The Siren's Contract

n with Adrian had been... intense. There was something about his gaze that unnerved me, a mix of curiosity and determination that

e view was spectacular, the skyline dotted with buildings that stood as a testament to my hard work and ruthless ambition. But

th a single glance, and yet, no one had ever truly known me. Not even Adrian. He thought he could uncover my secrets, but I

he others. There was a fire in him, a drive that made him relentless. He wasn't like the men who came to me with their w

endless paperwork awaited me, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I nee

k on the door interrupted my thoughts. It was Sarah, my

h the investors in thirty minutes," she re

I forced a smile, grat

tly, "Adrian called earlier. He wants to di

ghtening at the mention

mentioned market expansion and a new marketi

. "Have him send me an em

nything other than Adrian. The way he challenged me, the way he made me question myself, was maddening. But there was

eeting. As I walked down the hallway, I felt a familiar sense of power envelop me, a thick, intoxicat

leaming with anticipation. I took my seat at the head of the table, adjusting my blazer as I prepared to

anded on Adrian, who had slipped in quietly, taking a seat in the corner. Our eyes met, and a jolt of electr

edging his presence, my heart racing. I needed to reg

d after me, his voi

im, my irritation boiling beneath th

d to talk about the project, but it seems you have

e time," I replied, the wor

he shot back, a smirk tuggin

they know me," I replied,

u know, I'm just trying to underst

ance. "And you think you'

oice confident. "Or may

ain my composure. "Persistence d

. "You'd be surprised how far persistence can take you. And who

ned my posture, forcing a laugh to mas

kling with mischief. "You can pretend all

es. "Careful, Adrian. You're tr

ming grin that made my stomach twi

crossing my arms defiantly. "

e replied smoothly. "Let's jus

brittle. "You're in the wrong place for

t into what makes you tick." His tone was teasing, but th

of emotions he was stirring within me. "What makes me

with skepticism. "But I can see

e within me. "What do you want from me? You're not the

isper. "I don't want to charm my way in, Vale

e words caught in my throat. What was I supposed to say? That I was a siren, a cre

o break the connection. "You're wasting your

of determination in his voice.

striding away from him. My heart raced as I walked down t

against it as I tried to catch my breath. Adrian was relent

han that, he had a spark of something that made me question everything I believed. The idea

p my secrets hidden. After all, the world knew me as Valeria Morett