Alexander Valentine shook his head helplessly. "I'm doing this for your own good."

Natalie Sullivan pinched his cheek. "You're too honest. A man is more charming when he's a little wicked. Take my brother, for example—proper on the surface, but full of tricks behind the scenes."

"Ethan is a good man."

"Not even close. He doesn’t hold a candle to you."

A smile flickered in Alexander's eyes as he lifted her onto the sofa. "What would you like to drink?"

Natalie stared at him intently. "You."

"Coffee or tea?"

"Milk."

Alexander walked to the fridge. "We’re out of milk. How about yogurt?"

"Fine."

He poured her a glass and handed it over. "Hungry for anything?"

Natalie clutched the cup, her gaze sullen. "You!"

Alexander rubbed his temples. "Some nuts, perhaps?"

She crooked a finger. "Come here. Let me take a bite."

Obediently, he sat down.

Natalie took a sip of yogurt, then tilted his chin and pressed her lips to his, transferring the cool sweetness into his mouth.

Alexander’s pupils contracted.

He hadn’t wanted the yogurt.

But if it came from Natalie, he’d gladly drink poison.

He swallowed.

Setting the glass aside, Natalie flipped him onto his back. "Good?"

"Delicious."

Her eyes gleamed. "I’m sweeter than yogurt. Want a taste?"

Alexander caught her wandering hands. "Natalie, it’s broad daylight."

"I don’t care." She unbuttoned his shirt and nipped at his collarbone.

A shiver ran through him.

Her soft lips were like embers, igniting every inch of his skin.

At last, he lost control, flipping her beneath him.

Natalie grinned triumphantly. "Alex, you’ve finally caught on."

His voice turned rough. "Don’t get cocky."

A phone rang abruptly.

Alexander froze.

Right on cue.

As he moved to answer, Natalie yanked him back. "Ignore it!"

The landline blared next.

Then came a knock at the door.

His assistant called through the wood, "Mr. Valentine, Chairman Sullivan said if you lay a finger on Miss Natalie, he won’t let you off easy."

"Understood." Alexander’s tone was calm.

This script was all too familiar.

Every time passion flared, Victor Sullivan’s interference arrived like clockwork.

Furious, Natalie dialed his number. "Old man Sullivan! Just because you’re lonely, you can’t stand seeing others happy? No wonder Mom left you!"

She slammed the phone down.

On the golf course, Victor tucked his cell away, murmuring to himself, "You’ll understand my intentions someday, sweetheart."

Turning, he swung his club with practiced ease.

To the world, he remained the formidable Chairman Sullivan.

Post-game, he ran into Adrian Sullivan in the lounge.

"Dad," Adrian said respectfully, "Grandfather bagged a deer. He’d like you to join us for dinner."

"Is venison legal?"

"Farmed, with all the paperwork."

Victor nodded. "Good timing. I’ve been meaning to visit the old man."

Night fell.

The Laurent estate glowed with lanterns as Leonard Laurent greeted him personally at the gate.

"Victor! Finally, you’re here!"

"My apologies. It’s been three months."

The table groaned with delicacies. Leonard served him enthusiastically. "Venison strengthens the kidneys. Have more."

Victor took a bite—tender and rich.

He made a mental note to send some to Audrey and the kids later.

Over the meal, Leonard tearfully reminisced about his late daughter.

Guilt pricked Victor. He pulled out a bank card.

The old man waved it off. "Keep your money. I just miss Nicole..."

After dinner, Leonard insisted Victor take leftovers—venison and alligator paws.

"For the children to try."

Unable to refuse, Victor accepted.

At his departure, Leonard clung to his sleeve. "Visit more often."

In the car, Victor watched neon lights streak past the window, lost in thought.

"Drive to Moon Bay," he instructed.

Ethan Sullivan was surprised when the venison arrived. "Why not deliver it yourself?"

Victor smiled bitterly. "Your mother chases me off the moment she sees me."

Ethan had the food distributed.

Sophia Laurent refused to touch it upon learning its origin.

Late that night, Ethan led Sophia to their glass-domed rooftop.

"Like it?" He pointed to the star-studded sky.

She gasped. "When did you install this?"

"You’ve always loved stargazing." His lips brushed her ear. "They say making love under the stars produces beautiful children."

Sophia’s laughter sparkled.

This man’s romantic streak was lethal.

The circular bed’s springs sighed in rhythm as she drowned in starlight and devotion.

Midnight’s peace shattered with a frantic call.

Audrey’s voice trembled through the line. "Ethan, your brother’s gone missing! His injuries haven’t healed!"