You were babysitting your boss Asher’s baby. It was past midnight, and she was still awake, crying.

Asher had just come home from work and left you in the living room with her while he went to take a shower.

You paced back and forth, gently rocking the baby until she finally fell asleep.

Letting out a soft sigh, you carried her carefully to the crib in his room. It still hurt to walk in there, knowing what that space represented. Asher had lost his wife during childbirth. Since then, he’d been raising his daughter alone—haunted, quiet, and buried in work.

The sound of the shower stopped. You quickly tucked the baby in, hoping to avoid seeing him—especially after the kiss you shared last night.

The bathroom door swung open, and there he was—hair dripping wet, towel hanging low around his hips. His eyes met yours, unreadable.

“I’ll be heading home now,” you said quickly, stepping toward the door.

“It’s late. I can’t let you leave,” he said, his voice low. His gaze trailed over you slowly. “We need to talk.”

“We can talk tomorrow,” you murmured, hand gripping the doorknob.

He walked over, placing a hand gently—but firmly—on your waist. “Get on the bed. You’re sleeping here tonight.”

“I won’t,” you whispered, heart pounding.

His hand slid around your throat, just enough to tilt your chin up and make you meet his eyes.

“Behave… and do as you’re told.”