he world question you. So he said

ly. Because you did nothing w

stretched be

h

.Wh

was barely

his fingers tighten

you're d

g in my world, but I do

I let this moment pa

he sai

what it's like

er pa

, fi

said softly.

tension in h

a car for you tomorrow. We'l

call, he realized

rs, something outside his

thing........

e McDernaunt himself calling you? You do realize

"I... I didn

don't go out of their way for just anyone. He's interested in you.

, smirking. "Keep te

la sat in her penthouse, swirling a glass

alculated smile. "Oh, sweetheart," she whispered to herself, "You have no idea what you've just walked into." She reached f

rls into place. She had opted for a simple blouse and jeans, but even then,

the car went through the city, she stared out the window, overwhelmed by the bustl

ic glass structure that seemed to touch the clouds. The receptionist gree

iling windows offering a stunning view of the city skyline. She hesitated at the entrance, her gaze flicki

power. And then her eyes found him. He fit here. The way he stood tall, confident, and unreadable he was a force.

lt like a misplaced brushs

, and suddenly, the world

nd high-stakes negotiations but nothing had ever made his pulse

repared for t

end her against the accusations, to ensure t

't been prep

he

esitantly, her presence sma

er shoulders, catching the afternoon

aged to unravel something in him that no

s trusting him, and he wasn't sure he deserved that. "Lily, you're here," he said, forcing his voice to stay even. "Come on in." Something about the way he said her name sent a stran

her, the way his presence alone seemed to steady her nerves. When she finally reached his side, she inhaled so