Page 52 of Accidental Theirs

“Olivia is my business.”

Jealousy jabs me in the gut.

Whatever history they have, it’s an important one. I can tell by the way that they look at each other. There’s not just love there, but anger, too. Pain.

I’m not great at showing my emotions, so I observe other people’s as much as I can.

It probably has something to do with monitoring my parents’ moods when they were using, but I can always tell how people are feeling.

And Dominic, well... he’s conflicted.

“Carter Holdings is in good hands with me, Dominic. You don’t have to worry.”

He nods slowly, picking up his burger and digging in.

I clear my throat. “You have a romantic history with Olivia, yes?”

He doesn't speak, just chewing and staring at me.

“Wasn’t that difficult for you? Last night?”

He groans, finishing his bite. “You have no idea.”

I tilt my head. “Then why do it? Why participate?”

“I’ll take her any way I can have her.” He looks completely unashamed as he stares at me, and I shake my head, marveling.

“Can’t say I relate.”

“Why didyoudo it, then?”

My heart starts to race.

I shrug, trying to keep cool. “Sex is sex. Olivia is a beautiful woman.”

“It’s not more than that?”

I look back at him coolly. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

He sets his jaw. “Stay away from her.”

“She’s my direct employee. I have to work with her.”

“You don’t have to seek her out otherwise. And if you don’t want her?—”

“Who says I don’t want her?” My voice comes out thunderous, and he blinks.

Then his eyes narrow. “I’m warning you?—”

“You won’t keep me from Olivia. You know why?”

He doesn’t respond, his jaw working as he grits his teeth.

“Because she’s her own woman. Makes her own decisions. You don’townher. No one does.”

I stand up, throwing cash down on the table for the meal, and storm out of the restaurant.

What right does Dominic have, coming in here and interrogating me about the merger and then my feelings for Olivia?