Page 138 of The Owner's Temptation

Because the timing is wrong. Because I need my head clear. Because if she stays close, Lorenzo will use her as a weapon.

And I will kill for her.

I will fucking burneverythingfor her.

And that would make me vulnerable.

Which means she has to stay away.

For now.

The busted tablet lands in the trash can with a hollow thud just as the door swings open.

Perfect timing.

Jaxon saunters in first, smug as ever in a dark jacket over a faded tee, sunglasses still on despite the setting sun. Killian’s close behind, all sharp lines and lethal silence, his loyalty wrapped in muscle and precision.

“Well,” Jaxon drawls, nodding at the broken glass and crumpled tech, “things are going well, I see.”

I grunt, already unbuttoning my shirt, striding toward the back of my office where my private closet waits. The black tux hangs ready—custom-made for the kind of evening I hoped I’d never have to face again.

“Is it done?” I ask, shrugging off the ruined dress shirt, letting it drop to the floor.

“Oh ye of little faith,” Jaxon says, stepping around the desk and dropping a USB drive beside the espresso machine. “Of course it’s done.”

He leans casually against the edge, all swagger and brilliance. “It’s all on there—every record Lorenzo’s ever kept. Family photo albums, emails, financials, account access, even his search history—which, by the way, isdisgusting.”

He gives an exaggerated shudder. “My virus hits the moment you do, and poof.” He snaps his fingers. “Generations of business go up in smoke.”

Good.

I adjust the cuffs of my tuxedo shirt and glance toward Killian. “Everything set on your side?”

“You know it is.” Killian gives a single nod, the kind that ends conversations.

“Who’s planting the bombs?”

“I don’t trust anyone else with that but me.” I lose my dark dress slacks and step into the tuxedo pants.

Killian doesn’t hesitate. “Then I’m coming with you.”

His loyalty is constant. Fierce. And it’s always been appreciated.

But not tonight.

“Sera needs someone close,” I say, sliding on my tailored jacket. “Especially on a night whendozensof hits are going down at once. She’s your priority.”

He scowls but doesn’t argue.

There’s a beat of silence before Killian asks, voice low: “What about?—”

Sienna.

He doesn’t say her name, but he doesn’t have to. He’s the only person who knows. He walked in, caught me in bed with her this morning. Saw everything.

He’s never judged me before, but I saw it in his eyes—that flicker of surprise. BecauseIbroke the rule. The one that’s been ironclad for years. Untouchable.

No fucking the girls.

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