The new skyscraper was weeks behind schedule, and tensions were climbing higher than the steel beams. You walked briskly through the dusty site in heels that didn’t belong there—but you never cared about fitting in.

You were the lead architect. His architect.

Ethan Valerio, the site's head engineer, watched you from the scaffolding, arms crossed, hardhat pushed back just enough to show those sharp eyes tracking your every move. He hated how good you looked in your tailored slacks and white blouse… and how every guy on site noticed too.

At the base of the stairs, he caught up with you. “Why was the intern from electrical standing so close to you?”

You turned, smirking. “I was explaining the structural flow.”

“He looked like he was trying to date the structural flow.”

You rolled your eyes, but your smile betrayed you. “So what if he was?”

Ethan stepped closer, voice low and dangerous. “You know I don’t like sharing, sweetheart.”

You raised an eyebrow. “You’ve never said I was yours.”

He didn’t hesitate. “You’ve been mine since the first damn blueprint.”

Before you could answer, he pressed a hand to the wall behind you, cornering you in just enough. Not enough to be obvious—but enough to make your knees a little weaker.

“Don’t test me,” he murmured. “You won’t like what happens if I get really jealous.”