Chapter 1: PROLOGUE
"Marry me, Logan."
Thunder roared outside, rattling the windows as lightning split the sky. For a brief moment, the entire office was bathed in a stark white glow, illuminating the woman standing before him. Jean Adams... drenched, breathless, and utterly desperate. As if even nature itself was shocked by her words.
Logan Kingsley prided himself on always being in control. He never lost a negotiation, never faltered under pressure. But for the first time in years, he found himself speechless.
His eyes flickered over her, taking in the way her soaked white outfit clung to her curves, the rain tracing sinful paths down her skin. He clenched his jaw and shut his eyes, forcing himself to focus. But nothing... not his iron will, not his sharp mind... could stop the heat rising in his blood.
Damn her.
Knowing he couldn't trust himself in this situation, he stood abruptly, grabbed his coat, and strode toward her. Without a word, he draped it over her shoulders to cover her. "Wear this before you catch a fever."
But then his eyes caught the beauty spot, peeking through the deep neckline of her dress. His breath thickened at that sight when suddenly another loud thunder brought him back to reality.
Jean barely flinched. Instead, she stared at him—eyes red-rimmed, exhausted, but burning with determination. Then, just as he was about to step back, he saw it. A single tear slipping down her cheek.
"Jean..." He reached out, instinct driving him to wipe the tear falling down her cheek.
"Don't." Her voice cracked as she jerked away, her hands balling into fists. She ripped the coat off and threw it back at him. "I don't need your sympathy."
Logan exhaled sharply, gripping the fabric. His patience was hanging by a thread. If it was any other woman, he wouldn't even spare another minute for her. "Then why the hell are you here?"