Page 36 of Executive Privilege

Nicholas breaks one of his hands free and finds me between my thighs, his fingers circling exactly where I need it. The added touch is devastating—I cry out, clamping one hand on my mouth and one around him as my climax slams into me. My bodybucks and arches, pleasure tearing through me so violently I lose control, collapsing against his chest.

He follows, surging up into me with a strangled groan, his hands gripping me like he’s afraid to let go. The rhythm turns frantic, rough, until he’s undone beneath me, holding me against him as if I belong nowhere else.

When it’s over, I’m still straddling him, both of us drenched in sweat and gasping for air. He strokes a hand slowly down my spine, the gentleness after all of that intensity has my eyes prickling.

"I should probably go back to my own cabin," I say eventually.

"Probably," Nicholas agrees, his arms tightening around me. "Morrison's probably an early riser. Wouldn't want him to notice anything inappropriate."

"Nothing inappropriate here." I laugh.

Suddenly Nicholas is rolling us over so he's on top of me. "I can't seem to keep my hands off you."

"That's not very professional of you, Mr. Blackwood."

"Nothing about this is professional, Ms. Reynolds."

And for once, he sounds like he might be okay with that.

Chapter 10: His Walls

I wake up in my own cabin at 5 AM, having snuck back from Nicholas's bed in the middle of the night like some kind of corporate spy. The early morning light filtering through the pine trees makes everything feel surreal—like last night's intimacy happened in a different world from the professional retreat reality I'm about to return to.

My phone buzzes with a text from Emma:"How's the business trip? Still pretending it's just business?"

I stare at the message, not sure how to answer. What am I supposed to say? That I'm falling for my boss who's made it clear he doesn't do emotional complications? That amazing sex in a cabin has me wondering if I'm setting myself up for heartbreak?

"Still working,"I text back."Talk when I'm home."

An hour later, I'm showered, dressed, and attempting to look like someone who spent the night in her own bed when I run into Nicholas near the main lodge.

"Morning," he says, his voice carefully neutral.

"Morning. Ready for today's activities?"

"As ready as one can be."

There's something different in his demeanor this morning—more distant than usual, like he's already rebuilding the walls that came down last night and over the last few days, I thought. The realization makes my chest heavy with disappointment.

"Everything okay?" I ask quietly.

"Fine. Just focused on making sure we get the content we need."

Right. Because everything always comes back to the work with Nicholas.

The morning is full of strategic planning sessions and collaborative exercises designed to showcase Morrison Industries as a forward-thinking company. Of course, we had to sign NDAs to listen in on the sessions.

I can’t help noticing how engaged everyone seems—like they aren’t just employees, but true believers in what they’re building here. And honestly, I can see why. Morrison himself radiates this grounded, approachable charm, the kind of leader who makes people want to follow him, but also kind of feels like everyone's really sweet dad at the same time.

It’s no wonder they admire him, especially when they’re treated so well. Every one of them had swag bags waiting this morning: sleek watches, high-end luggage, leather tech organizers, even luxury headphones—all the very goods the company sells. Plus, we learned they all get insider prices most people could never dream of. The generosity is real, and it shows in how fiercely loyal they are.

Nicholas and I work together with practiced efficiency, but there’s a careful distance between us that feels forced after last night.

It's during the lunch break that things start to unravel.

"Sadie," Morrison approaches me while I'm reviewing social media content on my phone. "Do you have a minute? I wanted to discuss the afternoon climbing demonstration."

"Of course. What did you have in mind?"