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MAEVE: I was going back through my phone and I noticed you really loved giving me extra work on particular Fridays.

HAYDEN: The Fridays we needed things wrapped up before the weekend? I can see why I rode you a little hard on those days, and not in the fun way.

MAEVE: I was talking more about how you would yank me out of personal time.

HAYDEN: You *were* the assistant to three powerful CEOs. You should count yourself lucky you got any kind of personal life at all.

MAEVE: The thing is I’m noticing that you never interrupted me when I was out with my best friend.

HAYDEN: Well, I try to be understanding. Social time is important.

MAEVE: But only if it’s platonic social time, is that right?

HAYDEN: I don’t know what you mean.

MAEVE: Don’t play dumb with me, Hayden. It doesn’t suit you. I can see through the asshole act now and you have no one to blame but yourself for that.

HAYDEN: …

HAYDEN: Yes. All right. It was on purpose. I was interrupting your dates.

MAEVE: You realize how out of line that is? You don’t get a say over my personal life.

HAYDEN: Is that so?

MAEVE: Well, you didn’t. At the time.

HAYDEN: There are only two men I want putting their hands on you besides me. And since I’m allowed to put my hands on you now instead of just keeping other men from doing it… why don’t you let me know where you are so I can make it up to you for ruining all your evenings?

MAEVE: What a generous offer.

HAYDEN: I’m a generous man. As I’m sure you’ve noticed. I love to give.

MAEVE: Like what?

HAYDEN: I think you know a few of the things I love giving you.

MAEVE: I don’t need you to buy me things.

HAYDEN: Don’t worry. This will just need my hands. And my mouth. Possibly something else.

MAEVE: I’m outside in the little back path between all those hedges.

HAYDEN: Good girl. I’m on my way.

46

HAYDEN

I shove my phone into my pocket and grab my coat with more force than necessary. Ford’s been locked in a video conference for the past hour, and Gabriel’s been pacing the hallway like a caged predator while he handles calls with our international clients across multiple time zones. That leaves me alone in the makeshift office we’ve commandeered, and I’ve been fighting a losing battle with my concentration all damn day.

This is the life we chose for ourselves. We knew from the beginning that if we were going to be truly successful and create the kind of meaningful change we envisioned, that if we were going to be more than just entitled trust fund babies counting money like modern-day Scrooge McDucks, our work would consume most of our existence. Most of the time, I don’t just accept that reality—I genuinely love it. My career fulfills me in ways that nothing else ever has.

Except…

Growing up without any real family taught me that helping people through my work would be what gave my life meaning. I always understood that about myself. I’m incredibly fortunate to have found Ford and Gabriel when I did. They became my chosen family, my brothers in every way that matters. Being welcomed into Ford’s family circle—becoming Lydia’s honorary big brother and earning a place as Elaine’s surrogate son—gave me more than I ever dared hope for.

But ever since I allowed myself to give in to my ravenous hunger for Maeve, she’s invaded every corner of my mind.