Chapter 3

Leyla's P.O.V.

"Oh my God, we're about to shop this mall down—if you know what I mean!" I laughed, flashing Nathan's credit card at Sophie.

She squealed with excitement, and we both rushed into the next store like it was a battlefield and we were armed.

We had the best time.

Laughter, fitting rooms, shoes we didn't need but absolutely had to have.

For a few hours, it felt like we were back in college again—carefree and young.

On the way home, we grabbed some food.

Burgers, milkshakes, fries.

It wasn't fancy, but it was perfect.

By the time I got home, I was exhausted.

All I wanted was a nap—but that wasn't going to happen.

We had visitors coming over.

Nathan's nephews.

I had known them for years—since that party.

Sophie had been dating one of the twins back then, and she dragged me along.

That's when I met him.

Nathan.

Back then, he was just the handsome man who made my heart stutter.

I had no idea he was seeing my mother.

And when I found out... it broke something inside me.

I avoided him after that—tried to pretend those feelings had never happened.

But now, here I was.

Living under the same roof.

His nephews were sweet, friendly, and welcoming.

But honestly?

I was bored that night.

I wasn't in the mood for catching up or small talk.

"I think I'll head up and rest," I told them, excusing myself.

I took a long, hot shower, letting the water wash away the day.

I wrapped a towel around myself and stepped out into my bedroom.

And froze.

Nathan was sitting on my bed.

His eyes met mine, intense.

Serious.

"I need to talk to you," he said.

My heart skipped.

"About what?" I asked, clutching my towel a little tighter.

He hesitated.

"Nothing... we'll talk tomorrow." He stood and walked out before I could say another word.I just stood there—shocked, confused, and maybe a little scared.

Something was different in his eyes.

He looked... angry.

Or maybe conflicted.

Either way, I knew we would talk tomorrow.

And something told me that conversation was going to change everything.

Nathan's P.O.V.

I avoided Leyla the entire day.

I was still furious.

The way she flirted with my nephews last night—laughing, smiling at them with that smile—her smile.

The one that lights up a room and burns straight through my chest.

Why did I even invite them?

I should've known better.

I wanted to rip their faces off.

I wanted her to be mine—only mine.

I didn't want to share her with anyone.

Sitting in my office, I couldn't focus.

I was fuming.

My meeting was in two minutes and I kept muttering to myself:

Just relax, man.

Keep it together.

Then my secretary buzzed in.

"Sir, someone's here to see you."

I frowned.

"Who the hell shows up without an appointment?" I muttered under my breath.

"Fine.

Send them in."

And then the door opened.

And there she was.

My princess.

Standing there in a short summer dress that hugged her just right, her golden hair glowing under the office lights.

My breath caught in my throat.

One moment I was staring at her—next thing I knew, I was kissing her.

And she was kissing me back.

She moaned my name and it sent a shock through my entire body.

My hands found her hips, then her waist, my lips trailing to her neck.

She tilted her head back, surrendering.

I grabbed her ass and she let out another soft moan.

God, I was losing it.

This is wrong, a voice in my head shouted.

Stop this.

But I didn't.

I couldn't.

It was real.

It was fire.

It was her.

Then the phone rang.

We broke apart, both of us breathing heavily, eyes wide.

What the hell just happened?

I asked myself as I stumbled back to my desk.

I picked up the phone, trying to steady my voice.

"Yeah...

I'm on my way."

I looked at Leyla.

She was staring down at the floor, shaken.

I walked to her, gently lifted her chin, and looked into her eyes.

"We'll talk about this later," I said softly.

"I have to go."

And I kissed her once more.

Quick.

Deep.

Then I left.

But nothing would be the same again.