"Armstrong."

"Montgomery." William's voice sliced through the air, and my eyes shot up to meet his when we said our names at the same time at the check-in counter.

Our eyes locked in a silent standoff. He was wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and an unbuttoned bomber jacket, with the sleeves pushed up. All I could imagine was the bulging biceps and flat stomach hiding underneath his clothes, and the round, taut ass hugging those jeans.

Internally, I kept repeating how much I didn't like him, but it felt a little forced today as I took in his unshaved jaw and cocky smile. Damn, he was a double-edged sword: gorgeous to look at, impossible to tolerate.

We were both here for a bachelor/bachelorette party of our friends, who were unfortunately the bride and groom, but I also didn't anticipate having to spend the weekend with him. I was hoping he'd be the one sacrificing and ditching.

The receptionist cleared her throat nervously. "Uh, Ms. Armstrong, Mr. Montgomery, I'm afraid we have a slight issue with your suites. They will be ready in a few minutes. I'm sorry for the inconvenience."

"Don't worry about it," I said.

As I waited for my room, I forced my gaze to the view in front of me, yet felt his eyes on my face. Eventually, it became impossible to ignore, so I huffed and turned back to him.

"Are you going to keep staring at me?"

His lip twitched. "I might. It's not a bad view."

"I don't like your eyes on my face. It's like bugs crawling all over my skin."

"Where would you prefer them?" Those green eyes raked over my body, slow and deliberate.

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks, and fought to keep my composure. "Anywhere but on me."

He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a murmur. "You sure about that?"

I narrowed my eyes. "Positive."

"Shame," he said, leaning back with a lazy smile. "How is work going?" he asked, his tone dripping with feigned casualness.

"You just want to know if I found a hotel," I shot back.

His eyes held mine. "Did you?"

"I respect how shameless you are."

"Doesn't hurt to ask, but you couldn't have. Knowing you, you'd want to make sure you find the right one because you know it will take a lot to defeat me—which you won't, by the way. The effort is what matters."

I bit back a retort, instead opting for a smug smile. "You do have a talent for self-delusion."

His lips twitched. "Delusion? That's rich coming from someone who's yet to prove she can beat me."

"You're right," I said. "I don't need to beat you. I just need to outlast you."

His eyes gleamed with amusement, a challenge lurking behind them. "Outlasting me sounds like a challenge. Are you sure you're up for it?"

I raised an eyebrow. "I've been dealing with you for years. I think I can handle a little longer."

He edged closer. Close enough that his low murmur rang clear in the small space between us. "Ah, but dealing with me and outlasting me are two different things, Iz, but it's entertaining."

"Entertaining?" I echoed, unable to hide the hint of irritation in my voice.

"Absolutely," he confirmed, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "You're like a little bird, chirping away, thinking you can outlast the storm." He reached out and rested his hand on my hip, drawing circles.

My body reacted quickly, and my heart beat so fast I could feel it in my fingertips.

"I'm not afraid of a little rain."

"A little rain, maybe," he mused, "but this is a tempest, and you're not prepared." He stared down at where his hand was at, and my attention followed. Slowly, his hand began to inch up to my waist.

I couldn't stop him. I didn't know why I was allowing him to touch me, but I couldn't push his hand away, and I hated it as much as I craved his touch.

The rise and fall of my chest sped up. "I've weathered worse storms than you, William."

He chuckled. "Oh, Isabella, always so confident. It's almost charming." He traced his fingers along the dip of my waist, and smoothed up to my rib cage. When he reached the swell of my side boob, he looked up into my eyes.

"Your attempts at seduction are wasted on me," I hissed to cover up how much I was leaning more into the touch.

A wicked grin spread across his face. "Yeah, your nipples piercing through your shirt don't like it too."

I glared at him.

William snickered, lowering his voice. "Sorry, that was probably inappropriate."

"Really, you think so?" I retorted sarcastically.

"Yeah." He gave me a slow, sexy smile. "It's not like I'm saying I want to make you come so hard that you won't be able to walk for days—more sober this time because the last time—"

"Do not talk about that," I hissed.

He leaned forward and brought his lips to my ear. "Why? Does it turn you on when you think about it? When you wonder what my bed feels like again? I know you remember how good we were together." His voice was so gravelly that I had to swallow to get the air moving through my lungs.

"I don't think about it," I trembled through my words. "But I think about stabbing you in the eye all the time."

He pulled his head back and smirked. "You've always loved it rough. I think that's why you're never compatible with anyone because no one can match your freak except me," he whispered the last part so softly I felt delirious for a moment.

"Mr. Montgomery, Ms. Armstrong, sorry to have kept you waiting," the receptionist said with a polite smile. "Your rooms are ready now."

I nodded, grateful for the distraction. "Thank you."

"Thank you," William replied smoothly, shooting me a fleeting glance that sent a shiver down my spine.

I tried to hide my annoyance as we walked down the hallway, plastering on a polite smile that felt more like a grimace. William's suite was right next to mine, and it felt like a cruel twist of fate.

"Looks like we'll be neighbors for the weekend, Iz."

"Lucky me," I replied, my tone dripping with sarcasm. "I better not hear you fucking anyone."

"Are you going to be jealous?" he asked, his tone teasing.

"No, I just don't want to have sleepless nights."

He leaned closer, his voice low. "Or I could just invite you to my room and have a good reason to have a sleepless night?"

My pulse quickened, but I kept my expression composed. "I'd rather choke."

"You can choke on my dick."

"Jesus, you're crude." As I fumbled with my keycard, it fell from my hands and I reached down to pick it up, but he moved faster and scooped it up.

I looked up, annoyed.

He grinned. "It's all about who moves first and who moves best." Then he gave it back. "See you later, Isabella." With a wink, he disappeared into his room.

I made my way into my room and sank into the bed. I felt my phone vibrate and I answered.

"Yes, Jones?"

"I sent you a list of hotels. I need you to pick one so we can start the evaluation process. I've marked the ones with the highest potential."

I pulled the phone away from my ear and put it on speaker to scroll through the list he sent. "Does anyone stand out?"

"That would be the Regent Hotel. It's got a great location. It could be a goldmine. It's owned by Lewis Jefferson."

"Great, then prepare everything for Monday. I'll catch an early flight back on Sunday, but make sure to keep it quiet. I don't want anyone catching wind of our plans, especially William."

I couldn't risk him knowing if Jones was really sure Regent could be a goldmine. William would want to have it at any cost, and I had my eyes on it first.

"I will set up the meeting," he said, then hung up.

***

At dinner, I found myself seated across from Taylor and Keith, the bride and groom. As we chatted about wedding plans, I couldn't help but steal glances at William.

A strange kind of dance unfolded between us. Every move seemed synchronized, as if we were unconsciously attuned to each other's needs.

When my steak arrived, William expertly sliced it into bite-sized pieces. In return, when his wine glass sat empty, I instinctively refilled it without a word. He would pass me the salt, and I would respond by stealing the last bread roll from under his nose.

Each time, our hands would brush, sending a jolt of electricity through me. It was as if we were in our own little bubble, completely unaware of the amused glances and knowing smiles from our friends.

Eventually, Taylor couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. "What are you two doing?" she asked, her eyes darting between us.

"What do you mean?" I replied, feigning innocence.

"Don't play coy," Keith chimed in. "We've been watching you two all night. It looks like there's enough tension to power a small country."

"Tension?" I snorted.

William leaned back, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "I'm just enjoying the delightful company."

"Of course," Taylor said, unconvinced. "Because arguing like an old married couple is everyone's idea of a good time."

I shot William a pointed look. "See what you've done? You've made us the entertainment for the evening."

"Yes," Keith agreed. "But you two do realize there are more enjoyable ways to release tension, right?"

I felt a blush creeping up my neck, and I shot Keith a glare. "I'm sure we'll manage just fine," I said, my tone laced with sarcasm.

William raised an eyebrow, a playful smile playing on his lips. "Speak for yourself, Iz. I, for one, am always open to suggestions."

I rolled my eyes, trying to hide the flutter in my chest. "I'm sure you are," I said dryly. "But I think I'll pass on your suggestions."

Taylor laughed. "Come on, you two. We're here to celebrate, not to argue."

"Exactly," Keith added, pouring himself another glass of wine. "Let's focus on the happy couple and leave these two to their... whatever this is."

William chuckled, raising his glass. "To Taylor and Keith, may your marriage be as exciting as tonight's dinner conversation."

After dinner, as we made our way to a club, some of Keith and Taylor's friends arrived, so I snuck away to the bar, but I could see them from where I was sitting.

William was with them, but his eyes stayed locked with mine the whole time. It was unnerving, enough to make my toes curl. I turned away from them.

A man sitting on a stool turned and looked at me. "Hey there. I'm Christian. Can I buy you a drink?"

I cocked my head and stared at him. He was cute — boyish, lean, with dark hair and brown eyes. He was not my type, but I wanted to play a game.

"She can afford it." I felt his heat beside me, and a smirk appeared on my face. I knew he'd come.

The man looked at William, sizing him up. "And who are you?"

"I'm her boyfriend," William said, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me close.

"He's not," I said, pushing him away. "He's just another asshole in the crowd." I stretched out my hand with a grin. "Hello, Christian. I'm Izzy."

Christian chuckled, shaking my hand. "Nice to meet you, Izzy. So, about that drink?"

William leaned closer, his presence a warm, insistent force at my side. "She doesn't need it, but thanks for the offer."

I rolled my eyes, stepping slightly away from William. "Ignore him. I'd love a drink, Christian."

Christian smiled, waving the bartender over. "Two gin and tonics, please."

As the bartender prepared our drinks, William's hand found its way to my lower back, his touch possessive. "What are you doing, Isabella?" he whispered in my ear, his breath hot against my skin.

"Having a conversation," I replied sweetly, turning my head slightly to meet his gaze. "You should try it sometime." It was almost amusing how easily I could get under his skin.

Christian handed me my drink, and I took a sip, feeling William's eyes burning into me. "So, what do you do, Izzy?"

"I run a hotel business," I replied, ignoring the tension radiating from William. "And you?"

Christian started talking about his job, but I barely heard him. William's hand remained on my back, his fingers brushing against my skin in a way that sent shivers down my spine.

"That sounds interesting," I said, though I hadn't really been listening.

William leaned in, his lips grazing my ear. "Having fun, are we?"

I tilted my head to look at him, my eyes challenging. "Why, are you jealous, William?"

He smirked, his gaze intense. "Jealous? No."

Christian raised an eyebrow, sensing the undercurrent between us. "Is everything okay here?"

"Absolutely," I said, flashing him a reassuring smile. "Just a little disagreement."

William's grip on my waist tightened. "Yeah, just a disagreement."

"So, what brings you here tonight?" he asked, ignoring William.

"Just here for a bachelorette party," I replied, giving William a sideways glance. "Trying to have a good time."

Christian nodded, his eyes flicking to William briefly. "Well, if you ever need a break from the assholes in the crowd, you know where to find me."

A laugh escaped me. "I like you, Christian." I pulled out my phone. "How about your number?"

William's grip on my waist tightened, and I could feel his annoyance. "Do not test me, Isabella, you won't like the outcome."

Christian punched his number into my phone. "Just in case you need a rescue."

I smiled. "Thank you."

William's hand never left my waist, his fingers pressing into my skin with possessive insistence. I could feel the tension radiating off him in waves.

Christian, clearly sensing the charged atmosphere, decided it was best to bow out. "Well, it was nice meeting you, Izzy. I hope you use that number."

"Will do," I said, giving him a friendly wave as he walked away.

The moment he was out of earshot, I turned to William, my eyes flashing. "What the hell is your problem?"

William leaned in, his face inches from mine. "My problem is you flirting with that guy."

"I was not flirting," I protested, even though I knew it was a lie. "I was just talking."

"You were playing games," he countered, his voice low and dangerous. "And you know it."

"So what if I was?" I challenged, my heart pounding. "It's none of your business."

He smirked, his eyes dark with intensity. "You know damn well it is," he said.

I glared at him, refusing to back down. "William, you don't get to control who I talk to."

He pulled me closer, his breath hot against my ear. "I'm not trying to control you. I'm just reminding you that you're mine."

I growled. "It didn't end well for the last person who claimed that I belonged to them."

William's grip tightened just a fraction, his voice a dangerous whisper. "I'm not like anyone else, and you know that. You can push and test me all you want, but it won't change the fact that there's something between us."

I tried to push him away, but his hold was firm. "You're delusional."

"Maybe," he said, his eyes boring into mine. "But that doesn't change the truth. You feel it too, even if you won't admit it."

"What I feel for you is dislike."

He chuckled, a low, throaty sound that sent a shiver down my spine. "Is that so?"

"Yes."

"Then why," he began, leaning in even closer, "do you let me get under your skin? Why do you respond to me the way you do?"

"I don't," I protested, but the way my body reacted to his proximity betrayed me.

"Don't flatter yourself, Montgomery. You're not that special."

His lips twitched into a knowing smile. "Yet here we are, drawn to each other like moths to a flame."

Later that night, a knock on the door woke me up. I opened the door to a frustrated Taylor.

"Taylor? What's wrong?"

"Keith just told me William left a note saying he had to take care of some urgent business. I can't believe he'd ditch us for work."

My heart skipped a beat. Urgent business?

Suddenly, I was wide awake.

On a weekend like this?

The pieces started to fall into place, and dread settled in my stomach.

Inside, I was reeling. I needed to confirm my suspicions.

"Taylor, the party can still go on without him. Don't worry about it."

She nodded. "Yeah, sorry I woke you up. Good night."

"Good night."

As soon as I closed the door, I made a beeline for my phone, calling Jones.

"Isabella, what's up?" he answered, sounding slightly frazzled.

"I need you to find out if William's flight has left the Hamptons."

There was a pause, then the sound of typing. "Give me a second... Okay, looks like he chartered a private jet earlier this afternoon."

I started getting a headache. "Have you spoken to Erica?"

"Um, no? Should I?"

"No! Just find out what his fucking assistant is doing. I think that sneaky bastard wants Regent too."

"What?" he screamed into the phone.

"Jones, I can't believe you let this happen! You were supposed to keep an eye on Erica so shit like this doesn't escape you!"

"Sorry, I didn't know—"

"It doesn't matter." I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Just stop William from meeting Jefferson before I get there. I'm flying back in the morning," I said, hanging up.

Motherfucker.

His words earlier came back to me.

It's all about who moves first and who moves best.

I started pacing back and forth.

He had somehow discovered Regent and knew I was planning to buy it. He must have left early to finalise the deal, leaving me outmanoeuvred and stranded in the Hamptons.

It was such a cunning and calculated move, and I expected nothing less from William Montgomery.

But as an Armstrong, we don't accept the cards we are dealt with.

We play many hands.