Ace Wolfe – POV
She didn't flinch. Didn't hesitate.
Just squared her shoulders, locked those defiant eyes on me, and said-
"You need an heir? Find someone else to breed your dynasty, Mr. Wolfe. I'm not for sale-not even in crocodile leather."
Then she turned on her heel-her coffee uniform dress swaying like defiance wrapped in silk-and walked out of my office.
No begging. No questions. Just fire.
I should've let her go.
But I didn't.
Because the second the door clicked shut, I was already replaying last night. The rooftop party. The flash of gold lights on her skin. The way she felt me watching before she even saw me.
I hadn't planned on noticing anyone. Hell, I hadn't even wanted to be there.
Clarke Maddox's father had called in a favor-one of the few people I still owed something to. A campaign donation. A forgotten deal. Whatever it was, I showed up. One drink, a few fake smiles, then gone.
That was the plan.
And then I saw her.
Aurora Grey.
In a velvet dress too tight for comfort and too unforgettable for me to look away. Standing alone like she didn't belong-and yet, somehow, owning the skyline more than anyone else there.
She didn't know the power she held. Not yet. But I did.
And now... she was in my head.
Uncooperative. Unbending. Undeniably tempting.
She said no.
Which only made me want her more.
Aurora Grey – POV
The coffee shop was quiet-late afternoon sunlight spilling across glass cases and tired pastries. Percy was in the back taking inventory, leaving me alone to pretend I was fine.
But I wasn't.
Ace Wolfe had offered me marriage.
And a baby.
And enough money to save my mother, my sister, my whole drowning life.
And I walked away.
I didn't know if that made me strong... or stupid.
The bell above the door jingled.
Clarke Maddox swept in like the world was her runway and she was the finale. Designer coat. Silk ribbon in her hair. Every step dripping with confidence she didn't have to earn.
"Tell me you've been keeping secrets," she said, sliding onto the stool across from me. "Because I just heard something insane from my driver's girlfriend's cousin."
I blinked. "That's... oddly specific."
She leaned in, eyes glinting. "Is it true you were seen getting out of a Wolfe Empire Benz?"
I bit my lip. "...Okay, yes. But it's not what you think."
Her jaw dropped. "Aurora, you know Ace Wolfe?"
"Not know him," I corrected quickly. "More like... had a strange conversation with him. Twice."
"Twice?!" Clarke nearly shrieked. "Do you realize what that means? That man is the city's most elusive bachelor. He makes CEOs cry and models beg. He hasn't been seen in public with a woman since-" She stopped, her grin twisting.
"Since who?" I asked.
"Eve," Clarke said finally. "Eve Montgomery. My cousin. Supermodel. Vogue covers. Legs for days. She and Ace... it got ugly."
My stomach tightened. So she was the one who once had his attention.
Clarke's expression shifted, sharper now. "Why did you meet with him?"
I hesitated. Saying it out loud would make it real.
"He made me an offer," I admitted softly.
Her brows shot up. "What kind of offer?"
I shook my head. "Something I turned down. But..." My voice cracked. "I don't know for how long."
Her hand reached across the counter, warm against mine. "Aurora, you're not a girl who sells her soul. No matter how expensive the devil's suit is."
I smiled faintly. "You make that sound noble."
She smirked. "Dramatic's kind of my thing."
I laughed with her.
But inside, my chest ached.
Because Clarke was wrong.
The devil wasn't finished with me yet.
And I wasn't sure how much longer I could keep saying no.