Too Late, Mr. Forbes: Watch Me Shine

"Move."

Hayden Simmons let the heavy oak door of the Forbes Estate slam shut behind her. The biting Manhattan wind swept into the grand foyer, but it was nothing compared to the ice in her veins.

Beulah Hubbard, the head housekeeper, stood at the base of the sweeping staircase. Her eyes raked over Hayden's pale face and wind-blown hair. A sneer twisted Beulah's thin lips.

"I didn't think you'd have the nerve to show your face here again," Beulah said.

Hayden didn't blink. She walked straight toward the stairs, her boots clicking sharply against the marble floor.

Beulah stepped into her path, blocking the first step. "Mr. Forbes isn't here to protect you today. Why don't you just-"

"I said, move." Hayden's voice was dead flat. She stared directly into the older woman's eyes.

Beulah's mouth snapped shut. She took a half-step back, her shoulders stiffening.

Hayden didn't wait for another word. She bypassed the frozen housekeeper and took the stairs two at a time. Her chest was tight, her lungs burning as she marched down the long, carpeted hallway toward the master suite.

She pushed the bedroom door open.

The scent of August's cedar and bergamot cologne hit her like a physical blow to the stomach. Her throat constricted. She forced herself to breathe through her mouth and walked straight into the massive walk-in closet.

She ignored the rows of Chanel jackets and custom Dior gowns. She went straight for the back corner, dragging out the battered black suitcase she had brought with her seven years ago.

She unzipped it. The metal teeth parted with a loud rasp. She started pulling her old, faded sweaters and plain jeans from the bottom drawers, tossing them inside.

The bedroom door crashed open.

The sound of wood slamming against the wall made Hayden jump. She spun around. The sudden light from the hallway blinded her for a second, but she didn't need to see his face to know who it was.

August Forbes stood in the doorway.

Cold air radiated off his dark wool overcoat. His chest heaved once. His dark eyes locked onto the open suitcase on the floor, and the air in the room instantly evaporated.

He crossed the room in three massive strides. His leather shoes sank into the plush rug, heavy and predatory.

Hayden stumbled backward. Her spine hit the hard wood of the closet door. There was nowhere else to go.

August's hand shot out. His long fingers wrapped around her wrist like a steel vice. He yanked her forward, his grip bruising her skin instantly.

"Let go of me!" Hayden gasped, twisting her arm.

August stepped into her space, using his broad chest to pin her against the closet door. His weight was crushing.

He lowered his head. His warm breath hit the shell of her ear. His gaze swept over the battered suitcase on the floor, his pupils contracting for a fraction of a second before the vulnerability was swallowed by a mask of cold