One night. One mistake. One unforgettable man.

Alistair Grant never expected his first time with a man to be in the arms of a charming stranger at a penthouse. He also never expected to see that stranger again—let alone at his new job as the secretary to one of the most powerful CEOs in the city.

But Lumel Evans isn’t just anyone. He’s the CEO’s only son—rich, infuriatingly handsome, and dangerously good at getting under Alistair’s skin. Worse, he knows exactly who Alistair is… and he’s not about to let him forget it.

Flirty smiles in the hall. Teasing whispers when no one’s watching. A lingering touch that makes Alistair’s heart race. Working under Mr. Evans was supposed to be the opportunity of a lifetime. Instead, it’s turning into a game of control—one where Lumel is always three steps ahead.

But when family expectations, corporate politics, mixed together with desire: is he willing to risk his career… and his heart… for the boss’s son?

In a world of power, secrets, and temptation, one thing’s certain—Lumel Evans is not a man you can walk away from.

I was on my way to the print room when I caught it — hushed voices by the vending machine.


"…saw Miss Aurora in the cafeteria just now."


"With him? You mean the new secretary?"


"Yes! She was smiling at him. Like, actually smiling."


"No way. She only just started here, and everyone knows she came in with Lumel Evans. If anyone's going to be the Evans daughter-in-law…" The girl trailed off, her tone dripping with envy.


I slowed my steps without meaning to, pretending to check my phone.


"…but still, why him? He's cute, I guess, in a scruffy kind of way, but Aurora could have literally anyone. And the way she looked at him—"


Their voices faded as I walked past, but the words stuck. Aurora. Alistair.


My steps shifted course without me consciously deciding.


When I stepped into the cafeteria, there they were. She was laughing at something he'd said, leaning forward slightly, and for some reason it made my jaw tighten.


I closed the distance, letting my voice cut into their little bubble.


"What's this little gathering no one invited me to?"


Alistair's back straightened, his expression faltering just enough to satisfy me.


I slid into the seat beside him, reaching over without permission to steal a spoonful of his lunch.


Aurora frowned. "You know if you wanted food, you could have gotten yours."


"This?" I met her eyes, then turned to him with a half-smile. "I'm sure Secretary Grant won't mind. Right?"


"Yes, sir," he replied, polite as ever, though the stiffness in his voice was hard to miss. "I was already full."


He stood up, Aurora following almost instantly.


"I lost my appetite. Shall we?" she said, looping her arm through his before walking him out.


I sat there chewing slowly, pretending the food still tasted good while the cafeteria buzzed with new whispers.


As we walked further from the cafeteria, Aurora slowly slipped her arm from mine. It wasn't abrupt—more like a natural pause in the moment—but I still noticed.


"I should probably get back to my desk," I told her.


"Alright," she said with a light nod, then stopped. "Wait—can I have your number?"


"We're friends, aren't we?" she said with a grin.


I smiled despite myself and handed over my phone. She typed her number in and gave it back. "I'll text you later," she said, heading toward the elevators.


I watched her go for a moment before turning toward my desk.


I stepped out of the hallway just in time to see them—Aurora and him—walking side by side. She was smiling, leaning a little closer than necessary, and then… she handed him her phone.


Alistair typed something in, gave it back, and she was grinning like he'd just given her the keys to a kingdom. I didn't hear what they said, but I didn't need to.


When she walked toward the elevator, Alistair's eyes followed her like he was under some kind of spell.


Chapter 9 - Chapter 9