She chuckles. “Really, you’re going to give me that stupid speech? ‘I’m important, it’s not me, and you hope I keep working as hard.’ You’re unbelievable, Miller.”

“Stop,” I order.

“No, you stop. I want to know why the fuck you didn’t wake me up!” She straightens her shoulders and lifts her chin. “At least you should’ve said goodbye—or paid the fucking bill.”

My eyes widen. “I paid, didn’t I?”

“You’re welcome for such a wonderful week,” she says sarcastically. “I hope it was everything you ambitioned. For me, it was such a joy to listen to everyone whispering about how my husband left me in the middle of our vacation to go with his mistress.”

“Claire.” I’m speechless and my heart tugs when I see her chin trembling and her eyes glisten with tears.

“You’re unbelievable and an excellent actor,” she says and claps. “If this company crashes, try acting as your next career.”

“What happened last weekend—”

“It never happened,” she interrupts. “For all I know, I’ve never crossed your path outside the company. Who would want to be acquainted with a leech like you?”

Of course, I realize. Of course she’s concerned about her money, her career. Nothing else. Why am I even surprised? She’s just like every other woman.

“Not a cold-hearted bitch,” I say, enraged.

So this is how things are going to be from now on. We fuck, I didn’t give her the promotion, and now we’re taking jabs at each other.

“Everyone gets what they deserve, Mr. Archer.”

Fuck, if that doesn’t heat my blood. I push her against the door and take her mouth.

“What do I deserve?” I ask. There’s barely any space between us. The heat of her body burns my skin. Electricity crackles in the room. My heart pounds fast, I can bet hers is doing just about the same.

“Fuck you,” she mumbles.

“No, you,” I answer, mumbling softly and kissing her thoroughly.

We don’t speak. Our hands and bodies move at the same rhythm. Our movements are frantic, and yet, perfectly orchestrated. She’s laying on top of my desk. Her skirt is up and I’m already inside her. Thrusting every inch of my length inside her. Filling her.

Claiming her.

Plunging myself inside her isn’t enough. I need more. We kiss. Melting, fusing, losing myself inside her. Surrendering who I am and hoping it is enough.

“Well, that was unexpected,” she says while I clean her in my private bathroom. “We shouldn’t have done it. I’m here to talk.”

She’s right. I knew I should’ve stopped, but I lost control. She makes me lose my mind. Everything around disappears and it’s just her. Her sweet scent, soft body, and her smart mouth. We have to stop this.

I have to think about the company. She can ruin me.