Chapter 40

Makenna's POV.

“Yeah?” I replied tentatively.

He ran a hand through his hair in frustration as he walked briskly towards me and hugged me. As much as I really wanted to, I didn't return the gesture.

What the hell was going on?

Was he bipolar or something?

“You look quite different. Stunning.” he said as he backed away. “I wasn’t expecting you though. Especially after last time.”

Did he decide to continue the arrangement with my sister? I was heartbroken when Kenzie started dating Knight in college but I really have no idea if heartbreak was the word for what I would feel if Wolfe had continued the arrangement with Kenzie.

“Were you expecting my sister then?” I asked, trying to prepare myself to prepare myself for the worst.

“No, baby. I actually thought you were Mackenzie. Stella usually calls her Ms. Barnes. And…” His eyes flicked to my dress, and for a moment, I saw a flash of something—desire, frustration, maybe both. “you look exquisite, baby. You have no idea how much I want to kiss you right now.”

I blushed at his words. The dress accomplished its mission, but it was actually distracting us—me specifically—from what I actually came to do. Focus, Makenna.

“That doesn't change the fact that you are not acting according to our agreement,” I said, stepping away from him, my tone firm. “The one where you don't get to tell me what to do. Where we agreed to keep things professional and not get emotionally involved.”

His expression hardened again.

He took a step towards me, his eyes searching mine. “And you think I’ve broken that arrangement?”

“You’ve been acting like you own me, Wolfe,” I said, crossing my arms over my chest. “Showing up and ordering me around… that doesn't sound very professional.”

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I was out of line, I admit that. But, Makenna, I…”

“We need boundaries,” I interrupted, holding up a hand. “If this is going to work, we need clear boundaries.”

“Boundaries?” he echoed, a hint of frustration in his voice. “Baby, this isn’t just about boundaries.”

“Then what is it about, Wolfe?” I challenged, stepping closer. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you are acting like we're in an actual relationship.”

I actually didn't mind if we were in one. But I needed to know if he felt the same way I felt or if it was still one-sided.

“Relationship? You know that's not true.” He stared at me, his jaw clenched. “I care about you, Makenna. More than I should but a romantic relationship is out of the question.”

He cared about me? More than he should?

What was that supposed to mean?

My heart skipped a beat, but I kept my expression neutral. “That’s not what we agreed on.”

“I know,” he said, his voice softer now. “But I can’t help how I feel.” He ran a hand through his hair again. “Makenna baby, I know we had an agreement. You, my muse, and I, your inspiration for your writing. But I really care about you apart from all that. When I saw you with the other guy, I… really didn't like how it made me feel. I don't understand it either.”

He walked towards me and held my shoulders.

“I’m sorry for talking to you like that day, baby,” he said softly. “I had no right to. Forgive me?”

I sighed. How could I not when he looked at me like that? Like I was the only person that mattered to him. Tears were already filling my eyes.

“I forgive you,” I whispered as I tried to keep the tears from falling. I missed being so near him so much.

“Oh baby,” he whispered then slowly lowered his head to kiss me. I moaned as he kissed me hungrily. My arms went around his neck as he ran his hands along my back.

His touch ignited a fire within me, every stroke of his fingers sending shivers down my spine. The intensity of our kiss deepened, becoming more desperate, more passionate. I felt his hands slide down to my waist, pulling me closer against him.

“Wolfe,” I gasped when we finally broke apart for air. His eyes were dark with desire, mirroring my own feelings.

“I need you, Makenna,” he whispered, his voice raw with emotion. “I need you more than I’ve ever needed anyone.”

His words sent a jolt of electricity through me. I wanted him too, but I couldn't let myself get lost in this moment. Not yet.

“Wolfe, wait,” I said, placing a hand on his chest to keep some distance between us. “What about the arrangement? Does it still hold?”

He nodded, though the frustration in his eyes was evident. “It does. As much as I don't understand how I feel about you right now, I still don't have any emotional attachments. I don't want you to feel otherwise because of my actions. But right now, all I can think about is how much I want you.”

I swallowed hard, my heart sinking at his words. “I want you too, Wolfe. But does this guarantee that you won't be acting like a jealous boyfriend again?”

“I definitely wasn't acting like a jealous boyfriend.” he smirked, tracing his hands down my sides. “A jealous boyfriend won't let his girl take a walk with a guy she had a crush on.”

“Whatever.” I chuckled, rolling my eyes and aware of his hands on me.

“If I could be your boyfriend, I would totally sign up for that.” He cupped my face in his hands, his touch gentle. “Besides, your boyfriend shouldn't even let you out of his sight.”

I smiled, blushing hard.

God, at this point he'd notice how hard I was falling for him, smiling like an idiot.

I leaned into his touch. For now, that was enough. We were alright. Right now, I just wanted to be with him, to feel his arms around me and lose myself in the moment.

As he kissed me again, I let myself be swept away by the intensity of our connection. Whatever happened next, we would deal with it together.

That's what business partners do anyway.

********

Mackenzie’s POV.

I was about to head to Wolfe's office and submit the financial report for the month to him—and of course, remind him about how much he's missing out on not being in a relationship with me. I chuckled at the thought, a small thrill of anticipation bubbling within me. I knew Wolfe wasn’t easy to sway, but that was part of the fun.

Stella was not in his office lobby, so I headed to his office anyway, my heels clicking confidently against the polished floor. His door was open already, and wait, was that Maki’s voice?

I paused, my curiosity piqued. What on earth was she doing here? And why did she sound so... intense? I crept closer, careful to stay out of sight but close enough to hear their conversation.

My eyebrows shot up in surprise. Agreement? Emotional involvement? What had Maki gotten herself into with Wolfe? This didn’t sound like work talk at all. I strained to hear more, leaning against the wall.

I bit my lip to stifle a gasp. I leaned closer, listening to the conversation. The tone between them was intimate, filled with an intensity that caught me off guard. My mind raced, trying to piece together the bits of their conversation. This wasn’t the Wolfe I knew. He was always so composed, so in control. Yet here he was, entangled with my sister in something that was definitely not business.

My heart pounded in my chest as I continued to listen. Maki’s voice had that edge to it, the one she got when she was hurt but trying to act like she wasn't. I hated hearing it. Despite our differences, she was still my sister.

Then, the unmistakable sound of them kissing reached my ears. A strange mix of emotions surged through me—protectiveness for Maki, jealousy that she had gotten closer to Wolfe than I had, and a burning curiosity about what had truly transpired between them.

I’d heard everything I needed to hear. Hearing them kissing was making me feel really jealous. I didn’t feel jealous. That was not my thing.

I knew speaking to Maki would be impossible; she barely listened to me anymore. Ever since she left the house, she hadn’t asked Dad for money once. And given his pride, Dad hadn't tried to reach out either. That needed to change. I couldn't have my sister sleeping with men for money, even if it was Wolfe.

I needed to speak to Mom and Dad. They had to understand that Maki needed help. This arrangement she had with Wolfe was unhealthy. I couldn’t stand by and watch her use her body for something so disgusting.

The report would have to wait. Quietly, I slipped out of the office lobby.