Privacy Policy

Chapter One 

“She’s arrived?” 

Hayden Wexton stood in his penthouse, staring out the floor-to-ceiling window. The glass reflected his image like a dark mirror, and he could see the satisfied smile curling his own lips. 

“She just checked in, sir,” the voice on the other end of the phone said. “We’ve put Ms. Clarke in one of our best rooms, as per your request.” 

So, she’d actually gone through with the job. He’d had his doubts. 

“Prepare my suite,” he said. “I’ll see you soon.” 

Disconnecting the call, he tucked his phone back into the inner pocket of his suit. Flicking a tiny speck off his Armani jacket, he gazed back out at the window. Anticipation coursed through him. Avery Clarke was a difficult woman to corner. With the world as her playground she was nearly as elusive as he was. For weeks, he’d been trying to track her down. He’d used all his usual tricks—offers of exotic getaway weekends, the sparkling allure of gemstones, even staid invitations to dinners. 

She turned him down every time. 

“You’re really going?” 

He glanced back at his guest. Wyatt lounged on his leather sofa, a tumbler of fine scotch resting forgotten in his hand. 

“I said I was. This can’t be a surprise,” Hayden replied, moving away from the window. 

“I don’t know,” his friend replied. “After all, the two of you only spent one night together. I honestly thought you’d tire of your chase before it got to the point of air travel. Your liaisons don’t usually have such long lasting consequences.” 

The man wasn’t wrong. Hayden wasn’t the sort to chase after anyone. He didn’t need to. A half smile and an extended hand were usually all it took to secure a bedmate for the night. And in the morning, it was always him walking away without a backward glance. 

Except Avery had slipped from his arms like a ghost in the night. The knowledge that he’d somehow been found wanting in her eyes….grated. 

“I doubt I’ll be gone long,” he said, reaching for his own drink. “You have all my contact details if you need me.” 

Wyatt snorted. “Yes, because you’ve never disappeared at a moment’s notice before. However will I run your empire without you?” 

Hayden lifted his glass in a silent salute. Wyatt was the answer to all of his problems. Since he’d taken over the vice president position, Hayden had been freed from the chains of the day-to-day operations of the company. For the first time in over a decade, he’d had the luxury to actually enjoy the wealth he’d amassed. And enjoy it he did. 

“She’s not going to be pleased to see you.” 

“You don’t know that,” he replied. 

“Avery Clarke is smart, savvy, and sexy as hell. I’ve worked with her for years whenever we needed to hire a hotel consultant, while you barely noticed her presence. Trust me, if she wanted more from you she’d have replied to any one of your numerous offers.” 

He frowned at Wyatt. It wasn’t like the other man to try and interfere with his pursuits outside the office. 

“Ah, but she hasn’t seen me face to face since the Christmas gala. You know how persuasive I can be.” 

Wyatt nodded. “That’s true. I turned down this job a half dozen times before you roped me into it.” 

“And what did I do?” 

“Badgered me until I accepted. My fortune and I thank you for the persistence,” he replied, raising his glass. 

“What can I say? I’m a man who knows what he wants.” 

“And right now, your flavor of the month is a woman who has made us millions in the past. I’d be a terrible business counsel if I didn’t point out your ill-fated romance could have financial repercussions for us if she refuses to work for Wexton Hotels again.” 

Hayden waved away the words. “You worry too much.” 

“You don’t worry enough.” 

He arched a brow. “This is just a little seduction in a luxurious island paradise. No one is going to get hurt.” 

Wyatt shook his head. “Just try not to get us sued for sexual harassment.” 

He tossed his friend a dirty look. “Ha ha.” 

“Mark my words,” Wyatt said. “This will end poorly for you. I don’t even know why you are so set on winning this woman. She’s not your usual type.” 

Sensible words. The world was endless, after all. There was no shortage of beautiful women to rotate through his life. It would take no effort at all to fall back into his old habits and spend the week sailing the Mediterranean with a gaggle of models. It wasn’t like him to think twice about a woman who’d turned him down. 

Except when he fell asleep at night, he couldn’t shake the memory of Avery arching under him, of her hands gliding down his chest, or the way she cried out against his ear when her body climaxed under his touch.  

No, one night hadn’t been enough. He was nowhere near done with the elusive Ms. Clarke. 

All he needed to do was convince her of that fact, and they could embark on the affair they should have had from the start. He had no doubt it would burn hot and fast but that was just his speed. A few weeks and the woman would be out of his mind for good. 

Provided he could catch her first. 

“Have you booked the private jet?” 

“It’s on standby,” Wyatt said. “If you have the bad sense to go, a fully stocked jet is yours to command.” 

“Then I’m off to paradise.” 

Wyatt shook his head. “Just don’t fall off the map completely. Every now and then I actually need you to do your job.” 

“Sounds tedious.” 

“Says the billionaire hotel mogul.” 

“You should loosen up sometime, Wyatt. You might find you have a taste for adventure.” 

“And then who would there be to grow Wexton Hotels?” he pointed out. “Besides, you have enough fun for the both of us.” 

“It’s a difficult cross to bear.” He downed the last of his scotch before setting the glass aside. His suitcase waited by the door, ready for the trip he was itching to start. 

“I’ll leave matters in your capable hands,” he said. 

Wyatt waved him off. “I’ll show myself out once I’ve finished your excellent scotch.” 

“Admit it—half the reason you finally took the job was the unlimited access to my liquor cabinet.” 

“Your taste for extravagance is rubbing off on me. Now go get shot down so you can come back to work.” 

“What an appealing plan,” he said drily, tossing a long trench coat over his shoulders and grabbing his bag. “I’ll see you soon, Wyatt.” 

“Good luck,” his friend replied with an airy wave. 

Hayden strode from the penthouse with a smile on his lips. He didn’t need luck. 

He just needed Avery.