Login to MoboReader
icon 0
icon TOP UP
rightIcon
icon Reading History
rightIcon
icon Log out
rightIcon
icon Get the APP
rightIcon
A Deal with Desire

A Deal with Desire

ALELE TOMBRA

5.0
Comment(s)
View
35
Chapters

Elena Carter has spent years clawing her way up the corporate ladder, only to watch her dreams teeter on the edge of collapse. Her fledgling marketing start-up is drowning in debt, and the last thing she needs is Damian Blackwood-Manhattan's most ruthless billionaire-pulling the rug out from under her. When her office lease is terminated without warning, Elena storms into Damian's sleek skyscraper to fight for her company, determined to stand her ground against the enigmatic tycoon. Damian doesn't need distractions. His empire was built on unshakable focus and cold precision, not fiery confrontations with ambitious women who won't back down. But there's something about Elena-her fire, her drive-that he can't ignore. When she reluctantly accepts his offer to work on a high-stakes project at his secluded Hamptons estate, the line between business and desire blurs in ways neither of them expects. As jealousy and pride threaten to tear them apart, Damian and Elena must confront their own vulnerabilities to discover that sometimes, surrendering control is the greatest power of all. In a world of high stakes and even higher walls, can love triumph over ambition and fear?

Chapter 1 One

Elena Carter's heels clicked sharply against the polished marble floors of Blackwood Enterprises. The sound echoed through the cavernous lobby, drawing curious glances from suited professionals as she marched toward the elevators. She clutched a folder to her chest like a lifeline, her knuckles white with tension.

Her business-her dream-was crumbling beneath her, and the man responsible sat somewhere in the glass fortress towering over the city skyline. Damian Blackwood. Billionaire, real estate mogul, and the man who'd just terminated her office lease without so much as a courtesy call.

The receptionist had tried to stop her. "Mr. Blackwood doesn't take unscheduled appointments," the woman had said, her tone polite but firm. But Elena had refused to be dismissed. Not today. Not when everything she'd worked for was slipping through her fingers.

The elevator ride to the top floor was swift, the kind of smooth efficiency only someone like Damian Blackwood could afford. When the doors slid open, she was greeted by floor-to-ceiling windows framing the city in golden light, an expansive office space that screamed power and wealth. And there he was, standing by a sleek glass desk, his back to her.

Damian Blackwood turned as she approached, his tailored suit fitting him like a second skin. His dark hair was neatly combed, his jawline sharp enough to cut glass. He didn't look surprised to see her. If anything, he looked...amused.

"Elena Carter," he said smoothly, his deep voice carrying an edge of curiosity. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this unscheduled visit?"

"Pleasure isn't the word I'd use," Elena snapped, forcing herself to stand tall despite the intimidating presence before her. "I'm here to talk about my lease-your company terminated it without warning. You can't just uproot my business like this."

He leaned against his desk, crossing his arms over his chest as he studied her. "Your lease was terminated because the building is being repurposed. It's nothing personal."

"Nothing personal?" She stepped closer, her frustration boiling over. "To you, maybe. To me, this is my livelihood. My employees' livelihoods. You have no idea what it's like to build something from the ground up, to put everything you have into a dream only to have someone like you casually rip it away."

His expression shifted, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face. "Someone like me?"

"You know exactly what I mean," she said, her voice trembling slightly despite her resolve. "You sit up here in your glass tower, making decisions that ruin people's lives without a second thought. Well, not this time. I won't let you ruin mine."

For a moment, there was silence between them, thick with tension. Damian's dark eyes held hers, and she could feel the weight of his scrutiny, as if he were peeling back her layers, searching for something deeper.

Then he smiled-a slow, deliberate smile that sent a shiver down her spine. "You're bold, Miss Carter. I'll give you that."

"I'm desperate," she shot back, though her voice had softened.

"And desperation makes people unpredictable," he said, his tone almost...admiring. "I like that. Sit down, Miss Carter. Let's talk."

Elena hesitated, caught off guard by the sudden shift in his demeanor. But she wasn't about to back down now. She lowered herself into the leather chair across from him, her grip tightening on the folder in her lap.

As Damian took his seat, his gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, an unreadable intensity in his eyes. "You want to save your business? Prove to me it's worth saving."

Elena swallowed hard, refusing to let his sudden challenge rattle her. "My business is worth saving. It's innovative, it's strategic, and it's profitable-well, it will be if given the chance. We specialize in branding for small businesses, creating campaigns that make them stand out in ways they could never achieve on their own."

Damian raised a brow, clearly unimpressed. "That sounds like every other marketing firm in Manhattan. Why should I care about yours?"

Her frustration flared again, but she channeled it into her words. "Because we focus on the underdogs-companies like mine that don't have millions of dollars to throw at a problem. My team finds creative, cost-effective solutions that actually work. We take risks other firms won't because we understand what it's like to be at the bottom, clawing your way up. And that's something you wouldn't understand."

His lips twitched, the closest thing to a genuine reaction she'd seen from him. "You think I've always been at the top?"

She hesitated, caught off guard. "Haven't you?"

Damian leaned back in his chair, the faintest hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "You'd be surprised, Miss Carter. But this isn't about me-it's about you. You claim your company is worth saving, but claims don't impress me. Results do. And right now, the only result I see is a business so fragile that losing a lease threatens its survival."

Apologies for the interruption! Let me pick up where we left off and continue:

Elena's cheeks flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment, but she refused to back down. "Losing that lease doesn't threaten my survival-it threatens my momentum. There's a difference. My clients trust me because I deliver, no matter what obstacles come my way. And if you're questioning my results, I can show you proof."

She reached into the folder she'd been clutching and pulled out a set of documents. She leaned forward, sliding them across the desk to him. "These are case studies from three of our biggest campaigns. All businesses that were struggling before we stepped in. We doubled their revenue in six months with campaigns that cost half of what the bigger firms charge. And that's not just data-that's people whose lives were changed because of the work we did."

Damian's eyes flicked to the papers, but instead of picking them up, he kept his gaze fixed on her. "And what do you want from me, Miss Carter? A favor? A bailout?"

Her spine stiffened at the condescension in his tone. "I'm not asking for charity. I just need time. Sixty days to find a new space, stabilize my operations, and ensure my clients aren't affected. After that, I'll be out of your hair for good."

He leaned forward then, his elbows resting on the edge of his desk as his dark eyes bore into hers. "Sixty days is a long time in my world. Why should I give you that?"

Elena held his gaze, her voice unwavering. "Because it costs you nothing and means everything to me. You've already won, Mr. Blackwood. Your plans for the building are moving forward, and I can't stop them. But giving me a little grace doesn't make you weaker-it makes you human."

For a moment, silence filled the room. Damian studied her, his expression unreadable. Then, without a word, he reached for the papers she'd placed on his desk and began flipping through them.

Elena sat back in her chair, her pulse racing. She hated how much power he held in this moment, how her future seemed to rest in the hands of a man who probably didn't believe in anything she stood for. But she wouldn't let him see her doubt.

Finally, Damian set the papers down and looked at her. "You're persistent, I'll give you that."

"I'm more than persistent," she shot back. "I'm capable. And if you give me those sixty days, I'll prove it."

His smirk returned, faint but unmistakable. "You have fire, Miss Carter. I like fire. But if I agree to this, it'll be on my terms."

"What terms?" she asked warily.

"I have a project in the works-one that requires a branding expert who can think outside the box. If you're as capable as you say you are, then you'll work for me while you stabilize your company. In exchange, I'll give you the sixty days you're asking for."

Elena blinked, caught off guard by the offer. "Work for you?"

"Yes. A temporary partnership, if you will," Damian said smoothly. "You'll have access to resources you've never dreamed of, and in return, I'll get to see if you truly live up to your claims."

Elena's cheeks flushed, but she didn't let his words sink her resolve. "Losing the lease doesn't threaten my survival-it challenges it. And unlike you, Mr. Blackwood, I'm not afraid of a challenge."

He studied her for a long moment, his eyes narrowing as if trying to decide whether to dismiss her or take her seriously. Then he pushed himself upright, unfolding his arms. "Very well," he said, his voice smooth and commanding. "You want a chance to prove yourself? You'll get one."

Elena blinked, her confidence momentarily faltering. "What are you talking about?"

"I have a project. A difficult one. If you can deliver results-real results-then I'll consider investing in your company. And I'll help you find a new office space. But if you fail..." He let the unspoken consequences hang heavy in the air.

Elena hesitated, weighing the risk. Working with Damian Blackwood would be like walking into a lion's den. But what choice did she have? This was her chance to save everything she'd built.

"I'll take it," she said, her voice steady.

A satisfied smile curved his lips, but his eyes betrayed something darker-something dangerous. "Good. I'll have my assistant send you the details. And, Miss Carter?"

"Yes?"

"Don't make me regret this."

Continue Reading

Other books by ALELE TOMBRA

More
THE THREAD OF SHADOWS

THE THREAD OF SHADOWS

Modern

5.0

Sienna Cross is no ordinary private investigator. Gifted-or cursed-with the ability to see the invisible threads that bind people to their actions, she uncovers truths most would rather keep buried. But her ability is also a burden, keeping her isolated from others, haunted by memories of a past she can't fully remember. When a strange old woman comes to her with a desperate plea to find her missing daughter, Sienna is thrust into a mystery far darker than she could have ever imagined.   The search leads her to an abandoned mansion on the edge of town, long whispered to be cursed, where the air is thick with unseen forces and shadows seem to crawl along the walls. There, Sienna uncovers a journal filled with disturbing entries about a secret occult society, a forbidden ritual, and an ancient power known only as "the Thread of Shadows." But the journal ends abruptly, and Sienna soon realizes she's not the only one hunting for the truth.   A man named Lucien, shrouded in secrets of his own, warns her to turn back. But it's too late-something has already been awakened inside Sienna. Her powers begin to change, her visions warping into horrifying glimpses of the future, and a sinister force starts to invade her mind. Soon, she discovers the terrifying truth: the Thread of Shadows is a sentient entity, a force of unimaginable power, and it has chosen Sienna as its next host.   As her grip on reality starts to unravel, Sienna is drawn deeper into the web of conspiracy surrounding the cult responsible for unleashing this ancient evil. She uncovers the truth about her own family's involvement with the Thread, the true nature of her abilities, and a betrayal that has been waiting in the dark for years.   With time running out and the Thread's control growing stronger, Sienna must confront the terrifying prospect that her powers aren't her own-they come from the very darkness she's fighting to destroy. Lucien, who knows more about the Thread than he lets on, becomes both an ally and a threat. Trusting him might save her, but it could also lead her into the hands of the very forces she's trying to escape.   The deeper she digs, the more dangerous the game becomes. The Thread isn't just an ancient force; it's alive, and it's hunting. And the more Sienna learns, the more she realizes that the only way to stop it is to confront her own shadow, face the darkness within, and sever the bond that ties her to this malevolent entity-before it consumes her completely.   In *"The Thread of Shadows,"* every secret leads to another, every step forward unravels a darker truth, and every thread that Sienna pulls on brings her closer to losing herself. As reality bends and twists, and her own identity becomes a battleground, Sienna must decide how far she's willing to go to save herself, and whether the darkness she's fighting is truly external-or something buried deep inside her all along.   Gripping, atmospheric, and filled with shocking twists, "The Thread of Shadows"is a supernatural thriller that will pull readers into a world where nothing is as it seems, and the line between light and dark, truth and madness, is always shifting. For Sienna, unraveling the mystery might be the only way to stop the nightmare-but it might also destroy her in the process.  

SINFUL DEAL

SINFUL DEAL

Romance

5.0

In the glittering world of the elite, where power and prestige reign supreme, Elena Rivers finds herself thrust into a high-stakes game of love and ambition. A talented interior designer, Elena's world is turned upside down when she enters a marriage of convenience with the enigmatic billionaire Damian Blackwood. What begins as a strategic alliance to preserve their reputations and business interests soon spirals into a tumultuous journey of unexpected romance and emotional conflict. Damian Blackwood is a man accustomed to control and dominance, his life meticulously orchestrated to maintain his empire. Beneath his formidable exterior lies a deep-seated fear of vulnerability, a byproduct of a challenging past and ruthless ambition. When Elena steps into his life, she disrupts the delicate balance he has carefully maintained. Despite his initial resistance, Damian finds himself drawn to Elena's strength and authenticity, a stark contrast to the superficial world he inhabits. As the couple navigates their contract marriage, the lines between duty and desire blur. Elena's warmth and genuine nature gradually break down Damian's emotional barriers, leading him to confront his own fears and insecurities. Their journey is marred by past secrets, high-profile social events, and the looming threat of an ex-business partner, Sarah Carter, whose return stirs unresolved tensions. In a world where appearances are paramount, Damian and Elena must reconcile their public façade with their growing private connection. As they face personal and external challenges, their relationship evolves from a calculated arrangement to a profound and transformative love. *Sinful Deal* is a captivating tale of power, passion, and redemption, where love emerges as the ultimate triumph against the backdrop of opulence and intrigue.

LOVE TRUST

LOVE TRUST

Romance

5.0

New York City is a place of ambition, where dreams are built as high as its towering skyscrapers and love often takes a backseat to success. For Emma Carter, a brilliant architect on the rise, her career has always been her first love. Designing buildings that will stand the test of time is all that matters, and she has no room for distractions-especially not romance. Mark Bennett, on the other hand, thrives in the chaos of the city, chasing stories that expose hidden truths. As an investigative journalist, his passion lies in uncovering corruption, no matter how powerful the people he exposes may be. He believes in the power of words to change the world, but even he can't predict the impact one chance encounter will have on his own life. When Emma and Mark meet in a quiet coffee shop on a rainy afternoon, neither expects the instant connection that ignites between them. What begins as a series of stolen moments soon turns into something deeper-a love built on mutual respect, late-night conversations, and shared vulnerabilities. But beneath the surface, both carry wounds from past relationships, scars that make trust a fragile foundation. Their love is tested when Mark's latest exposé uncovers corruption within a major architectural firm-one of Emma's most important clients. Suddenly, their careers, their integrity, and their relationship are on the line. Emma is torn between her loyalty to her profession and the man she loves, while Mark struggles with the consequences of telling the truth at any cost. As the city they love threatens to pull them apart, Emma and Mark must ask themselves: Can love truly conquer all, or are some sacrifices too great to make?

You'll also like

Chapters
Read Now
Download Book