“I sensed you didn’t want to mix business and pleasure.” Her smile widened. “Our business is over now, so we can deal with the pleasure part of the evening.”

Easton sighed. He was used to dealing with forward women. Power, wealth, and good looks attracted most of them. Few were actually really interested in him. The man.

“Helena—”

The doors behind them opened, and he heard Antoine’s smarmy accent.

Easton was about to step back when Helena pressed into him and kissed him.

* * *

This was almost over.

Little pricks of relief stabbed at Harlow as she walked out of Acquerello beside Antoine. She was careful to keep a decent distance between them. She did not want to touch the man.

She watched the doors ahead get closer.

It helped to know that Easton was waiting for her. She’d gotten so used to being self-sufficient. She’d always sucked at asking anyone for help.

They stepped outside and the cold air hit her. Winter was well and truly on the way.

Then Antoine gave a low laugh. “I guess your boyfriend lost patience waiting for you.”

Frowning, she glanced up.

Shock was a hard punch to her gut. Easton and the slim lawyer were kissing on the sidewalk.

Harlow sucked in a breath. Damn, this hurt so much.

Stupid. Easton was a rich, powerful, and gorgeous man. He could have whomever he wanted, whenever he wanted them.

Easton stepped back, a dark scowl on his face.

Harlow turned away, her chest tight. “Are we done?”

Antoine stared at her. “Our dinner is over. I wasn’t an ogre, was I?”

“I’m leaving.” She wanted to get home and shower this night off, then climb into bed and pull the covers over her head.

No criminals. No hot bosses. No fathers in trouble.

“Harlow.” Antoine grabbed her arm. “My offer still stands. Be mine, and I can make all your troubles go away.” He glanced past her.

She followed his gaze and saw Easton bearing down on them.

“If you were mine, I wouldn’t be kissing another woman.”

It was a twist in her gut, but she was well aware that this man was a manipulative bastard who disregarded rules and laws. He took what he wanted. He wouldn’t know loyalty if it smacked him in the head.

“Don’t touch her.” Easton slid between them and took her other arm.

“You’re a fool, Norcross.”

Harlow yanked free of both of them. “I’m going home.”

“Harlow—”

She met Easton’s gaze. “Go back to your friend.”

His jaw tightened. “You’re coming with me.”

She straightened. “Believe me, I want to be alone right now.”

“No.”

“Leave me alone, Easton!”

She spun and started down the sidewalk as fast as she could walk in her heels. She wanted to escape, put some space between her and him. Then she’d call an Uber and get the hell out of here.