Page 26 of In Bed with the Ice Queen

Sloane smiled softly and reached for her pajamas, the fabric smooth against her fingers. “You wore your best smile, though. You looked amazing.” She pulled on her pajama top and slipped into matching pants.

“Thanks,” Helena replied, a small blush coloring her cheeks. “My parents expect the best from me, especially since I’m the eldest. They’ve trained me to take over the company since I was a kid. It’s been so much pressure these last five years, especially from my dad.”

Sloane’s heart ached for Helena as she listened. She sat close to her on the bed, the space between them reducing. “What do they want you to do exactly? Be perfect?”

“Something like that,” Helena said, twisting a lock of her hair around her finger. “I sometimes feel like I’m just a trophy to them, showcasing success. Everyone always looks at me and expects great things. But I… Sometimes I never feel like people want me around for anything other than my family’s money or for what I can do for them.”

Sloane frowned, her brow furrowing. “That’s not true. I’ve enjoyed you for you, Helena. For who you are, not what your family has.”

Helena turned to Sloane, her eyes narrowing slightly, searching for honesty. “But how do I know? It’s not like I’m exactly nice to you. I mean, if the merger details change, you stand to benefit more from Wolfe Enterprises. What if that’s the only reason you’re being like this?”

Sloane shook her head, feeling her pulse quicken. “This isn’t just about business for me. It’s…it’s about us too right now.” The air between them thickened, filled with something electric and warm.

Helena shifted closer, her body brushing against Sloane’s. “You make it hard to keep my guard up. I’m supposed to be cautious.” She took a long, deep breath, her expression softening. “But honestly, it’s hard to be suspicious when you treat me like a person, not a CEO.”

“Because you are a person,” Sloane said. “And I care about people.”

Helena hesitated, her gaze shifting dramatically from Sloane’s eyes to her lips, lingering for just a moment too long. “It’s just…things are complicated.”

The uncertainty hung in the air like a heavy curtain, making it hard to breathe, yet Sloane felt a rush of boldness ignite inside her. “Then let’s simplify things,” she said, her voice steadier now. “Let’s be honest with each other. Away from the merger, away from the stress. Just you and me.”

Helena swallowed hard and brushed her fingers against Sloane's arm, sending shivers down her spine. “What if I lose the deal?”

Sloane met her gaze, unwavering. “You won’t lose it. I promise. No matter what happens with the merger, I won’t jeopardize your reputation.”

They stayed in a charged silence, both women feeling the undeniable pull toward each other, like magnets drawn close. Sloane’s heart raced, her mind spinning with possibilities.

Then, with a sudden burst of courage, Helena leaned in just a tiny bit, her lips almost touching Sloane’s, their breath mingling. “Sloane...” she started, but the rest of her words evaporated in the space between their lips.

“Helena,” Sloane replied, her voice low. “Sometimes you have to stop worrying about what lies ahead and just…” She slowly leaned in, tasting the warmth of affection and fearlessness wrapped in a kiss that was sweet and tender. It was somewhat hesitant, but still charged with longing.

In the glow of the lamp, wrapped in the warmth of their small world, the complicated business world outside faded away, leaving behind just two women. They were both strong and fierce, yet vulnerable.

11

HELENA

The sun peeked through the curtains of the hotel room, casting light across the bed. Helena blinked sleepily at the ceiling and turned her head to see Sloane. Her mouth was slightly open, and she snored lightly, oblivious to Helena's jitters.

For a brief moment, Helena felt a wave of warmth. Was it the morning sun? Or was it the unexpected intimacy of sleeping so close to an opponent? A sudden wave of alarm washed over her. What if this this moment could endanger the merger? What if they got caught? She couldn't let that happen. Not now.

As if Sloane could hear her thoughts, she peeked an eye open and groggily said, “Good morning, sunshine.”

Still wracked with anxiety, Helena couldn’t engage. Instead, she stood up and rifled through her wardrobe, trying to pick out the perfect outfit for the day’s meetings. When she felt content with her choice, she tugged on her clothes without a backward glance to Sloane.

“It’s a busy day with meetings about the merger, and I have to prepare. I’ll see you at breakfast,” Helena replied curtly, exiting the room with purpose as she left Sloane to her thoughts.

As she walked down the hallway toward the conference room, Helena's mind was buzzing, a whirlwind of anxiety and urgency. She needed to be the strong leader everyone expected her to be. But deep down, a small voice whispered that perhaps she was missing something important. Something that might lead not just to a successful merger, but to understanding herself and the complexities of her team. In that moment, she felt the struggle between duty and connection.

Helena made her way to the conference room where breakfast awaited. The room buzzed with the chatter of Thompson Industries’ higher-ups, all seated at a large, polished table. She took a deep breath and joined them, her pulse still quickened from anxiety.

“Morning, Helena!” called Mark, his friendly smile beaming at her. He pushed a plate of fresh fruit toward her. “How’s the sunshine treating you?”

“Good, I guess,” she replied, forcing a smile as she settled into her chair. The distant chatter and clinking of dishes felt overwhelming, but she focused on the task ahead.

“Are we ready to discuss the yacht excursion?” Mark asked, pulling out a notebook.

“Sure, we should have fun out there,” Helena said, nodding. But fun was the last thing on her mind. She didn’t want to be stuck on a boat with Sloane and the people from Thompson Industries. What if things got awkward?

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