Proof of Concept

He braced himself over me, his cock hot and hard against my inner thigh. “Last chance to say no,” he rasped, his eyes dark and wild.

I wrapped my legs around his hips, pulling him closer. “Yes,” I breathed against his lips. “God, yes.”

He thrust into me with one smooth, powerful stroke, filling me, stretching me, claiming me. I clung to him, my nails scoring his shoulders, my body arching off the bed.

He set a punishing pace, his hips snapping against mine, his mouth swallowing my cries. I met him thrust for thrust, my body coiling tighter and tighter, hurtling toward another release.

“Carter!” I screamed his name as I came, my body clenching around him, my vision fracturing.

He followed me over the edge a moment later, his body shuddering, his breath hot against my neck as he spilled inside me.

We collapsed together in a sweaty, panting tangle, our hearts racing in sync. He rolled us to the side, tucking me against his chest, his arms holding me close.

I knew I should pull away. I should get up, get dressed, retreat to the safety of my own room. Put an end to this madness before it went any further.

But for the first time in my life, I didn’t want to be safe. I wanted to be here, in his arms, in this bed, in this moment.

So I let him hold me. And for the rest of the night, I pretended that tomorrow—and all the complications it would bring—didn’t exist.

“Ms. Sterling.” Helen Finch’s icy voice cut through the room. I jerked upright, clutching the sheet. Carter was instantly awake beside me. “This isn’t what it looks like,” he said, tension beneath his calm.

Helen’s eyebrow arched. “It looks like a clear violation of company policy. One you were both aware of.” Her gaze swept over the rumpled sheets. “When one of you reports directly to the other, it creates a conflict of interest.”

I met her eyes. “Carter and I are professionals. We can keep personal and professional lives separate.”

“Can you?” She stepped into the room. “Mr. Vale was brought in to make difficult staffing decisions. Including your team, Ms. Sterling. How can I trust his recommendations are unbiased?”

Silence hung heavy. Carter met her gaze. “You’re right. My relationship with Margo creates a conflict of interest.” He squared his shoulders. “I’ll tender my resignation. Effective immediately.”

I stared at him. “Carter, no. You can’t—”

“I can, and I will.” He intertwined our fingers. “This job isn’t worth losing you over.”

“But your career…” My throat tightened.

“I can build something new. With you.”

Helen cleared her throat. “That doesn’t resolve Ms. Sterling’s position. Or the fraternization policy.”

Carter’s jaw tightened. “What are you suggesting?”

“She’s suggesting we can’t both stay at Sterling & Finch,” I said quietly. “Even if you resign, my conduct is still a violation.”

“We’re to be punished for falling in love?” Carter’s voice was controlled, but anger simmered beneath.

Helen didn’t flinch. “The policy exists to protect employees.”

“And what about protecting people’s right to privacy?” Carter shot back.

Helen was silent, then nodded. “Perhaps there is room for reevaluation. If Mr. Vale is no longer in a supervisory position over you, and if you’re both willing to disclose your relationship…”

“We’ll do whatever it takes,” Carter said quickly. “Just tell us what we need to do.”

Helen’s demeanor softened slightly. “We’ll need to meet with Sterling. Discuss next steps. But I believe we can find a solution.”

Relief washed over me. Carter pulled me into his arms. “We’ll face this together,” he murmured against my hair.

I leaned into him. “Together.” Because that was the only way forward. Together.