Page 49 of Kisses and Paperclips

How did you even get this number? Seems like HR’s already been compromised.

I’ve got sources. We both know people talk when you flash a smile and a black card.

So you bribed someone for my number? Very ethical, Mr. CEO.

Not bribed. Persuaded. It’s called charm. You should try it sometime.

I’d rather try a restraining order.

I carefully shifted beneath Zamir’s weight, doing my best to slide out from under him without waking him. With one hand, I reached for the blanket draped over the couch and gently tucked it around him.

I could’ve woken him up, but I knew better. Once he was up, he’d toss and turn for hours before drifting off again. No need to punish us both.

So, I slipped away, tiptoeing toward my bedroom in the quiet dark. By the time I made it to my bed and let myself sink into the mattress, a long sigh slipped from my lips. Finally. My space and peace, if only for the night.

Don’t play with me, Serena.

I bit my lip, annoyed at how quickly five little words could detonate in my chest.

Damn him.

I could hear it in my head like he was leaning in close, mouth to my ear, voice low enough to stir something dangerous.

Come over.

Two words. Just two. And suddenly, I was back in that hotel room, my body arching, breath catching, fingers tangled in the sheets like it was the only thing keeping me grounded.

Julien didn’t just know what he was doing, he made me forget every reason I had for telling him no. That night wasn’t just sex. It was something primal. Honest. Like our bodies had secrets we hadn’t told each other yet, but they knew how to speak.

My fingers hovered over the keyboard, halfway through a yes, I hadn’t even admitted to myself.

Would it be so bad?

We’d already crossed the line, blurred it so far into the background, I couldn’t tell where it started anymore.

What was one more night?

But then the voice in my head, the one that always shows up wearing glasses and sensible shoes, cut through the heat.

You know damn well it wouldn’t be one more night. You know how this ends.

I exhaled sharply and pulled my hands back like the screen had burned me.

I can’t, Julien.

Sent. Fast. Before I could second-guess it.

The regret hit immediately. Like slamming the door on something that felt too good to walk away from. But I had to. I was already wading into dangerous waters. Getting any deeper? That was how you drown.

His reply came quickly.

The no mixing business with pleasure rule? It could be our little secret.

I rolled my eyes, smirking in spite of myself.

That’s what everybody says before they end up in the group chat.

The typing bubbles popped up instantly, three little dots that knew just how to drag out the anticipation.

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