Collide Into Ruin

Emilia stretched lazily in the grand suite bed, sunlight spilling through the sheer curtains. The soreness in her neck made her frown, and she absently rubbed the spot. Shrugging it off, she slid out of bed, the plush carpet soft beneath her feet.

Henry was already up, standing by the window with a coffee in hand, his suit jacket draped over a chair. "Morning, sleepyhead."

"Morning," she murmured, eyeing the steam curling from his mug. "Any chance, that coffee is for me?"

"Nope," he said smugly, taking a slow, deliberate sip.

She rolled her eyes and padded to the bathroom. Flicking on the lights, she caught sight of herself in the mirror—and froze. A cluster of deep, purplish marks trailed down her neck. Her breath hitched.

"Henry!" she shrieked, storming back into the room.

Henry barely glanced up, an infuriating smirk playing on his lips. "Yes, darling?"

She pointed at her neck. "Care to explain this?"

He leaned back against the windowsill, arms crossed. "I believe that would be self-explanatory."

Emilia groaned, grabbing a pillow and hurling it at him. He caught it effortlessly. "You're insufferable."

"And yet, you keep coming back."

Emilia shook her head, still biting back a smile as she walked over to the dresser, pulling out a soft robe and shrugging it on. As she tied the sash, her gaze flickered back to Henry. He was fully dressed—crisp white shirt, tailored navy suit, and polished shoes. His hair was still slightly damp from his shower, styled effortlessly.

She narrowed her eyes. "Why are you all dressed up?"

Henry took a slow sip of his coffee, then set it down before strolling toward her. He reached out, his fingers brushing over her cheek with that familiar, intoxicating tenderness. His lips pressed against her forehead, lingering.

"I have a meeting," he murmured. "Potential business partner."

Emilia arched a brow. "Anyone I know?"

His jaw tensed slightly. "Chase Blackwood."

She arched a brow, crossing her arms. "Chase Blackwood? That's...unexpected."

Henry's jaw tensed slightly. "His company wants in on a new property I just purchased. They're interested in partnering up," he explained, his voice measured but tight. "I was about to just say no way in hell after all the shit he's done to you—"

She rolled her eyes and cut him off with a sudden, heated kiss, her hands pressing against his chest. His frustration melted instantly as he pulled her closer, his body responding before his thoughts could catch up.

When she pulled back, her breath was warm against his lips. "Henry," she murmured, tracing her fingers along his jawline. "I don't care about Chase. He's ancient history. But if both your companies can benefit from this—if you can create something good for the community—then isn't it worth at least hearing him out?"

Henry studied her, something unreadable flickering in his expression.

"You always do this," he muttered, shaking his head slightly.

She smirked. "Do what?"

"Make me see things differently. Make me want to be better," he admitted, his voice quiet but full of feeling.

Emilia's heart clenched, warmth spreading through her chest.

Henry exhaled a slow breath, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Alright," he said finally. "I'll hear him out. But if he pulls any bullshit—"