One Night With Ex's Alpha Boss: Read Chapters 1-5

Fiona

When I opened my husband’s office door, I find Jack and my stepsister, Jessica, locked together in a passionate kiss. The scene hit me like a truck. What the hell is going on?

I always thought Jessica was a good girl. She’d stood by me during the hardest time of my life when my mother died, and now this? My chest grows tight watching them kiss.

When she asked me to help her find a job, I didn’t hesitate to ask Jack, who just got promoted to Partner at his law firm, for help. And this is how she repays me?

By betraying me?! How long has this been going on?

I look at Jessica who has her hands all over my husband. The office door clicks shut behind me, and Jack lifts his head, a slight panic flittering in his gaze. Jessica smirks, wraps her arms around my husband’s arm, and leans into him.

“What’s going on?”

“As Jack’s secretary, I’m simply taking care of him and performing my duties,” Jessica says proudly like what she was doing wasn’t wrong.

"Is everything you've done just a lie to me?"

“You should’ve seen this coming, Fiona. Your selfishness and neglect led to this,” Jack says, and my heart cracks. Me? I’d been supporting him and taking care of everything at home so he could rise in power at work.

“Not to mention, you won’t spend even a bit of that inheritance on me. ” Jack says with a huff.

"I saved the inheritance for our family's future. I want to provide a good education and a better life for our future kids. I'm not being selfish."I hold back my tears so they don't fall.

“What about my future? I’ve told you I don’t want kids with you.”

Another crack in my soft heart. He always knew I wanted children, even when we were dating.

Jack’s eyes roam my figure before he continues, “Plus, the homely matron look isn’t working for me. There’s no sex appeal, Fiona. You’re just not attractive anymore.”

I glance down at my light pink dress, sliding my hands across the soft material. It’s a pretty dress.

When I look at Jack again, the disgust is written clearly across his expression, and the final crack spreads across my heart, breaking it into two pieces. How foolish I’ve been to trust a man to change.

“I want a divorce,” I state, forcing my voice not to quiver.

From the smile that curves his lips, I realize he doesn’t care.

Jessica laughs and then sneers at me.

“Jack is now a partner at Silverclaw Law firm,” she tells me, patting his chest. It’s like she’s staking a claim. “He’s outstanding. Do you really think he’d be afraid to divorce you?”

I glare at her, letting my anger at the situation slip through.

Jessica continues, “And to be honest, your mother’s inheritance will soon be in our pockets. Do you, a mere housewife, think you can stand a chance against us in the upper class?”

How would my mother’s five million inheritance be in their pockets?

“Stop,” Jack orders.

Jessica smiles like she’s won and leans into Jack’s side again as she says, “Jack has a meeting soon. Please leave.”

I clench my shaking hands together behind me as Jessica waves me away. Had everyone except me known about their tryst?

As I turn and leave, tears fill my eyes, blurring my vision while I struggle with the reality that my marriage and friendship are falling apart.

My life is a lie.

Starting my car, I wipe the tears on my cheeks. My hands continue to shake as I drive, and I bite into my lip to force the tears back.

Sniffling, I squint my eyes against the rain and realize I’ve parked and climbed out of my car. The light above the bar’s entrance flickers just as thunder rolls above me. My feet move on their own, bringing me closer and closer.

Music floats through the bar and people sit around quietly drinking and making conversation until I walk in looking like a cat that’s been dunked in water and then thrown into the room.

I ignore the stares from men as I walk up to the bar and order something strong. The bartender winks and turns around, grabbing a bottle of amber-colored liquid to pour into a glass with ice.

“How you doing, beautiful?” He asks, sliding the glass across the bar.

“Fine,” I mumble then lift the glass to my lips.

The spicy liquid burns a path down my throat, and I can’t hold back the coughs that force their way out of my chest. He slides a second glass toward me. I down the alcohol, again coughing as the liquid burns my chest.

“Why don’t you come to the back,” the man says. He’s beside me and his hands are on my wrists.

“Let go,” I order.

His grip tightens, and I whimper at the pain that sprouts in my wrists.

Suddenly, the man is off me and to the floor.

“The lady said let go,” a deep, husky voice rumbles. A shiver runs over me at the command and power in his voice when the man steps between me and the bartender.

Long legs lead up to a broad, muscular back with a black dress shirt stretched tight across it. My fingers twitch to reach out and touch the man, but I grip my hand into a fist to keep from embarrassing myself.

“… alright?” The hard command has dropped from the man’s tone, leaving a soft, buttery concern.

Blinking away the dizziness, I look up to find the most handsome man I’ve ever seen. Dark hair that was probably once slicked back frames soft green eyes. I continue to lift my gaze until his worried eyes find mine.

“Are you alright?” He asks again, his hand cupping my cheek and fixing my attention on him.

“You’re…” I stand and dizziness that slams into me, making me stumble.

Immediately the man pulls me to him, settling me against his warm chest. I curl into him as a thrill rushes through my body. I shouldn’t, but I want more of his touch. More warmth.

“I’m…” he murmurs, his voice soft and rumbly.

“Ethan Montgomery, the billionaire CEO of the Silverclaw Corporation,” I mutter, looking up at him. He’s the new owner of Jack’s law firm. He wasn’t at the party earlier, but his name was brought up several times.

I had heard many stories about the ruthless billionaire, and none of them were good. Everyone says he’s cold-hearted, and I’d heard Jack speak about him with fearful awe.

He’s a man no one dares to defy.

Why was he helping me?

“My savior,” I mumble, my original question turning to dust as I stare into his eyes. Green eyes I could fall into forever. “The prettiest eyes,” I slur, a giggle dropping from my lips.

“Thanks, sweetheart.”

Heat fills my cheeks, but I don’t pull away from him.

Ethan… Mr. Montgomery… he carefully leads me away from the downed bartender, his hands gently guiding me. I stumble over my own feet, but he keeps me from faceplanting into the concrete floor.

“I’d—” a hiccup interrupts me, but I don’t let it stop me. “Thank you, handsome. You have very nice arms.”

The man hums in response to my nonsensical words and ignores my wandering hands pawing at his biceps. I can’t seem to stop myself.

“Sit here,” he tells me, pulling a chair out.

“I’d rather be in your arms,” I slur, nuzzling closer and burying my nose in his chest.

“You’re warm,” I mumble, “And you smell nice.”

He freezes and then leans in, whispering, “Mate.”

As confusion falls over me, I wonder: what’s a mate?

Ethan

As we drive to my house, I glance at the woman, remembering when I’d first seen her.

I’d scented her the moment she walked in. A light floral and vanilla scent that immediately had my wolf’s attention. A delicious, strong scent that had me looking her way as well.

“Talk to her,” my wolf urged, but the glint of a diamond on her finger had me staying in my chair.

“She’s married,” I growled inwardly. It didn’t stop my eyes from wandering over her gorgeous body, though.

Her hair stuck out in a few places as it dried from the rain. The tear tracks were clear on her cheeks as she downed glass after glass of bourbon. The scent of sadness wafted from her, nearly overpowering her natural, addictive scent.

“She’s ours,” my wolf told me, pushing against my restraint.

As I watched her, I realized she’s beautiful... for a human.

The soft lighting of the bar illuminated her fair skin and honey-brown hair. Curves filled out her dress in a delicious landscape I’d love to get my hands on. Even from across the room, her scent calls me, but it’s faint.

What would it be like if I were next to her?

I need to know.

“Go,” my wolf urged again. The bartender grabbed her. This time I didn’t stay seated, and seconds later, I lunged at the man who has dared to put his hands on my woman.

“MATE,” my wolf snared as I reached the bartender’s side.

“The lady said let go,” I growled and snatched him back by his neck. Throwing him to the ground, I stepped between them. He had no right to touch what was mine.

Slamming my foot into his side, I sent him rolling across the floor wheezing before turning to my mate.

Fiona

Gentle hands slide my dress off, revealing my black lace lingerie. Then Ethan’s fingers slowly brush against my shoulders, sending pleasurable tingles through my body.

His hands brush down my collar and to my breast, fingering the thin material.

“Special occasion?” Ethan’s rumbly voice makes my breath catch in my chest and my heart thuds against my ribs.

Heat burns through my body, contrasting tonight’s bad memories.

“No,” I murmur, leaning into Ethan as he cups my breasts. “I just like the feel of lace.”

He spins me around, pinning me to the wall and trapping my hands above me. One dark eyebrow lifts, almost as if he’s displeased. Does he mind? Shouldn’t he be happier the sexier I dress?

“You’re mine,” he growls, the rumble sending heat straight to my pussy. “Only I get to see your body.”

Then his lips are on mine, his hands cupping my ass as he lifts me, wraps my legs around his waist, and carries me to the soft mattress to lay down.

“I…” My words fade into a moan when Ethan rolls his hips. I buck, wanting more of his touch, and whine when he pulls away.

“Patience,” he says, and I watch as he quickly unbuttons his pants, pulls them off, and tosses them to the floor. My heart stutters then races even more as he crawls over me again.

“Ethan.” My voice rasps as if I hadn’t had water for an eternity.

Then his lips are on mine again, his hands cupping my breasts, his thumbs brushing my nipples. I moan into his mouth and lift my hips, needing more. Pleasure rolls over me as his fingers trail lower, finally meeting my pussy.

“So fucking wet for me,” he growls.

“Oh, God,” I whimper. Two fingers fill me, curling and pumping until I cry out. Pleasure builds like a wave until black spots fill my vision, and I can’t hold on any longer.

Digging my fingers into his shoulders, I yank him closer.

“I want you,” I pant. “Ethan—”

“Mate,” Ethan whispers. The warmth between us melds, and in a frenzy of movements, his lips find mine again as he grips my hips and enters me.

Our bodies move in a primal, scorching dance.

Panting, I flop back on the bed to breathe through the heavy wave of pleasure. Ethan pulls me into his side and buries his nose in my hair, inhaling. I smile and inhale as well, finding his unique pine scent appealing.

“You smell like the forest,” I mutter, nuzzling into his neck and taking in the scent again. I’ve never smelled anything so nice.

“How do you feel?” Ethan asks, ignoring my question.

“Amazing,” I murmur, leaning into him. Ethan’s fingers trace the lines of my arms absently as he hums in response. His touch feels electric.

I’ve never felt anything as strong as the pull when Ethan touches me. Jack never made me feel the heat and need like Ethan.

Since we met, Ethan has been constantly touching me. It’s like he can’t get enough, and it’s nice. I feel wanted but confused too because I’ve heard he’s always surrounded by beautiful women, so why me?

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I mumble and peer up at Ethan.

He doesn’t accept the answer because he rolls us over and before I can say anything, his lips are on mine again.

The heat that had died down rears again, taking over my entire body as his touch and spicy scent consume me.

“You were made for me,” Ethan groans against my lips.

“Take me.”

Ethan growls again and flips me to my hands and knees, yanking me back and reentering. I yelp as pleasure slams into me, nearly blinding me.

“Oh, God. Yes, Ethan!” I cry, clutching the sheets as Ethan drives into me. My vision blurs and fire burns through my body. The world tilts as an orgasm breaks me apart, turning me into a puddle of goo.

“Fuck,” Ethan groans and then pulls both of us down to the bed. Exhaustion falls over my body like a blanket, pulling me to sleep. He’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met and I wish we could stay like this.

***

Turning over, I stretch and open my eyes to find the spot next to me empty. The sound of the shower running in the bathroom alerts me to Ethan’s location, and I sigh. I should probably slip out while he’s in there.

This couldn’t possibly mean more to him than one of his usual one-night stands.

Sighing again, I grab my phone and find a message from Isla. It’s a bit early for her to message me, so I unlock my phone and pull up the newspaper notice.

My heart nearly stops when I read the notice. In thirty days, my mother’s money will be transferred to Jack. How is it so soon? How did I not realize it before?

Jumping up, I throw my clothes on and dial her number as I rush from the room.

“Hey, you saw it?” Isla asks the moment the call connects.

“Yeah. This isn’t good, Isla. He can’t get that money,” I tell her.

“What? Why?”

“He’s with Jessica! They planned everything, Isla. They’ve been screwing around behind my back and now he’s taking my mother’s money,” I tell her. “I caught them at the party last night.”

“That asshole!” She shrieks. I nod and slip out the front door, looking around. I have no idea where I am.

“I told him I wanted a divorce,” I say, and she lets out a string of cuss words. She’s so loud that I have to pull the phone away from my ear. Her rage makes me feel better because I have someone on my side.

When I lift the phone back to my ear, Isla is ranting, “That slimy, good-for-nothing, two-timing piece of trash ought to watch his back because if I see him, he’s dead meat. And I know Jack’s law firm doesn’t allow office romances—violators get fired. You could use the footage from last night to report them.”

“That’s a great idea, Isla.”

I hadn’t thought of that, but she’s right. He needs to be taught a lesson.

“How was your night after that? What happened?” Isla asks as I begin walking toward the street.

“I…” My mind reels as images from last night flash through my head. “I went to a bar and then I slept with Ethan Montgomery.”

“THE Ethan Montgomery?!” She shrieks, “Billionaire hottie, Ethan Montgomery?! Oh my God! Really? Ethan’s one-night stands are always with supermodels or celebrities,” she exclaims, making me stumble over my own feet. I knew that, had seen it on the news and heard it from Jack, but I didn’t want to think about it.

“He came up to me, and with the help of alcohol, we ended up in bed,” I tell her and then admit, “And his kissing skills are impressive.”

“He kissed you?! Only a select few know this, and I just found out recently—” she pauses, and I groan. “Ethan never kisses anyone when he has sex.”

My mind reels.

“What?”

No, she can’t be right. Ethan definitely kisses. Honestly, he kissed me more last night than Jack ever kissed me.

Fiona

“He may be able to help, since he clearly likes you…” she trails off, then smirks, “And I still think it’s insane that he’s in love with you.”

“Love?” I laugh, surprised. “Isla, he’s toying with me. Another one-night stand to forget about,” I tell her, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear as I stare at my husband’s computer screen. He’s not in his office, so bet he’s with Jessica right now. The bastard.

Isla sighs through the phone, “Whatever you say, girl. Well, go get that footage and take Jack down.”

I want to smile, but there are hours of footage here to reveal their sin. Plenty to get them both fired and maybe more. So, I hit download and watch as the little blue line creeps across the screen.

“They won’t get away with what they’ve done,” I tell Isla, and after saying our goodbyes, we hang up.

Once it’s finished, I pull the flash drive out of the laptop, shut it off, and grab my purse. Jack won’t see this coming. I’ve always been the perfect little wife until now.

Not anymore. Jack will get what he deserves, and I’ll find a way to get my mother’s money back.

Clutching the flash drive in my hand, I step off the main elevator and walk up to the empty reception desk. I’ve only been to the firm a few times, so as I walk around, I find myself becoming a bit overwhelmed, until I bump into a woman coming around the next corner.

“Do you have an appointment?” The professionally dressed woman asks.

“No, I don’t, but—”

My nerves jumble in my stomach as she scoffs at me and crosses her arms over her chest.

“I’m Ethan’s secretary, Madison,” she sneers. “I know your type—women make excuses to see Ethan every day. Get out!” She flings her arm out, pointing at the elevator.

Surprise at her rudeness hits me. Is she always like this?

“Do you always act this rudely when I’m not around?” A deep voice tinged with annoyance asks from behind me. Guess I’m not the only one thinking about it.

Madison cringes and lowers her head in shame while I turn and face him. I wasn’t planning to see Ethan this soon, but if anyone can help, it would be the company’s owner.

“What brings you here, Fiona?” He asks, glancing at me and his secretary. As we stand there, I notice his rigid posture, cold shoulder, and the thin frown that pulls at his lips. It’s completely different than the warm aura I felt last night.

“You’re here, because?”

“Oh, right. My husband has been cheating on me with his secretary here in your building,” I tell him and show him the flash drive. “He’s also trying to take the inheritance my mother left me, so I want him fired.”

Ethan hums and continues typing on his phone. His eyes don’t leave the screen, and my hopes sink. He’s not even paying attention to me.

After a minute, he leans back in his chair and looks at the clock on the wall.

“If you can bring me a greater benefit, I’ll fire your husband, but until then, I’ve got a business to run,” Ethan says, stands, and then walks away, exiting the office and leaving me there alone. I stand there, stunned at the dismissive comment and the overall opposite attitude from yesterday.

How is this the same man I’d been with last night?

This cold, detached demeanor was more like what I heard about in rumors. The sharp gaze and the unemotional, hard line of his lips were so different. It was like I was looking at a different man from last night. Had I imagined the tenderness from last night?

The gentleman from last night was back to being the cold dictator everyone spoke of. It’s almost like nothing happened last night. Like I really was just a one-night stand to him.

Shaking my head, I push the disappointment away. I knew it was nothing more than that.

Sighing, I scoop up the flash drive from the desk and leave the office.

“Don’t get your hopes up. He’s a billionaire, and you’re just a housewife whose husband cheated on her,” Madison remarks arrogantly as I walk past her desk.

It’s true. If it wasn’t for the random stop at the bar and the alcohol, we never would’ve crossed paths.

There’s nothing between us. Just one night of bad decisions that is better left in the past.

Soon, I find myself standing in front of the HR Manager’s office, filling out paperwork. He looks over the paperwork for a few minutes before picking up his phone and making a call.

“Yes, I’d like to see you in my office,” the manager says into the phone.

A few minutes after he hangs up, Jack walks in, and my stomach tightens in discomfort.

Jack, though, chuckles when he sees me sitting there. I stand and try to harden my features as he looks me up and down.

“You want me fired?” He asks with a smirk. “You want your mother’s money and want a divorce, too?”

I merely stare at him, not wanting to give him more fuel for whatever fire was burning.

“That money is mine, Fiona, and you couldn’t possibly find a good lawyer and win this case within thirty days,” he says arrogantly. His chest puffs out as I realize he’s right. There wouldn’t be a lawyer that wants to go up against the new partner of the Silverclaw Law Firm. They’re known for winning case after case.

“However,” Jack grumbles, “Here.” I watch as he pulls an envelope out of his jacket and slaps it down on the manager’s table. The letters across the front spelled DIVORCE AGREEMENT.

“Throw her out,” Jack says, waving a hand and leaving the room.

Within minutes, two security guards escorted me and my divorce papers out of the firm. I walk to my car, climb in, and unseal the envelope, reading through the agreement Jack had written up.

As I read, I grow angrier and angrier until I nearly scream when I read that I’d only receive $20,000 in shared assets after the divorce. Shared assets meant Jack had already transferred all his own assets elsewhere.

My heart aches with regret as I realize this was practically my fault. If I hadn’t spent years being his little housewife, I’d be able to fight back. I have no connections or skills to fight against my husband.

I have nothing.

My phone rings and makes me jump, but when I see Isla’s name flash across the screen, I answer.

“Hey! I have great news!” Isla shouts excitedly. “There’s a high society party tonight where you could find an amazing lawyer to help you fight back against Jack.”

“A party?” I ask, feeling a bit nervous.

“Yeah. I’m on my way to your house with a stunning dress and an invitation,” she tells me. Reluctance hits me in the chest, but it may be my only option to win against Jack. I can’t let him take everything from me.

Two hours later, with invitation in hand and the dress hugging my body, I step into the party filled with societies elite.

Heads turn as I walk through the crowd, eyeing me. I can feel their gazes on my skin, and I inwardly scowl at Isla for the beautiful, yet exposing dress. The low cut, backless dress reveals much more skin than I like, and the tight fit hugs every curve I have.

It’s not my usual taste and having so many people’s eyes on me is a bit unsettling. However, I don’t feel like the frumpy housewife Jack always deemed me to be.

“Good evening,” a handsome man greets, smiling. I nod, offer my own small smile, and continue walking until a commotion on the other end of the room catches my attention.

There, in the middle of a group of beautifully dressed women, stands Ethan. And he was looking at me. His gaze is fixed directly on me with an intensity I can’t explain. Heat spreads through my body as his eyes travel down then back up my form.

It was more like when he looked at me during our night together. I can practically feel his touch as if we were back in his bed and he was running his fingers over my bare skin.

People chattered around me, walking between us, but it was like no one else was there.

Just him.

Just us.

Fiona

Ducking my head, I break eye contact with Ethan. I can’t let him sway me again, even if my body craves his touch. God. How can a couple of seconds of eye contact have me wanting to curl back up in bed with the man?

I shake off the connection I feel to him. He’d completely ignored my need for help.

I’ll have to find someone else to help me because I can’t wait for the kind man he was that night. That version of him may never show up again.

Walking past the refreshment table, I freeze when I see Jack and Jessica talking with another couple. I move in the other direction and find myself standing before one of the top lawyers in the state.

“Hi, I’d like to speak with you about an inheritance case—”

“I apologize, but my caseload is full,” the man says, cutting me off and walking away. I head to the next lawyer and then the next and the next. Each comes with another excuse for why they can’t help me: conflicts of interest, tight deadlines, high risks, or the strength of the opposition.

One after the other, they turn me down before I can even give them all my information. Had Jack got to them first? Had he convinced them to turn me down?

Anger and bitter disappointment eat at my chest as I look around the room.

“Mrs. Aldridge.”

Turning, I come face to face with a smiling man. He reaches out a hand and offers his name, “Daniel Tharen, Lawyer. I hear you’re looking for representation.”

Hope sparks in my chest. He’s the first lawyer to start a conversation with me.

“Hi, yes. I am divorcing my husband and want to keep the inheritance my mother has left me,” I tell him. “My husband says he has a way to retain my inheritance while only leaving me with scraps.”

“I see. Well, from what you said, the inheritance is rightfully yours,” Daniel says then hums and looks around the room. “Why don’t we take this conversation to somewhere more private where we won’t be disturbed.”

“That would be great. I can give you any information you need to explain the situation,” I tell him. He nods and asks me to follow him, so I do. I didn’t think I’d find someone to help, and hopefully Daniel will be that person. If I can get him to hear my entire story, I’ll be so much closer to opposing Jack.

Once we’ve gotten through the crowd, we make our way outside to the garden. I look around as we walk further into the garden and realize no one else is out here.

“What was this about an inheritance?”

“Um, I got it after my mother passed, and my husband is trying to take everything. I only have thirty days,” I tell him.

An uncomfortable feeling sinks in my gut as a light flickers above me. Silence surrounds us, making goosebumps run along my arms.

“Um, Daniel…”

Before I can say anything else, he grabs me by the arm and shoves me against the brick wall of the building.

“Hey, what—”

I yank at my arm, but Daniel’s grip is strong.

“Let go,” I demand, struggling. Daniel merely smirks and pushes his body against mine, his lips descending to my neck. I jerk but my head hits the brick.

“Stop! Get off me!” I shove at his chest.

“Shut up, woman!” He growls, and I whimper. My eyes only find the darkness around us and with my smaller frame, I know I can’t get free. Pain sears my face and a foot slams into my side as Daniel kicks me to the ground. He’s on me in seconds, pinning me to the grass.

“Help!” I cry out again, fighting uselessly against the man.

Fear and despair wrap around me like a noose as he chuckles, “No one is coming to help you.”

Ethan

Her scent hit me the moment she walked in the room, and I had to force myself to ignore her. My eyes immediately found her, and it took everything in me to keep from walking over to her and throwing my jacket around her.

The damned woman had too much skin showing. Her gorgeous body, those curves, on display and calling for me. Damn her.

The more eyes that follow her, the harder it is to keep calm.

“Ethan.”

“Mr. Montgomery, you look amazing.”

“That suit looks…”

The women around me fight for my attention, buzzing around like annoying flies as memories of the other night flash before my eyes. Her warm body against mine. The little moans that fell from her lips. The way her touch sent heat like I’ve never felt through my body.

Everything about her was ingrained in my memory.

“She’s stunning,” my wolf growls. He’s right. The blue gown hugs her curves perfectly, making me want to peel that little dress off her. But I won’t. She left. Disappeared that morning with no goodbye. She was the first woman ever to dare leave me behind in a room like I was nothing.

“Maybe she had something urgent. You’re too arrogant,” my wolf says with a sniff.

Glancing out over the crowd, I watch as Fiona approaches man after man. With each interaction I watch, my fury grows. I didn’t see her as a flirtatious woman until now. Of course, we’d slept together even though she’s married, but now, to see her coming onto all these men. I growl.

“You can’t jump to conclusions so easily. I want you to go to her,” my wolf instructs.

I scoff and respond, “She’s trouble. Have you forgotten how greedy those ‘needy’ women can become in the end?” They’re all the same. Clingy and after money.

Fiona walks over to another man, talking enthusiastically with him. I look away. She can’t be trusted just like all the other women who throw themselves at me. She’s no different.

“I know you don’t trust women, but I can feel the mate bond very strongly,” my wolf says, pushing me to feel the warmth that runs through my chest. It was never there before I met Fiona, and my wolf keeps tugging at it.

“Ryan,” I call through our pack bond.

A few minutes later my Beta, my second in command, is at my side with a questioning glance.

“Why is Fiona Aldridge attending?” I ask. His job before and on arriving was to make sure everyone attending was checked. He’d given me a few names to be watchful of, but nothing mentioning Fiona so far.

“She’s likely here with her husband, Jack Aldridge,” my Beta, Ryan, answers. Turning my eyes back to the crowd, I find the new partner of my firm in the crowd. He and his secretary are talking with a group of lawyers, laughing.

The man looks happy enough without his wife at his side.

“Does she love her husband?” I ask. When he gives no reply, I sigh. “Investigate her background, and—”

“Get off me! Help!”

Her voice is faint yet filled with fear.

“Mate. Danger,” my wolf growls. I take off, following the pungent scent of fear taking over Fiona’s softer scent. I shove through the back doors and into the garden.

“Help!”

When I reach her, the filth pinning her to the ground sends my blood boiling. Faster than I’ve ever moved, I grab him by the collar and throw him aside. A crack sounds through the air as he rolls, and anger bubbles within my chest.

“You dared to touch her,” I growls, slamming a foot into his stomach and sending him flying into he brick wall with a thud.

He groans in response, and again I glare down at him.

“I remember you—an apprentice lawyer,” I spit. “You’re in big trouble.” I slam my fist into the man’s face and drop him unconscious at my feet. After sending a quick message to my Beta for a clean-up, I turn to a frightened Fiona as she cowers against the side of the building.

Fear and suspicion shine bright from Fiona’s eyes, and annoyance sits like a rock in my chest, and my words come out angrily, “You’ve been flirting with men all night, and this is the best you could find?”

Fiona

“I wasn’t flirting with men all night, Ethan. I was looking for a lawyer to file a lawsuit against my husband,” I tell Ethan. The fear of what just happened still covers me, but with him here, I feel better. Even though he’s acting like a complete bastard.

“Is this really the only way to find a lawyer?”

I ignore his question, the anger finally catching up with me. My face burns and my chest aches at the disgust and anger in his question. It grates on my nerves. He shouldn’t be making sarcastic remarks without knowing the entire situation.

“You shouldn’t have gone around with so many men,” Ethan grumbles. His jaw ticks in annoyance or anger, and whichever it is makes me confused.

“Why would you care who I talk to?” I ask, walking and crossing my arms over my chest. “It’s none of your business, Ethan.”

He may have saved me, but that doesn’t give him the right to boss me around.

“Are you going to continue going through man after man to find a lawyer?”

I gape at him.

“What?! No. I was just talking to them,” I argue. “I don’t have any ulterior motives.”

He watches me then inhales and exhales loudly.

When we reach the building, I take several steps away from him and enter. I don’t need anyone else thinking I’m a floozy, but it doesn’t seem like anyone noticed we’d gone anywhere. Good. I don’t need anyone, especially Jack, bugging me about sneaking off.

“If I can have everyone’s attention,” a man announces, then continues, “I’d like to officially initiate the start of the ball by inviting our esteemed guest, Ethan Montgomery, to the dance floor.” A spotlight suddenly lands on Ethan, and all eyes fall on Ethan as he scans the crowd, everyone watching and waiting.

Nervously, I shift on my feet and take a few steps away, but before I can get far, Ethan has my hand in his. He pulls me toward him and shock filters through me. I never would’ve guessed he’d choose me over the glamorous socialites standing around us, especially with how angry he was moments ago.

“Ethan, don’t…”

My words trail off as he pulls me against his chest and settles one hand in mine and the other on my waist. I stiffen, but the heat from his touch seeps into my skin, relaxing me as he pulls me to the middle of the dance floor. Butterflies erupt in my stomach.

Memories from that night of his fingers, his mouth, his… I shove the thoughts away as heat rises in my body. I do not need to be thinking of sleeping with Ethan when everyone in the building is looking at us.

Envious eyes from women all around us make me bite my lip. My hands shake, making me hold tighter to Ethan.

“Refusing me in front of everyone wouldn’t be a good idea,” Ethan mutters, sensing my hesitation.

He’s right, refusing him could cause me problems, so I let him lead. We swirl across the floor, our bodies becoming closer as we move. My skirt swishes around me as Ethan twirls me out then pulls me closer, our noses nearly brushing.

I take in a sharp, unsteady breath. Forget the butterflies. I’ve got an entire stampede of elephants rumbling around in my stomach.

We’re so close I can feel the warmth of his body seeping into me and nearly making me dizzy with want. I squeeze his hand again, forcing my attention away and allowing my eyes to scan the crowd.

I try to imagine what they see—a poor little nobody and the richest, most handsome man here in a close embrace.

When I look up again, Ethan’s green eyes bore into mine, studying me. It’s like he doesn’t see anything or anyone else.

Does he not care that everyone is watching?

His large hands spanning my waist feel hot and heavy, and I have to force myself not to lean in.

“Why dance with me?” I ask. He could’ve chosen anyone to dance with, to hold close like this, but he didn’t.

Heat runs up my chest and neck, into my cheeks when Ethan leans in, his lips brushing my ear. I shiver at the intimate touch, especially when his fingers slightly tighten around my waist and pull me impossibly closer.

His husky voice scrapes along my nerves and sends a tingle through me as he whispers, “All the other women are trouble.”

Am I not trouble too? With the way he was berating me earlier, I figured he would see me as trouble for him.

Ethan pulls back a bit and stares down into my eyes.

“How is your relationship with your husband?”

The question catches me off guard, and I jerk back. Jack. My husband.

The pleasure of Ethan’s touch turns cold at the mention of the disgusting pig I call my husband. The question is an ill-timed interruption, but my answer comes easily. “I hate him because he completely broke my heart. Everything about my husband is fake—his love and his attitude.”

Ethan smirks, looking pleased.

“Boss,” a voice interrupts, pulling my attention from Ethan to my husband. “Fiona is my wife, and she’s getting close to you with ulterior motives. I’m planning to divorce her because of her promiscuity.” He waves his hands at me, then around the room. “Look how she’s been flirting with men all night.”

We slow to a stop, and Ethan turns to my husband with an irritated expression. Meanwhile, the crowd chitters with insults and disgusted comments.

“How could she do that to her husband,” I catch someone saying.

“Disgusting,” says another.

“She should be ashamed.”

I clench my teeth and turn to Jack. “You shameless man—”

“Look at the marks on her neck from some other man. Boss, please believe me,” Jack argues, pointing at the hickeys Ethan had left on my neck the other night. Before I came to the party, I covered them with makeup, but I guess it rubbed off in the scuffle with Daniel.

Jessica appears at that moment and takes Jack’s side, testifying, “I’m Fiona’s sister, and I know just how loose she is. You’d better stay away from her!”

I cringe at the loud volume of her voice and then glare at Jessica.

“If anyone is a loose woman, it’s you, Jessica,” I shout, pointing at her. “You’re the ones in the wrong here.”

A sharp gasp sounds from someone in the audience, followed by an outraged voice, “How dare she try to blame her husband.”

My heart stutters, and I look around to find glares pointed at me while looks of pity and remorse are aimed at Jack.

“I’ve only been helping Jack with business while you’ve been out cheating on your husband,” Jessica sneers. A little bit of guilt tugs at me, but I shove it away. They started this. Not me.

The crowd around us whispers more, and my stomach twists in anger and embarrassment as all their revulsion lands fully on my shoulders. Why did they have to start this fight in public? Why did any of this have to happen? Couldn’t they just leave me alone?

“These marks?” Ethan asks, surprising me by brushing a finger along my neck. I shiver and without meaning to, I lean into his touch. It’s gentle, like when he took me to bed. A flash of how I got these marks hits me, and I press my lips together.

“I made these marks, so what’s the problem?”

Jack’s eyes bulge from his head, and Jessica gasps.

“These are my marks,” Ethan says again, tugging me closer. My back collides with his chest as his arm snakes around my waist. The whisper of his lips brushing a particularly sensitive mark below my ear makes my eyelids flutter.

In that same moment, Jack takes a step back as his eyes flicker between us.