Page 12 of Tempting My Nemesis

But as I watch Kane’s predatory gaze linger on Zoe, I feel my resolve hardening. There’s a reason I once trusted Kane—he has the cunning to strike when least expected. If he finds anything he can exploit, it could be the end of both of our careers. She’s mine to protect now, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe while maintaining the illusion of control.

I settleinto the leather seat of the limo, the tinted windows providing a welcome barrier from the world outside. Zoe slides in beside me, her exhaustion palpable as she sinks into the plush interior. The mask of confidence she wore all evening finally slips.

"Here," I say, reaching for the mini-bar and pouring her a glass of scotch. "You look like you need this."

Zoe takes it gratefully, her fingers brushing mine as she accepts the glass. "That was... intense," she sighs, taking a long sip.

I nod, pouring myself a drink as the limo glides through the city streets. "You did well. Better than I expected, actually."

She raises an eyebrow, the amber liquid in her glass catching the passing streetlights. "Is that a compliment, Mr. Steele?"

"An observation," I correct, but I can't help the slight smirk that tugs at my lips. "There are a few things we need to work on,though. Your body language when talking to Senator Harris, for example. You tensed up."

Zoe groans, leaning her head back against the seat. "I can't believe I have to do all of this for six months. It's like... it's like playing a part in a very long, very exhausting play."

The limo slows to a stop, and I realize we've arrived at her apartment building. The moment feels heavier now. Despite the chaos of the evening, there's an unexpected sense of calm between us. I step out first, offering my hand to help her from the car, the darkeness of the night outside pressing in.

Just as Zoe reaches for her keys, the flash of a camera catches us off guard. A reporter looms just beyond the entrance, a predatory grin on his face. “Caleb! Zoe! Mind giving us a glimpse into your new romance?”

Zoe’s eyes widen in alarm. The desire to shield her surges through me; this moment is more than optics—it's about keeping her safe from the circling vultures.

“Let’s give them a show,” I murmur, voice low and commanding.

I pull her in close to me, our bodies aligning as I tilt her chin up gently. The world around us fades; the only thing I can focus on is the quickening rhythm of her heartbeat against mine.

My lips descend on hers with intent—a kiss meant to convey the depths of my commitment to this agreement. It’s demanding and primal, a silent warning to anyone who dares to come between us.

Zoe responds, and despite the situation, I feel her leaning into me, her body relaxing against mine as she kisses me back, igniting a fire that feels both thrilling and dangerous.

The kiss is a promise, a claim—I’m not just her ally in this arrangement; I’m here to shield her from everything that threatened to pull her under.

As I finally pull back, I catch a glimpse of breathless surprise in her eyes, the pressure of the evening giving way to a smoldering anticipation.

“Goodnight, Zoe,” I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Goodnight, Caleb,” she replies, a mix of relief and lingering desire in her tone.

I watch her unlock the door and slip inside before turning to face the reporter lurking in the shadows, my facade back in place.

The weight of the evening still hangs between us, but as I step away, I know that the real obstacles have only just begun.

CHAPTER FIVE

CALEB

The lipstick stain on my coffee mug catches my eye—another reminder of Zoe's presence in my life for the past two weeks. I scowl, reaching for a tissue to wipe it away.

"You missed a spot," Zoe's voice carries from the doorway, amusement lacing her tone.

I look up, masking my surprise. She's leaning against the frame, perfectly put together in a navy dress that hugs her curves. For a moment, I forget to breathe.

"Shouldn't you be prepping for the investor meeting?" I ask, my voice gruff as I turn back to the financial reports scattered across my desk.

She saunters in, perching on the edge of my desk.

"I thought we could go over the numbers one last time. You know, like a real power couple would."

I clench my jaw, willing myself to focus on the blurring figures before me. Two weeks, and already the boundaries we put in place feel dangerously close to shattering.

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