The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 135

135 A Rival’s Passionate Gamble

“Yes,” I whispered. O

He reached up, brushing my hair behind my ear. “May I kiss you, Hazel? Just once?”

His words snapped me back to reality. I pulled away, breathing heavily.

“You’re not angry?”

“I’m not asking for promises,” he said. “Just a chance. And maybe more kisses like

those.”

He took my hand. “What is it?”

“Tomorrow night then? Our date?”

His jaw tightened. “Mr. Sterling? We’re back to that now?”

Damian whistled. “Looks like you’re getting a promotion, Hazel.”

Levi’s face remained calm, though something flickered in his eyes. “I figured something happened between you two.”

“You taste even better than I imagined,” he whispered.

“We should stop,” I said, straightening my rumpled blouse.

“Levi, I can’t accept this,” I protested.

We continued like teenagers on my couch, all hot breaths and wandering hands. Levi kissed down my neck, sending shivers through my body.

I frowned. “You called my best friend before asking me?”

“I’m asking you out dancing tomorrow night.” His eyes sparkled. “Chloe already agreed

to babysit.”

“I don’t want to hurt you,” I confessed. “I’m a mess right now.”

Hazel’s POV

“Meeting adjourned,” he declared, gathering his papers.

10.10

135 A Rival’s Passionate Gamble

My phone buzzed as I closed his bedroom door. Levi’s name appeared on the screen. I answered quietly.

“I’m jealous as hell,” he admitted. “But you weren’t mine to claim, Hazel. Not yet,

anyway.”

For the first time in days, I wasn’t thinking about Liam’s engagement or our night together. Instead, I found myself wondering what dancing with Levi would feel like, and what other kisses might follow.

“Hazel,” he murmured against my mouth, his hands now tangled in hair.

my

His honesty disarmed me. “He’s engaged to someone else. I feel so cheap.”

Liam shot him an irritated look. “It’s temporary. Any questions?”

Once inside, he closed the door. The tension between us was suffocating.

Reluctantly, I lifted the lid of the red box. Inside was the most gorgeous black cocktail

dress I’d ever seen.

We sat on my small couch, closer than we should have been. Guilt washed over me as thoughts of Liam flooded my

mind.

My heart raced. This was wrong. I loved Liam. But Liam wasn’t mine–would never be

mine.

“Sweet dreams, little man,” I whispered, placing a gentle kiss on his temple.

I found myself responding, my fingers clutching his shirt. He pulled me closer until I was practically in his lap, our kisses growing more desperate.

Before I could answer, his phone rang. Isabella’s name flashed on the screen. Realit crashed back.

Instead of disappointment, determination filled his eyes. “Then I’ll just have to win your heart, won’t I?”

“What are you doing here?” I asked, genuinely surprised.

I was playing with fire, but maybe getting burned by a different flame was exactly what I needed.

“Yes,” I agreed. “Tomorrow night.”

135 A Rival’s Passionate Gamble

I walked him to the door, confused by my own actions. What was I doing? Was I using Levi to forget Liam?

“Of course, Mr. Sterling,” I replied stiffly.

“You can’t just show up unannounced,” I scolded, but let him in anyway.

“Look out your window,” he suggested.

“You should get that,” I said. “I’ve got work to do.”

Liam’s eyes darkened. “Hazel-”

“Don’t,” Levi said firmly. “You’re anything but cheap. You’re extraordinary.”

Levi leaned in slowly, giving me time to change my mind. His lips met mine gently at first, then with growing hunger. Unlike Liam’s demanding kisses, Levi’s were patient, exploring. His hand cupped my face tenderly as he deepened the kiss.

“Levi, there’s something I need to tell you,” I said, my voice barely audible.

After he left, I touched my swollen lips, comparing Levi’s passionate tenderness to Liam’s possessive fire. Both set me ablaze in different ways.

“Surprise,” he said, his smile dazzling.

“My office. Now,” he murmured.

“Hey, beautiful,” his warm voice filled my ear. “What are you doing right now?”

Despite everything, I smiled. “I think more kisses can be arranged.”

“What would you prefer I call you in the office? Lover? One–night stand?” I regretted the words instantly.

My heart dropped. Liam leaving for a week? I glanced up from my tablet to fir intense violet–blue eyes fixed on me.

S

I shook my head. “No, Levi. I can’t be yours when my heart belongs to someone else. It wouldn’t be fair to you.”

“I’m sorry,” I cut him off. “That was inappropriate. I’ll handle everything while you’re gone.”

“I thought spontaneity might work in my favor.” He placed the boxes on my coffee

135 A Rival’s Passionate Gamble

table. “Open them.”

He stepped closer, his scent engulfing me. “We need to talk about what happened.

between us.”

“Hello?”

“I wanted to make sure you couldn’t use Leo as an excuse to say no.” Levi grinned, unapologetic.

“Everyone, I’ll be gone for a week,” Liam announced during our morning meeting, his tone businesslike as always. “Knight, Owen, and I need to handle some matters in New York with our investors.”

I escaped his office, my heart pounding. How would I survive a week knowing he was with her?

His thoughtfulness toward my son touched me. “Thank

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