Relief washed over Sadie momentarily, but Zayden wasn't done.

"But first, prove you're with me," he said.

Sadie said, "I've done everything you asked. Isn't that proof?"

Zayden's only response was a chuckle, taking another puff from his cigar and letting the silence linger.

Sadie felt a tightening knot in her stomach, trying to read the enigma that was Zayden.

As the minutes stretched, she recalled everything he had done so far, and, mustering courage, decided to play her cards. With a sultry smile, she traced her fingers up his arm, ending at his neck, pulling him closer with an inviting look.

Zayden was about to ask Sadie to bug Holden's study. Yet, he hadn't seen this brazen move coming. Their faces were mere inches apart, and a heady mix of cigar smoke and her intoxicating fragrance enveloped them.

Raising an eyebrow, Zayden pulled her even closer. Responding to his move, Sadie softly grazed her lips near his.

Zayden hadn't planned for things to go this direction, but presented with such a tempting situation, how could he say no?

Moreover, this would be a subtle slight to Holden.

Drawn into the allure of the moment, their restraint evaporated.

Zayden gave in to the magnetic pull and kissed Sadie passionately. In one smooth motion, he whisked her off her feet and opened a nearby door, gently laying her down.

The room filled with the evidence of their closeness-sharp intakes of breath, soft moans, and the gentle rustling of fabric.

The warmth of the moment enveloped Sadie, her heart racing faster than ever. But as the feelings heightened, a familiar pain threatened to eclipse the passion. The old ailment that had haunted her heart resurfaced suddenly, making each breath a battle. Grasping her chest, her voice filled with rising dread, she cried out, "Help! Help me! My meds... They're in my bag!"

As the intensity of their moment neared its peak, Zayden noticed Sadie's distress. Without hesitation, he pulled away and searched for her medicine.

Taking the medicine, Sadie's condition began to stabilize; she leaned back against the headboard, trying to regulate her breathing.

Zayden, now seated next to her, lit a cigarette. As the smoke curled upwards, he glanced at her with frustration.

“That heart issue of yours sure knows how to ruin a moment," he remarked.

With every ounce of strength she could muster, Sadie shot him a weary look but didn't have the energy to retort.

She had faced three heart transplants and facial surgery; her body had endured more than most.