Page 115 of Desperate Actions

“He’s the best man I know,” Sammy says, his voice tight, like it’s not up for debate. “And when I turned eighteen, I found out exactly what he did for me.”

I hold my breath. “What did he do?”

“He saved Maxwell Mining. Grew it into something massive. Made sure it would always be mine.” His jaw flexes.

“It was worth billions by then, and when I came of age, I decided to merge it with Volkov Industries.”

My eyes widen.

He sees my expression and smirks. “Don’t look so surprised, Pixie. I thought you’d know by now, I don’t do anything half-assed.”

I shake my head, exhaling slowly. “I just, I didn’t know. Not about this.”

He chuckles. “You knew me as the guy who carried a gun and played hero overseas. Not the guy who builds empires.”

I swallow, heat curling in my belly.

“You didn’t play hero, Sammy. I’ve seen your scars. You are a hero.”

“No one is a hero when it comes to war, Pixie. Everybody loses,” he whispers, and I swear I see vulnerability there that makes me fall just a little harder for him.

He’s so many things. This man of mine is simply everything.

“I’m sure you're right, but warrior or businessman, I think you’re pretty amazing.”

And really, fuck if I don’t like both versions of him.

“Anyway,” he continues, stretching an arm behind his head, watching me like a predator. “That’s why I’m on the board. That’s why I backed your app.”

My pulse skitters.

“And you didn’t do it just to get into my pants?” I tease, trying to lighten the atmosphere.

His gaze darkens.

“I didn’t have to, Pixie.” He smirks. “That was always going to happen.”

I laugh, but then I sigh, my smile fading.

“You still lied to me.”

His grin vanishes.

“I didn’t lie.”

I raise an eyebrow.

He grits his teeth. “Fine. I lied by omission.”

“Which is still lying.”

“Shit.” He rubs his jaw, looking exasperated. Then he exhales hard, gripping my chin, tilting my face to his.

“Never again, Pixie. No secrets between us.”

I nod, my heart hammering. “No secrets?”

His lips brush against mine, his voice rough with emotion.

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