Wife by Day, Boss by Night

Natalie remained still, watching Brian skillfully pull a sock over her foot, her voice soft as she asked, "Aren't you supposed to be on a business trip?"

"I put it off," Brian replied carelessly.

Natalie glanced at him, a subtle ripple in her gaze. Brian staying put meant she couldn't make any moves of her own.

"Do you want me to leave?" Brian adjusted the sock and met her eyes.

Natalie didn't want him to leave. Being there, just the two of them, without any disturbances, was quite a joy.

"No, I don't," she replied quietly.

Something stirred in Brian's chest. He leaned down and softly nipped at her still- swollen lower lip, tasting the lingering sweetness. "Still got the taste of apple pie on your lips. Didn't you wipe your mouth after eating?"

If she wanted him to stay with her, he'd stay. No billion-dollar deal was worth more than this

moment.

Natalie shook her head. As Brian leaned in for another kiss, Natalie suddenly asked, "Do you use the same excuse when you kiss Gracia?" Her tone was eerily calm.

Brian frowned, unable to help himself. "Who told you there was something between Gracia and

me?"

"Isn't there?" Natalie's mouth curled slightly. "Are you sure?"

Gracia had sent that kind of video, yet Brian denied any relationship. Who would believe that? She wasn't a naive child.

Brian was already twenty-six when he first broke his rules, and it was with Natalie that night.

He'd been holding back, waiting for Natalie to grow up, come of age, and understand. what it meant to love someone. He'd carefully guarded his feelings, afraid to scare away the treasure he cherished.

If Audrey hadn't gotten into trouble, he would have come clean to his family by then. But after Natalie's coming-of-age, the company hit a snag, and with everyone on edge, Audrey got other ideas.

What was his would have been Natalie's. Audrey was too impatient and had disrupted all his plans.

Brian hadn't touched another woman for as long as Natalie had been gone, yet she doubted

him.

His gaze fixed on Natalie's eyes, narrowing slightly with a glimmer of anger.

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"Do you think I care about Gracia?" he asked in a low voice.

"Isn't it obvious?" Natalie countered calmly.

How much must he like her to give Gracia so many priceless gifts without a second thought?

"Natalie, listen to me!" Brian snapped, pulling her into his arms so she sat face- to-face with him. "I'm going to say this once!"

"I was nice to Gracia only because she was your stand-in! As for those trinkets I gave her, do you think I care about their cost? She has a smile that reminds me of you! You never act coy, but she does, and when she pouts, it feels like you, so I gave her whatever she wanted! You heartless girl! Have you ever considered how good I've been to you all these years? She could never have what I've given you!"

He didn't need her to beg. And he'd

drop everything for just one tearful look from her. He'd want to crush her into his heart if he could, nearly

ripping his own out to offer her!

He had etched into his mind her favorites, tastes, and every detail about her, and

he would never forget them.

He'd even keep Danish pastries

d the

stocked because she Weet

and

tangy treats, even though he

didn't eat them. He just liked to

watch.

Natalie watched him speak, each word tinged with frustration and helplessness.