I fish my phone out of my pocket and scroll to Claire’s number.
She answers on the second ring. Efficient as always. “Mr Ashcroft?”
“Claire, book me the penthouse at the best hotel near the site.”
Keys clack on her keyboard. “Kingsley Hotel.”
“Send me the confirmation.”
“Anything else?”
“No,” I say, already picturing the suite’s floor-to-ceiling windows and the peace of being alone while I plan my next move.
“Enjoy your stay,” Claire says before the line clicks off.
I stare at my phone for a second longer, then slip it back into my pocket and climb into the car.
I shake my head, smirking despite myself. You’re playing with fire.
Worst of all?
You’ve already decided you like the burn.
6
Lila
The offer was insulting. Below market value, like we’d be too stupid or desperate to notice. A slap in the face after everything we’ve built and of course, he delivered it with that infuriating calm, like he was doing us a favour. What’s really driving me mad is how much space he’s taking up in my head. The way he looked at me like a stranger. It’s ridiculous. I should be focused on the fight ahead, not getting thrown off balance by a man I haven’t seen in fifteen years.
Not letting old feelings tangle up with new fury.
Damn it, Lila. Get a grip.
The bell above the door chimes, and every muscle in my body locks up.
No. No fucking way.
But there he is. Ben Ashcroft, standing in the doorway like he owns the place. His eyes scan the room until they land on me. He’s not in a suit today, but somehow, that’s worse. Fitted navy shirt rolled to the elbows, tailored trousers, an expensive watch glinting from his wrist. He looks ridiculously put together for someone who should have no business showing up here again.
What the hell is he doing here?
I fight the instinct to bolt and keep my expression neutral as he strides toward the counter. My pulse kicks up anyway.
“Good morning,” he says, his voice just as smooth, just as irritatingly confident as it was yesterday. “Thought I’d stop in for coffee.”
I fold my arms, narrowing my eyes. “Doing some early reconnaissance before you knock the place down?”
Ben chuckles softly, like he’s actually amused. “If I wanted to knock it down, I wouldn’t need coffee first.”
“Right.” I tilt my head, giving him a tight smile. “Coffee. Because there’s absolutely nowhere else in the city to get one, is there?”
His eyes glint, and he leans just a little closer over the counter. Too close.
“I wanted to apologize,” he says, his voice soft but deliberate.
“Oh, so you’ve decided to cancel the plans after all?”
He blinks, caught off guard for a split second, before his lips curl into a faint smile. “No.”
