Page 139 of The Plus One Contract

Like I already know who it is before I even glance up.

My breath snags in my throat.

Nathan.

He’s standing across the room, deep in conversation with a group of executives. Sharp suit, easy confidence, and the kind of presence that commands attention without even trying.

My stomach flips. The air is sucked from my lungs.

Because he’s here.

Harper sidles up beside me, mid-sentence about the seating chart before following my line of sight. She curses under her breath.

“Oh, shit.”

My fingers tighten around my walkie-talkie.

“That’s why I didn’t want you to come tonight,” she mutters. “He was on the guest list.”

“You knew?”

She winces. “I wasn’t sure if he’d show. Figured if he did… I just wasn’t sure if you’d want to see him.” She presses a hand to my arm, her voice softer now. “Do you want to leave? I can handle—”

I shake my head, my voice faint when I say, “I’m fine.”

But I’m not. My hands tremble. My breath comes too fast, too uneven.

“I just… need a second.”

Harper squeezes my arm and nods before I turn and slip away.

The hallway is quiet, the faint bass from the party still humming through the walls. I should be able to breathe.

Except I can’t.

Because he’s here. In this building. In this city.

A place he wasn’t supposed to be.

I squeeze my eyes shut, pressing my hands to the cool marble counter. My stomach is a tangled mess of nerves.

It’s fine.

I just need a moment.

A few deep breaths.

In and out.

Footsteps approach.

I freeze.

“Sienna?”

God, that voice.

Low. Rough. A little hesitant.

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