I smile at my overprotective sister, and I let myself sink back into thought— something I’ve been doing a lot of lately.

The wrath of reflection. I drift back to all those years ago, and how it felt to be in her arms. For a while, it was perfect.

My stomach twists when I remember how badly it ended.

I have many regrets in my life. That week, that night, and the months that followed. They’re all up there with the biggest.

April

We ride to the top floor in the elevator with my nerves at an all-time high. I glance at my reflection in the mirrored doors. I’m wearing black high heels, a black pencil skirt, and a matching jacket with a cream silk blouse and sheer black stockings. My blond bob is hanging in loose curls, and my makeup is minimal.

It’s my first day on the road with Bart McIntyre, and I have to admit that this shit is scary. We have Jeremy with us who is Mr. McIntyre’s personal assistant who travels everywhere with him.

I glance over at Jeremy standing beside the door. He would have to be in his early thirties. He’s a very good-looking man in a perfectly fitting suit. He has chocolate brown hair and big green eyes. He’s apparently been Bart’s PA for six years. He’s very friendly, too. I haven’t quiet worked out the dynamics between the two of them yet. I think they might be together as they seem very familiar. But maybe that’s just what you get for working together for so long, and my mind is just depraved. I mean, just because he’s his PA, that doesn’t mean that they’re fucking.

Or maybe my gut feeling is right and it means they totally are, I guess time will tell me whether I’m right or wrong.

There’s so much to learn, a little thrill runs through me at the prospect of all the new and exciting things.

The doors open, and Jeremy steps out and walks up to the desk. He immediately takes his laptop out of its bag. There’s a metal scanner at the entrance leading into the offices, as well as two security guards.

Huh? Is that a metal detector?

I glance over at Bart in question, wondering who, exactly, we are seeing?

“You’ll have to take your laptop out and pass through security,” Bart tells me as he begins to unload his laptop bag. He takes his phone and keys out of his pocket and places them on a tray.

“Shoes off,” the security guard commands as he runs a metal detector over my body.

I slip out of my shoes and put them on the tray. Bart was supposed to send our schedule to my email last week. It never arrived and I didn’t want to sound pushy by requesting it. Once we pass through, I slip my shoes back on and gather up my things. Eventually, we walk through the doors and into another large reception area. It’s all black marble floors, and fancy as fancy can be.

“Good morning, Bart.” The receptionist smiles. “Morning, Jeremy.” Her eyes come to me in question.

“Rebecca, this is April,” Bart introduces. “She’s my new associate and will be traveling with me from now on.”

“Hello.” Rebecca fakes a smile and looks me up and down. I can almost hear her judgement.

“Hello.” I smile in return.

Why are women such bitches to other women? She’s probably got the hots for Bart or something… or Jeremy. She’s around his age.

“Just go up to his office. He’s expecting you.”

“Thanks.” Bart gestures to me. “This way.” I follow him up a large corridor.

Jeremy veers off and walks into an office on the left. “See you soon,” he says as he takes a seat at a desk.

Bart and I walk over to two large black double doors, and Bart knocks once.

“Come in!” a voice calls.

Bart opens the door. “Hello, my friend.” He walks in.

I look to the person sitting behind the large mahogany desk, and my heart stops.

It’s Sebastian Garcia.

Oh, fuck.

He sees me and rolls his lips. “Bart,” he says dryly, his eyes holding mine.

“Sebastian.” Bart smiles as he gestures to me. “Meet April Bennet, my new associate. She will be working closely with me from here on in. April, this is Sebastian Garcia: the man currently helping to run our country.”

Sebastian’s eyes stay fixed on mine, and he holds out his hand to shake mine. “Hello, April. Nice to meet you.” His voice holds no emotion.

Fuck, fuck, double fuck

This isn’t happening.

“Hello.” I grimace.

“Please, take a seat.” He gestures to the chairs at his desk.

Oh hell…. this is bad. Really bad.

I take a seat to stop myself from falling. I couldn’t make this shit up if I tried. My heart is beating fast. I wipe my brow, feeling faint.

Sebastian sits back in his chair, his eyes still locked on mine. He raises his chin in defiance.

He’s wearing a perfectly fitted navy suit. His dark hair has a wave to it, and his deep olive skin is in stark contrast to his crisp white shirt.

Arrogance personified.

“So, I’ve been researching our options.” Bart slips straight into business mode.

Sebastian’s eyes rise to him for the first time since we walked in.

But my gaze stays fixed on Sebastian’s face.

He’s older than when we met, a little weathered, but still so beautiful.

Sebastian Garcia is still the most handsome man I have had the misfortune to meet.

I feel my heart constrict in my chest as I listen to his deep voice as he speaks to Bart.

I get a vision of him looking up at me with his head between my legs, his lips glistening with my arousal, and I bite my bottom lip to get rid of the memory.

Stop it! He’s a complete asshole.

The bastard of all bastards.

I remember the way he used to kiss me, the way he would grab my face in his hands and his eyes would close, making me feel it all the way to my toes.

Fuck, cut it out.

I hate that he still affects me.

Bart and Sebastian keep talking business—something about an overpass on a motorway, and legislation about something else, but I can’t focus on a word they are saying, which I really need to because this is fucking important.

For half an hour, I sit, frozen on the spot. Sebastian hasn’t looked at me once.

Bart fishes into his pocket and digs out his phone that’s ringing. “Sorry, I have to take this. I’ll be back in a moment. You two acquaint yourselves.” He stands and rushes from the room, closing the door behind him.