---
The night was heavy with rain, the city washed in silver streaks.
Elena was still at the office, combing through contracts for the upcoming London deal, when the glass door swung open.
Alexander entered, dripping from the storm, his suit jacket slung carelessly over one arm. His tie was loose, his shirt clinging to him in places from the rain.
She froze. He looked nothing like the untouchable CEO in that moment—he looked raw.Dangerous.
"Why are you still here?" His voice was low, roughened.
"I could ask you the same thing," she said softly. "Don't you ever rest?"
Something flickered in his gaze, something that burned hotter than annoyance. He closed the distance between them in three strides, placing his hands on the desk as he leaned over her.
"You don't understand, Elena." His breath was unsteady, his eyes dark. "I've tried to keep this—" He broke off, jaw tight.
Her pulse thundered. "Keep what?"
His hand slammed flat against the desk, making her flinch. But his next words were softer, ragged.
"You."
The word shattered the last of her restraint. She stood, the air between them sparking like lightning.
"Then stop trying," she whispered.
For a heartbeat, he didn't move. His jaw clenched, his eyes searching hers as though begging her to give him a reason not to.
And then he kissed her.
It wasn't gentle. It was fire meeting ice, sharp and consuming. His hand slid to the back of her neck, pulling her closer, while the other anchored against the desk.
Elena melted against him, her hands fisting in the damp fabric of his shirt. The world outside ceased to exist—there was only the heat of his mouth, the taste of rain on his lips, the dizzying hunger that had been simmering for weeks.
When he finally tore his mouth from hers, his forehead rested against hers, breath unsteady.
"This is a mistake," he rasped. "I can't afford mistakes."
Her heart pounded, her lips still tingling. "Then we'll just have to share it."
For once, Alexander Frost didn't argue.