A Widow’s Calculated Seduction

After my husband died, I was left to raise our two kids on my own.

I was desperate for that promotion—so desperate I filled the tub with ice and sank into the freezing water until my skin prickled and my whole body tightened. I slathered on scented lotion afterward, the kind that clings to your skin and whispers when you move.

When I walked back into the office, all eyes were on me—including Julian Roscente's. The manager. The one who held my future in his hands.

He took the bait. I could feel it.

"Mr. Roscente," I said, my voice softer than usual. "There's something from the project I don't quite understand. Could I ask for your help?"

He didn't look away. "What kind of help?"

I took a step closer in my tight jeans. "Maybe we could discuss it in your office?"

That's when my keys slipped from my pocket and clattered to the floor. I bent to pick them up—and two buttons on my blouse popped open.

I gasped and tried to cover myself, but I'm a mother of two. There's only so much my hands can hide. And I never wear a bra—it's just a habit.

The room went quiet. I could feel the men staring.

Then, suddenly, Julian's suit jacket was around my shoulders, and he was steering me firmly into his office.

"Thank you," I whispered, biting my lip like some flustered girl.

But he didn't let go. His hand stayed on my arm, warm and possessive.

"Olivia Anderson, right? You're new."

I nodded. I'd only been here a month. This promotion meant everything.

And Julian had a reputation. I'd heard the whispers. I wasn't about to let this chance slip away.

"Are your children still nursing?" he asked out of nowhere, his fingers tracing my wrist.

My face flushed. "They're in elementary school."

A slow smirk spread across his face. His eyes didn't leave mine. "Then why do you smell like vanilla and milk?"

The lotion. He noticed.

I looked down, twisting my hands like some innocent. "I—I don't know. It must just be me."

In one smooth motion, he pulled me against him. His breath was warm against my neck. "You've had two children, and you still blush like this?" he murmured. "How did your husband treat you? Tell me."

God, he was direct. I'd expected it, but hearing it out loud still threw me.

"My husband's been gone a long time," I said, my voice shaky. "It's been… a while."