Vengeful in Love

“Never had the chance.” Not for the lack of desire. But what she wanted hadn’t always been a priority for her family. Still wasn’t. Everyone had more important issues to deal with than her.

Before he could probe, she said, “It sort of sucks, you know.” She leaned against the door, trying to put some distance between herself and Ethan. The BMW was supposed to be spacious, but not with him inside. The cool glass felt refreshing against her heated skin. “If I’d been free just a little sooner, I could’ve been Natalie’s maid of honor. You know, helped her plan the wedding of the century and everything.”

No, you would’ve found an excuse to avoid her wedding at all costs since a few Sterlings were invited.

In fact, Barron himself had been invited, and there was no way she was going anywhere near her grandfather. Nobody knew she was Barron’s only grandchild, and for good reason—she’d worked damn hard to keep it that way.

Ethan laughed. “She didn’t have one. Didn’t need one. She had a platoon of professionals working on every detail. It was what Alex wanted.”

“What was the rush? She wasn’t going anywhere.”

“Probably wanted to make sure she was his.”

“She’s been his ever since they got engaged. Maybe even before.” Kerri had heard everything her friend felt comfortable sharing about her romance with her billionaire boss. If he hadn’t made things right at the end, Kerri might have flown out—job or no—and kicked his ass herself.

“Well, you know. Engagement isn’t the same, is it? Lacks the official tie, the legal bind.”

“Marriage isn’t as permanent as it used to be,” she pointed out, almost unable to help it since so many of her friends and coworkers had gone through separations and divorces. She sincerely hoped Natalie would never have a reason to even consider one. “Did you spend time in England or something? Sometimes you sound almost British.”

“I say, jolly good ear,” he said, hamming it up a little. “Yeah, I was there for a while on business. Speaking of which, how long are you going to be in the States?”

“I don’t know. Maybe a week?”

He raised an eyebrow. “That’s all?”

“Maybe longer,” she said. “I haven’t decided what to do yet, but I’m probably not returning to Asia for a while.”

“If you’re tired of Hong Kong, Tokyo’s not too bad.”

She flashed him a quick smile. “I don’t speak the language, and I’m not experienced enough to warrant a full-time interpreter.”

Ethan slowed down as they approached an intersection. “I don’t know about that. Natalie said you’re very good at your job.”

“Did she now?” Natalie didn’t know the full truth behind Kerri’s workaholic tendencies. Everyone thought she worked non-stop out of dedication to her career, when in fact she kept herself busy so she wouldn’t have time to think. “Nice of her to say so, but seriously, I’m not that special. I work hard, but then so does everyone else.”

The steering wheel glided under his palms as he released it after the turn. A sudden envy of the tightly stitched leather stole her breath away. She’d like to feel those strong hands on her as he reverently ran them over her back and legs. And a few other places.

She concentrated on breathing. It didn’t matter what she wanted. The only thing he’d found notable enough to comment on from their long-ago one-night stand was her name—Jacqueline.

But then, women throwing themselves at him and one-night stands were probably the norm for someone like Ethan.

He pulled into a parking lot in front of the hotel and handed the keys to a uniformed valet. Ethan climbed out, and the interior of the car seemed to expand. She let out a breath she hadn’t known she’d been holding.

“Feeling okay?” he said, opening her door for her. “You look a little flushed.”

Oh god. “I’m fine. Just tired from the flight.” She got out of the car.

The bellhop took her lone bag, and Ethan escorted her to the lobby. His large hand resting at the small of her back seemed to sear her, and the heat streaked through her until her nipples pebbled and wetness pooled between her thighs. Legs clenched, she checked in. The desk clerk smiled and said, “You’ve been upgraded to our junior suite. We put your bags there this morning. Four, correct?”

“Yup.”

“Is Mr. Daniel Johnson arriving later today?”

She felt the curious stare from Ethan at her back. “No. There’s been a schedule change, and he won’t be able to come.”

“I’ll make a note of that.” She handed Kerri the room keys. “Enjoy your stay, Ms. Wilson.”

Kerri frowned as she walked toward the elevators. She couldn’t imagine why the hotel would upgrade her. She’d booked the cheapest room she could find.