Page 37 of Filthy Rich Temptation

Or is he just being poetic?

Theo –poetic?

‘I don’t know how to believe that,’ I say, struggling to think straight with his eyes still blazing into mine.

‘Then I’ll believe it for you until you can.’

Definitely,heart-stutteringly poetic.

And I want to believe him. I want to live in that version of the world, where happiness doesn’t come at a cost. But…

I lick my lips and his eyes flick down. Just for a second. And that heat returns to his cheeks, twisting his fire into something else… something I refuse to see. Because I don’t trust it.

While his words… they’re perfect. Too perfect and dangerous with it.

Because part of me wants to reach for him again.

To use him like a Band-Aid for a wound that is mine to heal and mine alone.

‘I’ve got you, Sadie.’

It’s everything I want to hear.

And everything I’m afraid of.

Because if I let myself believe it –reallybelieve it – if I let him in too far, I won’t just start hoping again. I’ll start feeling.

And love…

I know that path.

It only ends in pain.

‘Thank you.’

My voice quivers as I tear my gaze from his and focus on Lottie. Because no matter what Theo makes me feel, one truth remains: it’s me and her against the world now. And that’s how it must stay.

Theo has given me a temporary haven. Nothing more, nothing less. And I’m grateful – deeply – but I need to stay focused on the end game: getting back on my feet and creating a safe, joyful home for Lottie. One that erases all trace of the one we left behind.

‘Are you going to tell our pilot her thirty seconds are up, or shall I?’

He’s quiet for a moment – processing what I’ve said, maybe second-guessing what I haven’t – then he follows my gaze, lifts his bottle to his lips.

‘And spoil her fun?’ He smiles faintly. ‘Not a chance.’

9

THEO

‘I’m going to kill him.’

Hours later, having dropped Lottie and Sadie back at the penthouse, I join Axel at Royal HQ – one of Taylor’s exclusive private clubs – and I’m seething. Like take a rattlesnake, step on its tail, then say ‘relax’ and that’s where I’m at.

‘Kill who?’ Axel rakes a hand through his thick, black hair, dark eyes narrowing as I collapse into the leather chair opposite him and grab the whisky he slides my way. ‘If this about your new assistant again, I’ve told you – there are easier, more legal ways to?—’

‘What— no!’ I wince as the alcohol burns the back of my throat and wave a dismissive hand. I don’t have the patience for his twisted humour. Not tonight. ‘Jake’s fine. He’s no Jenny, but I’m cutting him slack while praying Jen will see retirement for the snooze fest it is and make a comeback.’

Axel smirks. ‘Just because you live for your work doesn’t mean the rest of us do.’