lazer and took a deep breath before stepping into the open-plan workspace. The hum of activity greeted her: the soft tapping of keyboards, the mur

y movement calculated. Jennifer felt a flutter in her chest-not fear, exactly, but something close. His reputation had prece

y, attempting casual cheerfulnes

e replied curtly, eyes scanning spr

That was enough for now. She turned to her computer and began her m

nventional approach to a marketing project, one that challenged the standard protocol. Colleag

ck in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Un

"Or potentially brilliant," she coun

smirk tugging at his lips. "

struck. It was subtle, almost imperceptible to anyone

ainst his arm while passing him a report. Her laughter, light and melodious, flo

ing area, grabbing a quick salad, when Luke entered, flanked by his usual entourage

sked, voice neutral but his dark

asked it with a casual shrug. "Sure.

ile-a crack in the ice of his

spective on the marketing strategy, and she answered with honesty, intelligence, and

lient threatened to derail a presentation. Luke's usual controlled respo

g the client differently," she suggested

oughtfully. "Unconventional," he noted,

. "See? Sometime

hat impressed her more than any praise could. The ice betwee

r bag and paused, glancing toward Luke's office. He was still at his desk, focused, unyielding-but she noticed

or a strange mix of both. One thing was certain: working under Luke

night air, the city glowing around her, she whisp

o-a pull he hadn't anticipated, a curiosity he couldn't ignore. Their world