Page 149 of Modern Romance March 2025 (5-8)

Her climax had been so sweet, her aftermath so buttery soft, he’d wanted to eat her up.

Then he’d said something that made her freeze up. Was it the condoms? He was always careful to protect himself and his partner. He was diligent about consent and always conscious of the power dynamics between himself and his lovers.

Taking advantage of the help was too much like his father, but this entire scandal was too much like one of Oliver’s sordid affairs. No matter what happened between him and Stella, it would have repercussions around Atlas taking over DVE. He really should pick the option of sending her back to Zermatt with whatever protection she needed and get on with his life.

He might have seriously considered it if he hadn’t been so immersed in their kiss that he’d nearly joined her when she climaxed.

With a frustrated curse, he threw off the covers and decided to swim off his frustration, remembering as he pulled on a robe that he didn’t have a swimsuit, which was par for the course right now.

To hell with it. He’d swim naked. It wouldn’t be the first time. Maybe he’d get lucky and Stella would join him.

He half expected she had snowshoed out of here in the dead of night, but he glanced into the ski room on his way to the pool and saw her boots and jacket were still there.

An hour later, he showered off the salt water and took the elevator to the main floor, where he entered an aroma of coffee and pastries.

Stella was in a robe, sitting at the island eating fruit with yogurt and muesli.

“Good morning,” he said, testing the waters.

“Good morning.” She sounded subdued, but her eyes were bruised with sleeplessness. “I can make eggs if you want a bigger breakfast.”

“My staff should be here soon.” He moved to the espresso maker, set his cup and selected cappuccino.

As he waited for it to whir and pour, he felt his phone vibrate in his robe pocket.

Zamos. Atlas had remembered to text him last night to cancel the heli-ski and let him know he was staying here in Cervinia. He had invited Zamos and his wife to lunch. It was a long shot, since the other couple would have seen the headlines by now, but he was loath to pass up a chance to connect with the man.

Atlas wouldn’t have been surprised if Zamos ghosted him, but the reply had been:

Our son is teething. We’re staying in today. You’re welcome to join us here for lunch.

Huh. Zamos and his wife were an extraordinarily popular power couple. His wife was known especially for her shrewd recon skills gleaned through gossip and other social connections. Was she trying to get an early scoop on Atlas’s personal life?

Atlas replied, then pushed his phone back into his pocket and picked up the filled coffee cup. When he turned, Stella was watching him with a somber expression.

He started to say, “About last night—”

“I need to tell you something.” She spoke over him, looking and sounding so grave, he tensed.

“About your father?”

“What? No.” Her brows came together in confusion. Then she tilted her head. “Because I said he might become a problem, publicity-wise? No. Um. No, I don’t think he knows yet. We’ll circle back to that. No, this is about, um, last night. I’m really embarrassed.”

“Don’t be.” It was an erotic memory he would cherish for the rest of his life.

“Not just about…” She blushed and looked into her bowl.

“You don’t owe me any explanations. No means no. I’m fine with it.” He reached out to set his cup on the place mat next to hers and picked up a plate, helping himself to a croissant she must have warmed in the oven.

“No, that’s not—I didn’t mean to cry. It was a very weird day and you’re…you. You’re a lot, Atlas.”

“That sounds like an accusation,” he said drily. “I’m not sure what my crime is.”

“I don’tdothis.” She closed her eyes, face bright red. “I didn’t know what to say. How to tell you that I’m new to this.”

“Because I mentioned ground rules? I’m not into anything kinky.” Although he definitely could be, if she had something in mind. “I only meant we should be clear about our expectations. Don’t you usually talk things out beforehand?”

“No. I mean, yes. I’ve definitely hadthatconversation.” She kept stirring her yogurt without taking any. “It’s always been a very quick no. Which usually puts an end to the conversation. Kind of like last night.”

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