Temptation's Edge

Chapter 1: Midnight Fire

The click of my heels echoed in the silence of Maxwell’s office as I froze, my eyes locking with his. That smirk of his—God, it could melt steel. And there, beneath his desk, Camilla rose like a damn phoenix, wiping her mouth with a finger, her own smirk matching his. 'Hello, what’s her name again?' she purred, turning to Maxwell, who didn’t bother answering. His gaze was all over me, burning holes through my resolve.

'I heard you’re his secretary now. Didn’t you used to be a CEO?' Camilla’s voice dripped with mockery. I ignored her, my blood boiling—not just from anger, but from the jealousy I swore I wouldn’t feel. He meant nothing to me. Nothing. Yet here I was, seething as I watched her perch on his lap like she owned him. 'I was wondering why I was kept waiting. I see you’re… occupied,' I said, my tone sharp enough to cut glass. 'Carry on. I’ll find my way home.'

Camilla’s laugh was a taunt. 'Good for you, because my baby and I are just getting started. And we’ll be here for a very long time.' She dragged out the last word, her eyes daring me to react. I didn’t. I turned on my heel and left, reminding myself again—he means nothing.

Back in my office, I grabbed my bag and bolted. I called Adele, my best friend and partner-in-crime, telling her I was coming over. When she opened the door, fury was written all over her face. Inside, a bouquet of flowers and a box sat on the table. I picked up the roses, inhaling their scent. 'Mr. Blackthorn sure knows how to sweep a lady off her feet,' I teased.

'They’re from Killian,' Adele snapped. I dropped the flowers like they were poison. 'What the hell does that leech want?' I spat. After the public humiliation at the restaurant, he had the audacity to send gifts? Adele shrugged, equally pissed. 'Found them at my doorstep. Thought they were from Rafe. I’m throwing this trash out.'

I shook my head, a wicked grin forming. 'No, we’re not trashing them. We’ll send them back to his address—or better yet, to that woman he’s screwing. Ruin their little parasitic romance.' Adele smirked, loving the idea. Then her eyes narrowed. 'Why are you here, anyway? Thought you were driving home with your husband.'

I scoffed, collapsing onto her couch. 'Thought so too, but he’s busy pleasuring himself with Camilla. So, I found my own way.' I spilled the whole story, and Adele’s jaw dropped. 'What audacity! He gets to sleep around while you stay loyal?'

'We didn’t sign up for better or worse,' I shot back, crossing my legs. 'I can do whatever the hell I want. Which is why I’m here.' Adele’s suspicion turned into a mischievous grin as she caught my drift. 'Can we go out tonight? I don’t want to go alone. Let’s have fun—maybe I’ll find a hot stranger to clear the cobwebs down here.' I gestured to my body, my voice dripping with intent.

'Girl, I’m in,' Adele said, practically bouncing with excitement. We dressed up—me in one of her slinky dresses that hugged every curve—and hit a club. It wasn’t crowded, just the right vibe. Drinks in hand, I scanned the room for a man worth my time. But damn it, every face I saw, I compared to Maxwell. Frustrated, Adele and I danced, laughed, and drank until we called it a night. Another evening with my vibrator, I guess. It’s been too long since I felt a real man’s touch—five years, to be exact. Maxwell was the last, and my body ached for that wild, passionate heat I used to know.

Adele dropped me off at the house. 'If your husband throws you out again, call me,' she said with a wink. 'He’s busy with Camilla. He won’t even notice I’m gone,' I replied, hugging her before stepping out. At the door, my key wouldn’t work. I banged on it, fury rising. Did Maxwell change the damn locks?

Ten minutes of pounding later, I was exhausted, dialing Adele to come get me. Then the door swung open. Maxwell stood there, shirtless, grey sweatpants hanging low on his hips. My anger dissolved as my eyes traced his chiseled chest, down to the outline of his cock, straining against the fabric. This—this was what I’d been craving at the club. I snapped out of it, glaring. 'Why’d you change the locks?'

'Why are you just getting home at this hour?' he countered, his voice low, dangerous. I pushed past him, but in a blur, he had me pinned against the wall, his body caging mine. 'Answer me, Amelia. Where are you coming from, dressed like this?' His breath was hot on my neck, and I felt my resolve crumbling, my body betraying me as heat pooled between my thighs. I wasn’t about to let him win—not yet.

'None of your damn business,' I hissed, my voice steady despite the way my heart raced. 'You don’t get to play the jealous husband while you’ve got Camilla warming your lap.'

His eyes darkened, a predatory glint in them. 'You think I give a damn about her? You’re the one I can’t get out of my head.' His hand slid down my side, igniting every nerve. I wanted to push him away, but my body screamed for more—aching, wet, and desperate for the hard, raw connection I’d been denying myself for years.