Page 54 of Vicious Kingdom

That was the only explanation why I would kiss this—this—

This fucking terrible idea.

“My secretary will call you with the details,” I snapped, shoving her against the wall.

“Can’t wait,” she sneered. But her voice was breathless, a mix of defiance and desire that sent another jolt through my system.

I stepped back, needing distance before I did something worse than kiss her. The darkness was a blessing—she couldn’t see how wrecked I was, how my hands trembled with the effort of not grabbing her again.

“One date,” I growled, finding the door handle. “One fucking date and we’re done.”

“Are we?” The question hung in the air, taunting me. “You’re the one who keeps bumping into me. And now your three million says otherwise, Baldwin.”

Light spilled into the room as I cracked the far door open, illuminating her face. Her lips were swollen from my assault, hair disheveled where my fingers had gripped it. The sight nearly undid me again.

“This doesn’t change anything,” I said, more to myself than to her.

Annaliese straightened, smoothing her dress with deliberate slowness. “Don’t worry, I know we’re still at war, even if you keep forgetting.”

Not again, never again. She was my enemy. A lying serpent who’d been sent to destroy me once. Even if events five years ago proved she had nothing to do with my company’s leak, she hadn’t been honest—ever. That hadn’t changed.

I would never trust that woman again, and I needed to find a way to rid the temptress from my life for good.

Chapter 19 – Annaliese

The newspaper article sat on the counter. The main image was me—surprised and smiling. The dress dipped low, showing my chest, while the lines formed to my figure. Had it been too much? Probably. But every detail helped catch the headline that stared back at me.

The mysterious businessman bid an enormous sum for the daughter of the media mogul—and then he kissed me as though his life depended on it.

“Let me get this straight. YoulikeLeonardo?” Penelope held up a wooden spoon coated with cookie batter.

Slugging back the icy milk, I sighed. The frosty cup, partially frozen, nearly stuck to my lips. “It’s complicated.”

“I’m really good at working out other people’s problems.” She grinned. “I have lots of siblings.”

“Didn’t know that, but it makes sense.” I smiled back.

“Yup! Big sister complex. So…Leonardo. Shoot.” Penelope continued to form cookies, and I fidgeted with the glass.

“Five years ago, I wanted to date someone my parents wouldn’t approve of, but who wouldn’t mind their objections.”

Penelope pressed her lips tight, nodding along as she processed the information.

“I selected Leo on a whim, but as I got to know him, I realized I liked him—liked him a lot.”Loved him with all my heart.My stupid, pathetic heart. The damn organ had the gall to make me believe things would work out.

Logic dictated otherwise.

“And…?” Penelope slid the tray into the oven before rounding on me.

I shrugged. “He found out who I was. The age gap probably didn’t help, plus there was a leak in his company at the time, and he suspected me of spying on him for my father.”

Penelope’s brows knit in confusion.

“They were business rivals,” I clarified.

“Ah, I see.” She came around the island to lean against the corner where I sat perched on a stool. “What happened?”

I shrugged. “Leonardo never spoke to me again.”