SINFUL DESIRE

udding with a mix of nerves and anticipation. Today was different. Toda

ional but impossible to ignore. Her auburn hair was slicked back into a sleek, low bun, no stray strands to

heart as she wear a smile. I'm here to prove herself. As the elevator ascended, Elara checked her reflection in

her ears as the doors slid open to reve

kwood was al

lean frame leaned casually against the wall near his office door. He was on his phone, his thumb scrolling with precise, deliberate moveme

pocket. His eyes moved over her, slow and deliberate, starting

awled up her neck. "Good morning, Mr. Blackwoo

heart skip. She held her ground, refusing to be the first to step aside. Their

but commanding. "It's time we

he said nothing. He's t

were a matte black, the dim lighting casting sharp shadows along the edges of the room. A long, sleek glass table sat at the cen

't sit. He remained standing behind her, just out of sight. She could feel hi

her thighs, her back straight, s

le," his voice came from behind her.

lmly, her fingers foldi

read

ed, his gaze sharp as a blade. Dangerous. That was the only word that came to mind. Not just because o

l , it's about precision. Efficiency. You value loyalty but only if it's earned, and you don't care if people like you. You'd rather be respected th

corner of his mouth, dark a

she asked, a

r spine. When he reached her chair, he leaned forward, resting his hands on either side of her, t

s eyes locked on hers. "B

lips, then back to hi

eath warm against her ear.

e not to. She could feel every inch of him, his closeness sharp and intoxicating. Her

d," she said, her voice quieter, h

t wasn't just control in his gaze , it

oid where his warmth had been. He adjusted his cuff links, his face

her heart to slow its franti

ntrol panel. The data feeds changed, shifting to a list of

shoulder. "One of these departments is underperforming,

ot just my patience. Her hands moved to the table, her finge

hearing this a sweat tr

n out the weight of his gaze. Her eyes scanned the departments, catching subtle trends , a dip in profits he

budget usage. They're overspending on ad placements that aren't converting. Either someone

n her chest as she waited. W

s eyes sharp, assessing. Then, a gri

his gaze fixed on he

tion flickering in her chest. But befor

two options you think it is

orcing her mind to race. If she picked wrong, it

led up, his eyes still on her like she was prey. Her sk

, tilting her head as she studied him. "But you w

widened. "

said, "Betrayal. Someone's bleedin

something sharper, more dangerous. He stepped to

t carry weight. If you're wrong..." He leaned in, close enough that his l

dy. Her pulse hammered against her throat, her

s flicking to her lips once more. Her heart t

ping back. "Be here t