hapter 90: Promises and Threats-1
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The sharp cadence of Harper’s voice hit him first, slicing through the quiet like a whip. Her words tumbled out rapid-fire, each punctuated by the jab of her finger.
Ashcroft leaned casually against the hallway wall while Harper stood in front of him, arms crossed, mid-rant. She pointed a sharp, scolding finger right at his face, voice rising with every word.
“…and if you ever interrupt like that again, I swear to God-”
Both paused, heads turning toward the open door.
Harper’s eyes widened. “Oh. Hey, lovers.”
Maya chuckled softly as Damien muttered something that sounded suspiciously like, I need a damn gun. Then he stepped back, letting her slip past.
Maya stepped into the hallway, cheeks flushed, trying not to look too obviously kissed senseless. She met Harper’s smug grin with a warning glare.
“Don’t,” Maya mouthed.
Harper’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “I didn’t say anything,” she said aloud, sounding far too innocent.
Behind her, Ashcroft gave Damien a once-over, raising a brow at his rumpled shirt and the faint sheen of frustration clinging to him like smoke after a fire. “You look… tense.”
Damien gave him a cold look that could curdle steel. “You’re pushing your luck.”
Ashcroft smirked. “Hey, I come bearing gifts.” He held up a slim folder.
“This better be damn worth interrupting me,” Damien growled, stepping forward and snatching the folder. “I was occupied.”
Ashcroft opened his mouth to protest-then caught Damien’s cold, warning glare and thought better of it. “Right. Totally… occupied.”
Harper jabbed a finger at Ashcroft, eyes blazing. “You barged into a very private moment for some dull-ass business crap? Real smooth, genius.”
Ashcroft shrugged with a lopsided grin. “How was I supposed to know? A little warning would’ve been nice. And seriously-are you sure you’re not a guy in disguise? That jab felt like it came from a linebacker. Stay away from me, woman!”
Chapter 90: Promises and Threats-1
Harper smirked, folding her arms. “Please. If I wanted to hurt you, you’d be on the floor crying for your mommy. That was just a love tap.”
“Harper,” Maya said, tugging her arm gently, voice low but laughing beneath it.
Damien’s jaw twitched, but Maya caught the faint twitch at the corner of his lips.
Harper sighed dramatically, throwing an exaggerated glare at Ashcroft.
“Well, since this genius already ruined the mood, might as well spend the rest of the night fishing for juicy details.”
Harper wasn’t done. She tapped a finger on her hip, tilting her head at them with mock
impatience.
“Alright, lovebirds-one juicy goodnight kiss before I snatch your girl, boss man. Chop-chop, show me some fireworks before I drag her off for serious girl time.”
Maya rolled her eyes. “You’re impossible.”
“I’m romantic,” Harper shot back with a wicked grin. “Now pucker up, woman. I need something juicy to gag over later.”
Damien arched a brow. “She always like this?”
“Worse,” Maya muttered, cheeks flushed as Damien leaned in, brushing his lips over hers in a kiss that sent a warm pulse through her chest.
Harper clapped her hands. “Perfect. Now hands off, corporate Casanova. The leading lady’s got a date-with wine, gossip, and me.”
Maya gave an exasperated sigh. “Please. Stop talking. Time to go.”
She linked arms with Harper and pulled her toward the hallway with mock urgency.
Ashcroft cleared his throat. “Alright, I missed a lot, didn’t I?” He turned to Damien. “Ready to go over everything?”
Damien nodded shortly, eyes still locked on Maya as Harper led her toward their suite, whispering gleefully in her ear,
“So? Tell me everything. And don’t you dare skip the spicy bits. I want a full-color, surround-sound recap-
”
The door clicked shut behind them.
Damien lingered in the hallway a beat longer, folder tight in hand, jaw clenched as he inhaled
2/3
< Chapter 90: Promises and Threats. 1
her fading scent-lavender, with an undercurrent of something deeper, something warm. His.
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.