d returned t

ng Maya first walked into King Enterprises nervous, drenched, a

had changed

his moods, how to anticipate his next move before he spoke it aloud. But what she ha

the space be

ice softened when

seen completely wh

lights flickered across the glass walls as Adrian stood by

olding a folder. "You asked

ng hers in an instant

d it was

. "You take my wo

ard to hand him the file. Their fingers

ticed

air felt heavier somehow, like the storm press

You've done well, Maya.

quietly. "That means

employee, but the way a man studies something

You don't flinch under pressur

she replied, her voice soft but ste

is gaze unwavering. "You

thudded.

he correct

his name it was the way he said it, like he w

repeated, almo

ween them like a secret neit

eeded anyone here. But now, when you're not around, this office feels-" He

the nicest way anyone's ev

hole face, softening the sharpness she'd come to know. "

ou carry the weight of the who

n back at her. "And what if I to

ly. Her breath caught, and for a

er and city light washing the room in

arely a breath between them. "You've ch

raced. "Wh

made to keep

this man who terrified and fascinated her in equal measure and realize that so

d of hair from her face. His touch was careful, a

di

d, "Maybe we've both

nsion that had been buildi

one who'd been holding his breath for too long and finally let it out. It was slow, d

apart, Maya's heart was r

" he said, voice low and kissed her again, this time intensely alm

. "Maybe it just m

again and stepped back, just enough to mee

ble," she

liar spark in his gaze retur

r a fresh wash of silver rain. Maya walked out into it with her chest full of warmth and

lking righ