please, Teddy!" I gasped between giggles.

He paused, hovering above me, eyes dark and intense. For a long moment he simply stared.

"You look magnificent," he murmured, voice low and reverent.

A slow smile curved my lips. I pressed my thigh firmly against him, biting my lower lip as heat bloomed between us. He caught both my wrists in his right hand, pinning them gently above my head. His left hand slid down, cupping one breast, thumb brushing over my nipple until it hardened under his touch. A soft moan escaped me. I squeezed my thigh harder against his growing arousal.

Then his mouth replaced his hand-warm, wet, deliberate. He sucked gently, teasing the sensitive peak with slow circles of his tongue while his fingers continued their tender exploration. He released my wrists, and my hands immediately found his hair, threading through the strands as waves of pleasure rolled through me.

This was the first time in years I'd felt truly alive-like color flooding back into a world that had gone gray.

"Teddy..." I whispered, voice trembling.

His hand drifted lower, fingers finding my clit with exquisite gentleness. He rubbed slow, deliberate circles, watching every flicker of reaction on my face.

"I'm going to make you feel so good," he promised, voice rough with want. "Completely satisfied."

He guided me up until I was straddling his lap. His eyes never left mine as he positioned himself, sliding the thick length of his cock slowly along my inner thighs, teasing without entering. The heat of him, the deliberate drag of skin on skin, made my breath hitch.

This time we moved differently-slowly, deliberately. Our gazes locked, unblinking. Something electric sparked between us, bright and undeniable. We rocked together in a gentle, glorious rhythm, bodies speaking what words never could.

It felt like a dream I'd stopped daring to have.

Teddy had given me the Monday off-officially to "rest and sort things out" with my husband. The irony wasn't lost on me. Richard still hadn't come home from his so-called business trip. He'd called once the night before, voice casual, as if nothing had happened.

"Hello, babe. Are you still in Hawaii?" he'd asked.

I'd gone cold. "I've been home since Sunday," I told him flatly.

Silence. Then a quick recovery, excuses about meetings running late. I didn't bother arguing. I just hung up.

That evening I sat curled on the living-room sofa, absently eating apple slices, when I heard the familiar purr of Richard's car pulling into the driveway. He'd texted earlier that he'd be home tonight. I wasn't surprised, but my stomach still twisted.

The front door opened. "Hello, pretty," he said, stepping inside and closing it behind him. His smile was easy, warm-the same one that used to make my knees weak.

"I'm good," I answered, standing to meet his hug.

He pulled back slightly, reached into his jacket pocket, and produced a small velvet box. "Bought you something."

I opened it. A delicate diamond necklace sparkled against black satin-simple, elegant, expensive.

"Richard... this is beautiful." Genuine surprise softened my voice.

He caught my wrist, spun me gently, and pulled me into his arms. "Anything for my beautiful wife." Then he kissed me.

The kiss started soft, almost tentative. I froze for a second-why the sudden sweetness? Did he suspect something? But then his tongue found mine, slow and familiar, and old habits took over. I melted into it. God, I had missed him. Missed this. For years Richard had been my entire world, the man I believed I could love forever.

Until the memories crashed in.

The other woman. The lies. I'd already hired someone to dig deeper; soon I'd have proof. Real, undeniable proof. Then I would confront him.

His hand slid up to cup my breast. I pulled back gently, forcing a small smile. "You should take a bath and rest, dear. We have plenty of time."

"Hm. Of course we do." He kissed me once more-lighter this time-then headed to the bedroom.

I took a deep breath before sitting on the couch again. I really didn't know how much longer I could keep this up. But was he suddenly showing affection? Did he really want me now, or was he just trying so hard to make sure I didn't notice he was cheating on me?

I took a bite of the apple. I knew Richard loved me very much, but he didn't want me as much anymore. Whatever game he was playing was just to keep me from suspecting anything.

I smiled bitterly. In any case, as soon as I gathered enough evidence, I guessed I would take the next step.

The next morning I woke early, but Richard was already up which was unusual. Low voices drifted from the bathroom. I slipped out of bed and padded quietly to the door, straining to listen. Before I could make out any words, he stepped out.

"Good morning, baby," I said quickly,

"Morning, dear." He hugged me back. "Sleep well?"

"Very. Why don't we plan a weekend away-just the two of us?"

He eased out of the embrace, moving toward the bed. "Babe, I don't know yet. You know how business is." A pause.

"Besides, you should get ready for work, right?"

Work. Right. At least there I'd see someone who actually wanted to see me. "Oh-yeah. Of course."

I started toward the bathroom.

"A trip, though..." he called after me. "I'll find time. Promise." His smile was so warm and gentle just the way I like it every morning but what is actually going on I thought.

"It would be fun," I said over my shoulder, then shut the door behind me.

At the office, my phone buzzed mid-morning.

"Hello, Payton." That deep, velvet voice sent heat curling low in my belly instantly.

"Hello, Mr. Murphy." I couldn't hide the smile in my tone. Damn I was so excited to hear his voice.

He let out a low, rumbling laugh. "Come to my office with those files. I'd like to review them."

"Right now?" I asked, already biting the end of my pen.

"Yes." Click. He hung up.

I grabbed the folder and walked down the hall, pulse already racing. When I stepped inside, I set the files on his desk with deliberate care. "Here are the files, Mr. Murphy."

His eyes lifted, dark and hungry, locking onto mine. He inhaled slowly, as if savoring the moment, then rose-tall, commanding-and loosened his tie as he rounded the desk.

"Kiss me," he said simply.

I smiled, glancing toward the door. "The door, It's not locked."

In two strides he closed the distance, lifted me effortlessly, and set me on the edge of his desk. Papers slid sideways. His fingers brushed my cheek. "Do you want me to lock it?"

"Yes," I breathed.

"Beg for it."

"Please, Teddy."

He held my gaze for a long moment-searching, teasing-then turned, crossed the room, and clicked the lock shut. When he returned, he was too close, heat radiating off him. My chest tightened. What the hell was I doing? What if someone-Brooke?-suspected? Fuck it. I wanted him. I wanted him so badly it hurt.

He stepped between my thighs. "Are you going to kiss me now?" His hands slid up my skirt, bunching the fabric.

My legs parted on instinct. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him down.

"Yes," I whispered.

And then his mouth was on mine-hard, claiming exactly what I'd been craving.

I wrapped my arms around his waist and pulled him flush against me. Teddy cradled my face in both hands, kissing my forehead, my cheeks, the tip of my nose-every inch he could reach.

"You're gorgeous," he murmured, eyes locked on mine.

"Teddy, you're killing me," I breathed, fingers already working his belt open. The zipper came down next, and there it was-the thick heat I'd been craving. I wrapped my hand around him and stroked slowly. A low moan rumbled in his chest as he kissed me harder, almost desperately.

He tugged my panties down in one smooth motion, then guided me closer. His fingers brushed my entrance before he positioned himself and slid inside. I melted against him, legs trembling, as he began to thrust-slow at first, then deeper. One hand stayed at my mouth, thumb tracing my lips, while those fearless blue eyes held mine captive.

The office phone shrilled on the desk. We ignored it.

"Yes... yes," I whispered, clutching his shoulders.

A sharp knock at the door.

Endlessly.

"What do you want?" Teddy called, voice strained but trying to sound normal. He didn't stop moving inside me.

I clamped a hand over my own mouth, eyes wide. The thrill of almost being caught sent heat racing through me.

"Someone's here to see you sir. I tried calling, but you didn't pick up." Brooke's voice echoed through the door.

"Who?" he asked, lifting me effortlessly and pressing my back to the wall so he could drive in harder.

"Teddy-" I gasped under my breath.

"Amanda. She says she's your friend."

"Let her wait in the waiting room. I'll be there in a minute."

"Alright, sir."

The footsteps retreated. Teddy buried his face in my shoulder with a guttural "Fuck-" and thrust once, twice more before pulling out abruptly. He strode to the private restroom attached to his office.

I scrambled to fix my clothes,smoothing my skirt, tucking my blouse, finger-combing my hair. My pulse was hammered. What now?

He returned a minute later, looking composed except for the slight flush on his cheeks. He cupped my face gently. "You okay? If you're not comfortable doing this here again, we won't. I mean it."

I searched his eyes. "Who's Amanda?"

He stared at me for a moment.

A slow, teasing smile curved his lips. "Jealous?"

"No," I said aloud, voice even. "Just asking."

A little while later I slipped down to the company coffee shop. I ordered a latte and was heading back when I froze. There she was-the same woman I'd seen with Richard in Hawaii. I could see her vividly from the glass door. Our eyes met; she blanched and quickly turned away, walking faster.

I started after her-instinct, not thought-when Brooke appeared, hurrying toward me.

"Where the hell have you been? I've been looking everywhere for you."

I stared at Brooke confused about what to say for a while.

I lifted the cup. "Getting coffee. See?"

She studied me for a long beat. "You've been acting strange lately, Payton. Is there something I should know?"

"No. Trust me." I said looking over Brooke if I could still see her but she was gone.

"You're supposed to be in your office-not me covering for you."

"Fine," I said, linking my arm through hers. "Let's go."

That evening I drove home, mind still churning. A sleek black car rolled past me just as I turned into the driveway. I frowned. We rarely had visitors, especially not in the evenings unless it was a special occasion.

I parked, stepped out, and glanced back toward the gate, still puzzled.

Inside, Richard was waiting right at the door.

"Baby, you're home early," he said, a nervous edge beneath the smile.

"Who was that?" I nodded toward the wide glass window that overlooked the gate.

He scratched the back of his head. "Huh? Just a friend. Business talk."

"At this hour?" I dropped my bag on the console and crossed my arms.

He closed the distance quickly, hands gentle on my upper arms. "I know we agreed-no late visitors-but this was important. Trust me, okay?"

I held his gaze for several seconds. "Is there something you want to tell me, Richard?"

He smiled-too easily-and slid his hands up to cup my face. "Actually, yes. We're going on that trip this weekend. Just us."

"Really?"

"Yes, my love. I've missed you." His lips brushed my ear-my weak spot-and he whispered, "Your beautiful body..." before capturing my mouth in a deep, hungry kiss.

For a moment I let myself believe it. The vulnerability, the heat-it felt like the old Richard. A dream I'd almost given up on.

But the truth clawed at the edges: him cheating. Me cheating. The lies stacking higher every day. I couldn't keep doing this.

I pulled back gently, cradling his face. "Why don't we wait until the trip? Make it special."

He searched my eyes, with concern flickering. "Baby, are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine. Just tired from work. I need to rest."

"Alright. Dinner's on me tonight." He pressed one last soft kiss to my lips.

"Hmm. I'll go, freshen up first."

I slipped away to the bedroom, closing the door behind me, finally able to breathe.

The weight of everything pressed down harder than ever.

I sank deeper into the warm bathwater, bubbles clinging to my skin, but all I could think about was Teddy.

The way his hands moved over me these past few weeks-slow, deliberate, possessive. The way his eyes darkened with raw hunger every time they locked on mine. A small, secret smile curved my lips. What more could a woman possibly want than to feel so fiercely desired?

But then there was Richard.

Suddenly he was trying to be nice again, playing the perfect husband. And that woman-his lover-had the nerve to show up at my workplace today. Something wasn't right. I could feel it in my bones.

I stood up, water streaming down my skin, dried off with a towel, and slipped into my silk robe. Grabbing my phone from the vanity, I fired off a quick text to my private investigator.

Me: Hello Tom, what have you found? Not quite long, he replied.

Tom: Hello ma'am. Her name is Elizabeth Andres, originally from Germany. Not much yet, but I'll have more for you before tomorrow night.

I set the phone down and took a deep breath. Time to face the performance waiting downstairs.

Richard had already set the table-fried chicken, noodles, hot dogs, and a bottle of my favorite red wine. Soft, slow music played in the background, the kind we used to dance to years ago. I smiled despite myself as he pulled out my chair like a gentleman.

"Here you go, my love," he murmured, pressing a kiss to my cheek.

"Thanks, hun."

We ate in near silence for a while. I watched him across the table, studying the familiar lines of his face, the way he cut his chicken with precision. I remembered the first time we met-him nearly running me over in the parking lot because he was late for some important meeting. How he'd jumped out of the car, wide-eyed and apologetic, insisting on making it right. He'd taken me to a fancy restaurant to "make it up to me," and we'd laughed until the place closed. God, I really did love my husband.

But Teddy...

"So... Do you like it?" Richard's voice pulled me back.

"Like what?"

"The food."

"Oh-yes, my love." I tilted my head, genuinely curious. "What's the occasion? It's been years since you last cooked for me."

He reached across the table and took my left hand, his thumb brushing over my wedding ring.

"Babe, I'm sorry. For everything. I love you. I want this-us-to work." His eyes were soft, sincere. "Business has taken too much of me lately, but I swear I'm going to make it up to you."

Business. Right.

I stared at him, searching for cracks in the performance. His eyes looked earnest, almost pleading. For a moment I almost believed him.

"You look extremely handsome tonight," I said quietly.

He froze for half a second, then let out a loud, genuine laugh-the same deep, unguarded sound he used to make when we were new and stupid in love. The first real laugh I'd heard from him in three years. My heart lurched. I wanted to climb across the table, wrap my arms around him, kiss him until we both forgot the last few years.

Then his phone rang.

His expression changed instantly, the laughter dying as if it had never existed. He glanced at the screen and stood up.

"I have to take this," he said, already standing. "Be right back."

He walked into the living room, phone to his ear, trying to keep his voice low. Every few seconds he glanced back at me and flashed that practiced smile, as if to prove everything was fine.

I wasn't fooled.

It was her. I knew it was her-that bitch-calling my husband.

And Richard? He was just putting on another show so I wouldn't suspect a thing. I don't know what game he is playing or what he thinks all this is all about but I will make sure to get to the bottom of this. I have to know what is really going on.

Elizabeth. Who is she really? And what does she really want?

He returned to the dining room and sat down. As he began to eat, it was clear he wasn't himself. After the phone call, he seemed distant-confused, slightly troubled.

"Richard, what's wrong?" I asked. concern tightening my voice.

"Oh babe, it's just business issues," he said quietly. "I'll have to go back to Seattle."

Fear stabbed through me the moment he said Seattle. He was going to see her again. I couldn't believe he was lying to my face-again.