SINFUL DESIRE

ient drivers, the none stop thump of footsteps on concrete, and the faint hum of music spilling from distant street performers. The air smelled diffe

particular : Blackwood Enterprises. Its sleek, glassy facade reflected the fading orange glow of the sunset. It looked more like a fortr

looking back. She glanced at her phone, skimming over the last message from her mother: "Be safe, sweethea

nd feets became sweaty. Everything about the place screamed wealth and power , from the towering glass windows to the sleek, modern art that lined the walls.

r auburn hair, pulled into a neat bun, was already starting to loosen from the humidity. Her blo

he told herself, inhaling slowl

organ. I'm here

tapped on her computer before giving Elara a once-over. "You're being rea

uilt this empire from nothing? She'd expected to be shuffled into an HR

eceptionist asked, arching

ckly, swallowing her

ept for the soft hum of the elevator. Her mind replayed everything she'd read about Cassian Blackwood. Billionaire by 32. Ruthless negotiator. Women ca

. A long hallway led to a massive set of double doors at the end, and standing by them was

voice as smooth and cold as

vator had only just arrived. But something t

ising her chin. Her voice was steady, though her heart

sed his face amusement, per

rning his head slightly as if

ows displayed the entire city skyline, the view so breathtaking it felt like standing on the edge of the world. His desk, la

ed against it, crossing his arms as he

said, his eyes sharp and unyielding

f to speak. "Because I'm adaptable. I lea

, his eyes narrowing. "Tell me s

a physical force. Her first instinct was to shrink back, but she did

eyes locking with his. "I know what they want befo

owly, his lips cu

e'll see if that's true." He glanced at his watch. "Be

been prepared for an a

her voice firm despite

He leaned in, close enough that she could smell the faint scent of cedar and smoke. His gaze flicked t

tion wasn't lost on her. Her fingers clenc

said, her voice like stee

gerous. "Then I hope, for

ying the entire encounter with Cassian in her mind, trying to make sense of it. He was unlike anyone

d she glanced down. A mess

o aren't afraid of risk. Welcome to Bl

to be him. Her fingers hovered over the

er. She told herself it was just adrenaline from a long day. Just nerves. But

. Darkness wrapped around her, but it didn't feel like she was

gaze on her. It wasn't a look of a boss assessing an employee. It was

sure if she'd made the right choice. But it