Chapter 2 MEETING AGAIN

As if saying his name would make him less dangerous. It didn't. Arianna walked faster, heels sharp against the pavement, cool night air brushing her heated skin. She should feel relieved to be away from him.

Instead, she felt... unfinished.

"This is ridiculous," she said

One man, one conversation, one almost-kiss and suddenly her pulse had a new owner.

"No, absolutely not," she muttered again.

She had worked too hard to lose her balance over a stranger with sinful eyes and a voice dipped in temptation.

By the time she reached her apartment, she had convinced herself of three things: She would sleep, she would forget him and she would never see Damien again.

***

Morning arrived with the violence of an alarm clock and responsibility. Arianna moved quickly, hair pinned, makeup flawless, mind already running through schedules and deadlines.

There was no room today for dark eyes and wicked smiles.

"Focus," she said in her reflection. "Today was important, very important Arianna." She murmured.

The company had hinted at a major new partnership, and if she impressed the right people, doors could finally open for her.

She grabbed her bag and hurried toward the train station, joining the flood of commuters. Coffee in one hand, phone in the other, she rehearsed numbers in her head.

By the time she reached the corporate building, she felt like herself again, controlled, prepared, untouchable.

"Miss Blake!" her assistant rushed toward her.

"Good thing you're early. The investors arrived before schedule."

"Which investors?" Arianna asked, already walking.

"I don't know much," the girl admitted. "But everyone's nervous. Apparently the lead partner is..."

The elevator doors opened and Arianna stepped inside.

"...very particular," the assistant finished.

"Perfect...just perfect".

The ride up felt longer than usual. Arianna adjusted her files, inhaled deeply, and put on her professional armor.

When the doors slid open, the boardroom buzzed with anticipation. Men in suits, low conversations and tight smiles.

Her boss spotted her immediately. "Arianna. Good. You'll be presenting first."

"Of course," she replied smoothly.

"Try to impress him," he added under his breath. "He's not easy."

She nodded. When has anything in her life ever been easy? The room shifted.

Someone had entered behind her. A presence, heavy, and commanding.

Her spine stiffened. "No, It couldn't be". She whispered to herself.

"A pleasure to finally see the team," that voice said, low, velvet and impossible to mistake.

Arianna turned, and there he was. Damien.

Not in dark lounge lighting. Not leaning lazily with a teasing smile. This Damien was sharper, colder, authority fitting him better than desire had.

Men moved to shake his hand. Her boss practically glowed. "Mr. Hart, we're honored."

Her stomach dropped. Of course he was important, of course the universe had a sick sense of humor.

Damien's gaze found hers across the room.

Recognition sparked, amusement followed.

"Well," he said softly, almost to himself.

She absolutely heard it. Her boss gestured toward her. "This is Arianna Blake. One of our brightest."

Damien stepped closer. Too close and again.

"Is she?" he asked.

Her throat dried, but she lifted her chin. "Good morning, sir."

The corner of his mouth twitched.

"Good morning, Arianna."

Like last night still lingered between them.

"You've met before?" her boss asked politely.

Damien didn't take his eyes off her.

"Yes," he said.

Her heart nearly exploded.

"We have."

The room waited.

Arianna forced a professional smile. "Briefly."

"Very," Damien agreed.

Silence stretched, dangerous but interesting.

"Oh, this will be fun," he murmured.

"What will?" she asked before she could stop herself.

"This presentation," he replied smoothly, finally stepping back. "I'm suddenly very interested."

Arianna had prepared for every obstacle in her career, but she had never prepared for a man who could make her forget why she started.