It All Started with a Divorce

The air crackled with a vibrant energy that only New York City at night could offer, a complete opposite of the coast, and for the first time in years, I found myself missing the city's noise.

Three years ago, I'd traded the honking horns and the smell of exhaust fumes for the calming scent of salt air and the endless expanse of the beach. I'd buried myself in the sand, trying to escape the noise and the pressure of my life. Now, I was back, standing in the heart of the concrete jungle, feeling a strange sense of homecoming.

"Still a mystery to me why you suddenly decided to grace us with your presence," my father uttered in confusion, his voice a low rumble as he poured himself a golden drink in the back of his limo. "Last I heard, you swore off these 'boring' events." He air-quoted the word 'boring,' a mischievous glint in his eye.

It had been three days since I'd fled the coast like a runaway bride, ever since Valerian...

My sister informed me that the contract was still pending, Valerian hadn't signed it since I'd sent it to his office. He was probably fuming.

"Is there something you're not telling me?"

Harrison Beaumont, my father, was a master of observation. His eyes, piercing blue and sharp as ice, could detect a lie from a mile away. He was allergic to deception, which was why my sister and I had grown up to be terrible liars.

I tore my gaze away from the glittering cityscape and met my father's gaze. "It's a surprise," I said, offering him a bright smile. "And by the way, the resort is doing great. We're opening more activities, and everything is running smoothly." I hoped he'd be distracted by the good news.

He hummed, taking a sip of his drink. "That's good to hear, but what's not good is that I called your sister, and she had no idea where you were before you showed up."

Oh, crap.

"Breeden mentioned you left the coast three days ago. You know how I hate it when my daughters disappear without a word," he said, his voice laced with concern. "This world is a big place, and a lot of things can happen."

"Sorry, Dad," I mumbled, scratching the side of my eyebrow. "I just needed a break. Spa, shopping, hair appointment... I've been stressed out." And let's not forget the jerk I had to deal with.

"You should have called me."

"I know, I'm sorry." Guilt painted my face, and that was enough to earn my father's forgiveness.

"Just don't do it again, Elodie."

A promise is a promise, and my dad was a sucker for them. He'd made me promise to socialize at this event, which felt like a punishment.

I couldn't decide what was worse: facing Valerian after his... enthusiastic seduction or enduring hours of business chatter while trailing my dad like a fly around a pile of gold.

As we entered the venue, the luxurious atmosphere enveloped me, the scent of expensive perfume, the glittering chandeliers, and the buzz of conversation all spoke of millions of dollars invested, which was exactly what my father was after.

"Who organized this event?" I asked, standing beside the table reserved for us.

"A very attractive, down-to-earth philanthropist. Smart guy. Organizes fundraisers, involved in charity events for children, the whole shebang. Last I heard, he donated a fortune to the typhoon victims in Asia," my father said, his voice tinged with admiration.

My father wasn't one to gossip, so his enthusiastic description of this philanthropist made me raise my guard.

"Right now, this is like an assembly of all the business eggheads. My chance to gather brilliant minds to invest in our company. An opportunity I couldn't miss."

I understood my father's enthusiasm for these gatherings, but I wasn't thrilled about his fascination with the event organizer. The last time he'd been this smitten with someone in the business world, I'd ended up marrying him.

"In fact, it's a good thing you're here. I want you to interact with him, and I don't doubt you know him well," Dad said, his words making my perfectly sculpted eyebrows shoot up in question.

I'm not exactly a social butterfly in the business world, let alone acquainted with every big shot from head to toe. I've met a few, sure, but nothing personal. Unless it's someone I'd rather avoid eye contact with.

But my gut feeling was right.

"Dad, I'm not ready to be introduced to anyone," I said before he could even start. "I've had enough of your matchmaking attempts, especially after the Valerian fiasco. I'm not going to be in any relationship with another businessman you think is 'best' for me."

Straight to the point, as always.

Three years had gone by since Valerian and I called it quits, but those years were a struggle. I couldn't shake the things he'd awakened in me.

My hormones, for one.

"Valerian was, and still is, the best for you," Dad said, his words making my jaw drop. "Honestly, I'm still baffled why you divorced him. It's something I never expected."

I'd kept my reasons for leaving Valerian after two years of marriage a secret from Dad. But even so, he hadn't asked until now.

"Was there something I should know?" There it was again, that dreaded question. I hated it when he used those words, digging into things I wanted to keep hidden, forcing me to speak.

"That was in the past, Dad. And it's an obvious reason, I don't even have to answer," I tried to dodge him, but his stare added tension to my shoulders, a weight I couldn't bear. "Can you please stop looking at me like that?"

"Valerian is a fine man, someone I've known since he was a kid. He's a bit crotchety, but responsible. He treats a lady like a fragile thing..."

I almost choked on my champagne. Like a fragile thing? More like an old asphalt road in need of a good jackhammering.

"I clearly remember him promising me he'd treat you differently, a belle of his life. That's why I was surprised when Breeden brought me the bad news."

"Nothing lasts forever," I commented. "Looks like the event's about to start," I announced, trying to avoid the hot seat my dad was pushing me into.

"Tell me, my daughter, would you perhaps reconsider accepting Valerian back as your husband?"

I frowned, his question feeling like a cursed spell. "Dad, I left him for a reason."

The host stood in the middle of the stage, a cue for everyone to quiet down, raise their glasses, and prepare for a toast.

"I wouldn't disagree that he's a fine man. He's very attractive and a 'gentleman.' He uses his words well and is a man of his word. The kind of guy everyone would feel comfortable with, and that's actually the problem," I recited.

"His charm and good looks will only be a problem if you keep peering through the windows of the walls he built between you both and the world, Elodie. And in your case, I think you even wandered outside those walls."

"It's not my fault he's being chased by a lot of desperate women," I grumbled. "He's simply a jerk, a bastard, and he thinks he can get whatever he wants by flashing his toothy grin."

"I beg to disagree, baby."

My shoulders rose, gasping for air. My stomach tightened when I heard that familiar, smoky voice. All the hairs on the back of my neck started to sizzle as I felt his presence so close.

Valerian.

A charming man in a navy three-piece suit, holding a glass of scotch, looked dazzling and dashing as ever. His eyes, frankly, were glued to me, that sinful smirk plastered on his face.

His presence alone felt like a command – strip down, 'open your legs', and be at his beck and call.

"If ever your statement is you, I'd have you as my partner tonight," he added, standing next to me and holding out his hand to my dad. "Uncle Harrison," he greeted formally, shaking his hand.

"Valerian," Dad beamed widely, his hand clapping Valerian's on the back. "I'm glad you opened this event for everyone. You really know how to tickle my excitement," he laughed, a hearty chuckle that rumbled in his chest.

"Who am I not to leave the door open? And it would be my honor to present you the webs of my business. Feel free to collect these great men in your pocket," Valerian replied, his eyes never leaving mine, that smirk still playing on his lips.

Wait, what? It was Valerian, the guy my dad kept gushing over? I knew it!

"Very well, I must mingle around," Dad said, turning to me and catching my knowing look. He ignored it, his smile turning a little strained. "Remember what I told you."

"Don't worry about anything, Uncle. I'm quite sure that Ellie will behave, I'll keep her company," the jerk insisted, his hand already on the small of my back, a possessive gesture that sent a shiver down my spine.

My back straightened instinctively, the air catching in my throat.

"Keep my daughter safe and make sure she won't leave this event without telling you or without my consent," Dad demanded, his voice a low growl that could only be directed at Valerian. Valerian saluted, a mockingly exaggerated gesture, before my father disappeared into the crowd.

"Great," I muttered under my breath. "Just great."

I'd left the coast for a reason. And that reason had followed me here, right here in the city. How wonderful!

"On the contrary, leaving me hanging isn't so good at all, Ellie," he whispered, his breath warm against my ear as he pulled me closer. The scent of his cologne, a mix of leather and something spicy, filled my senses.

His hand rested on my belly, closing the space between us. My bare back tingled where his suit brushed against my skin, the heat of his body hinting from the fabric.

"Remember what happens to good girls misbehaving, baby?" he murmured, his lips brushing against my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. The words were a low growl, laced with a danger and lust. "I think you remember it well."

The memory of our sinful nights. Those night when he kept me up all night, screaming his name, biting the sheets, and being punished.

Cuffed in bed or tied on my back. Those memories had me squeezing my legs tight.

"Don't even think about it," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the soft music and chatter of the crowd. I tried to pull away, but his grip tightened on my waist, holding me close.

He chuckled, a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine. "Don't worry, baby. I'm not going to do anything you don't want."

But I knew better. I knew that look in his eyes, the way he held me, the way he spoke to me. He was playing with me, and I was falling for it. Again.