Page 72 of Nine Months to Bear

“What would your expansion timeline look like with proper funding?” he asks. His eyes keep drifting to my legs, then back to my face, considering something that, if I had to guess, has everything to do with “fertility” and nothing to do with “fertilityscience.” “If I invest, I want to be properly compensated.”

My skin crawls. I have a feeling he isn’t talking about financial compensation.

Before I can answer, the door swings open. Every molecule of air in the room seems to shift and rearrange itself around the man who enters.

Stefan strides in. My body recognizes him before my brain fully processes his presence—pulse quickening, skin warming, a treacherous heat pooling low in my belly.

“Gentlemen,” he says, voice cold and commanding, “thank you for attending this preliminary meeting. Unfortunately, we’ll need to reschedule for a later date.”

The investors exchange confused glances. Donovan opens his mouth to protest, but Stefan cuts him off with a look.

“My assistant will be in touch to arrange another date,” he continues. “You’ll find your cars waiting outside.”

It’s not a suggestion. It’s aget the fuck out before I throw you out.

I stand frozen, presentation remote clutched in my sweating palm as my potential lifelines gather their things and depart. Not one of them looks at me or offers a parting word. They file out silently, like misbehaving children sent to the principal’s office, tails tucked between their legs.

The door closes behind the last investor with a soft click. Might as well be a coffin being sealed.

Mycoffin, specifically.

“What are you doing?” I hiss once we’re alone.

Stefan saunters toward me. His cologne hits first, triggering memories I’ve been fighting like hell to keep buried.

I back up until I hit the edge of the presentation table.

“I’m here for your protection,” he replies, loosening his tie with one finger. He’s close enough that I feel the heat pouring off of him.

I gesture wildly at the empty chairs, trying to ignore how close he is and how little room I have to keep retreating. “You just scared away every potential investor I had!”

“Good.”

I stare at him, incredulous. “Butyouset this up!Youarranged this meeting! You told my mother—” I cut myself off before I start to have an emotional breakdown. “Is this about the other night? Because that was… that was business. It’s part of the contract. You don’t owe me or… If you regret it, you can’t—” I sigh, not sure what I want to say. “It didn’t mean anything.”

Stefan pauses. He looks at me as he pulls the tie knot looser. His eyes are churning with something almost imperceptible, and I could swear the muscle along his jaw is grinding and jumping like he’s holding something back.

He leans closer. I freeze. Nowhere to go.

“If the other night was how you conduct business,” he purrs, “then I never would’ve left you alone in this room with five men.”

This— This— This?—

My hand flies up to slap him, but before I can get anywhere in the neighborhood, he catches my wrist mid-air. His fingers aren’t tight, but they aren’t yielding anytime soon, either.

With one smooth motion, he pulls me against him. “Thisis business,” he rasps, his breath warm against my ear, “andI’llbe the only one investing in Aster Fertility Solutions.”

My anger falters. My heartbeat is thunder in my ears. “What?”

“You want money? You’ll have it.” His eyes never leave mine, gray as storm clouds with something electric lurking behind them. The brown segment is a molten gold. His gaze drops to my lips, lingering there before rising again. “Blank check. Like I promised.”

My mouth parts on an exhale I can’t stop. Our hips brush, sending electricity humming through my blood.

He wants me.

Before the thought can overwhelm me, I shove it down.

No, he doesn’t. He just said it: This is business. Nothing more.