The Merger

Walking back into that conference room full of lawyers feels like stepping into a different universe.

Five minutes ago, I was pressed against a wall with Jake Morrison's mouth on mine, discovering that eight years of anger and attraction could combust into something that left me breathless and shaking. Now I'm supposed to sit in a professional meeting and pretend my lips aren't still tingling from his kiss, pretend I can't still taste him on my tongue.

Jake, of course, looks completely composed. He's straightened his tie, smoothed his hair, and slipped back into CEO mode like nothing happened. The only evidence of our encounter is the way his eyes linger on my mouth when he thinks no one is looking, and the slight possessive edge in his voice when he introduces me to the new arrivals.

"Gentlemen, this is my business partner, Kaia Williams."

Business partner. The words should feel professional, neutral. Instead, they send heat spiraling through me, because after what just happened between us, I know exactly how he means them.

"Ms. Williams," says the lead attorney, a sharp-eyed woman in her fifties. "We were just discussing damage control strategies. The media response has been... significant."

She slides a tablet across the table, showing social media feeds, news articles, and stock price projections that make my stomach clench. Morrison Tech's value has dropped twelve percent in three hours.

"It's coordinated," Elena says from her seat beside me. "The timing, the messaging, the fact that all five CEOs suddenly decided to speak out on the same day-someone orchestrated this."

"Any theories on who?" Jake asks, but his attention keeps drifting to me, and I can see the lawyers noticing the charged energy between us.

"Actually," says David Parker, appearing in the doorway with an expression that suggests more bad news, "we may have an answer. Victoria Sterling from Sterling Solutions is here. She says she has information about the attacks."

Every person in the room goes silent, but it's Jake's reaction that makes my blood run cold. Something flickers across his face-recognition, annoyance, and what might be resignation.

"Victoria Sterling," I repeat slowly. "Should I know that name?"

"She's the CEO of Sterling Solutions," Jake says carefully. "One of our main competitors in the HR tech space."

"And?" I can hear the edge in my own voice, because there's clearly more to this story.

"And someone I used to know. Personally."

The admission hits me like a slap to the face. Used to know. Personally. Which is corporate speak for "we slept together," and the spike of jealousy that shoots through me is both irrational and completely overwhelming.

"Shall I send her away?" David asks, clearly sensing the tension.

"No," Jake says, his jaw tightening. "If she has information about who's behind this, we need to hear it."

"Send her in," I add, because I suddenly need to see this woman who "used to know" Jake Morrison personally. I need to understand what I'm competing with.

Victoria Sterling enters the conference room like she owns it, and I immediately understand why Jake was attracted to her. She's stunning in that effortless way that comes from excellent genetics and unlimited resources-tall, blonde, with the kind of bone structure that photographers dream about. Her designer suit probably costs more than a car, and she moves with the sort of confidence of someone who's never been told no.

She's also everything I'm not. Where I'm curves, she's angles. Where I'm warm brown skin, she's porcelain perfection. Where I built my success from nothing, she clearly comes from money.