Chapter 2 The CEO's Proposition

The CEO's Proposition

Isabella

The air in the lavish office seemed to thin as I stared at the man sitting behind the massive glass desk.

No. No, no, no.

This couldn't be happening.

The same man I had spent a reckless, passionate night with-the one whose name I never even asked-was sitting before me, exuding power and confidence in a tailored suit that did nothing to mask the sharp, lethal attraction still lingering between us.

But that wasn't the worst part.

He wasn't just some executive or senior manager at Sinclair Enterprises.

He was the CEO.

My potential employer.

I swallowed hard, gripping the resume folder in my hands like a lifeline. Get it together, Isabella.

The man-the CEO-studied me with those storm-gray eyes, his expression unreadable.

"Miss Reed," he finally said, leaning back in his chair, one hand drumming lazily against the desk. "What a surprise."

Surprise? That was putting it mildly.

I forced a polite smile, willing my face to remain neutral even as panic clawed at my chest. "Mr...." My voice faltered, realization dawning like a slap to the face.

I didn't even know his last name.

His smirk deepened, as if he could read my mind. "Sinclair," he supplied smoothly. "Adrian Sinclair."

Adrian. Of course, he has a name. A name I should have known before tumbling into bed with him.

I clenched my jaw, nodding stiffly. "Mr. Sinclair."

His lips twitched. "Ah, so now we're using last names?"

I ignored the heat rushing to my cheeks and tightened my grip on my folder. Professional. Stay professional.

The receptionist excused herself, closing the door behind her, leaving us alone in deafening silence.

Adrian stood slowly, adjusting his cufflinks. "So, tell me, Miss Reed. What brings you to Sinclair Enterprises?"

My throat was dry, but I refused to falter. "I applied for a position in the corporate strategy department. I wasn't aware that you-" I hesitated, feeling the weight of his stare. "That you owned the company."

His smirk remained. "Would it have made a difference?"

Yes. A huge difference.

But I couldn't afford to walk away. This job was my lifeline after losing everything at Westford & Co.

So, I straightened my shoulders and met his gaze head-on. "No."

His eyes darkened, as if my defiance intrigued him. "Good. Then let's begin your interview."

Interview. Right. That's why I was here.

I exhaled slowly, pushing away the chaotic thoughts and forcing myself to focus. I had worked too hard to let one unexpected moment ruin this opportunity.

Adrian gestured toward the chair in front of his desk. "Sit."

I did, crossing my legs as professionally as possible, despite the heat still lingering between us from that night.

He picked up my resume, flipping through it with an air of casual disinterest. "Your resume is impressive. Top of your class. Five years at Westford & Co. Rapid promotions."

His gaze flickered up to meet mine. "And yet, you left rather suddenly. Why?"

The question hit like a blade, and I barely kept my expression neutral.

I knew this would come up. But I wasn't about to spill my humiliating story.

"I had a difference in values with the leadership team," I said carefully.

Adrian's gaze didn't waver. "A difference in values?"

I nodded. "Yes."

He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the desk. "So, you didn't sleep with the wrong man, get caught up in a scandal, or commit corporate espionage?"

My spine stiffened. "No."

There was a flicker of something unreadable in his gaze. And then, to my shock, he smirked.

"Good," he murmured. "I'd hate to think you had a habit of making reckless decisions."

Was he talking about us?

I kept my expression composed. "I don't."

His gaze dropped briefly to my lips before flickering back up. "Glad to hear it."

The room was too small. The air too thick. Every time he spoke, I could hear his voice from that night-rough, low, dangerous.

I needed to regain control.

"Mr. Sinclair," I said, keeping my tone professional. "Are you actually considering me for this role, or is this-"

"Personal?" he finished smoothly.

I didn't answer, but my silence spoke volumes.

Adrian stood, rounding the desk until he was right in front of me.

Adrian

She was a storm wrapped in silk.

I had noticed her the second she walked into the office. The same way I had noticed her that night in the bar.

But this was different. The woman who had left my bed without so much as a goodbye now sat in front of me, acting like she wasn't affected. Like she didn't remember the way she moaned my name.

And damn, I found it amusing.

"You're more than qualified for the position," I said, watching her closely. "But let's be honest. Can you really work under me?"

Her green eyes flared, and a part of me enjoyed the flicker of fire behind them.

"I don't see why not," she replied evenly.

Bold. I liked that.

"Would it bother you?" I asked, stepping closer, lowering my voice.

She didn't move back. "Should it?"

Amusement curled through me.

This woman.

Instead of answering, I leaned down slightly, just enough to make her breath hitch. "Would it bother you," I murmured, "if I said I remember every detail from that night?"

Her fingers tightened around the folder in her lap, but her expression remained neutral.

"That was just one night," she said quietly. "It doesn't mean anything now."

I tilted my head, studying her. "Doesn't it?"

She held my gaze, her back straight. "No, Mr. Sinclair. It doesn't."

Something about the way she said my name sent a thrill down my spine.

I stepped back, giving her space. "Alright, Miss Reed. You're hired."

She blinked, clearly thrown off. "Just like that?"

I smirked. "I reward talent."

A pause.

"That's all this is?" she asked carefully.

I chuckled. "For now."

Isabella

I had no idea what I had just gotten myself into.

I should have walked away the moment I saw Adrian Sinclair behind that desk. I should have thanked him for his time and left.

But I didn't.

Because I needed this job.

Because something about his challenge, his presence, made me want to prove I could handle it.

Handle him.

So I took a deep breath and stood, extending my hand. "Then I look forward to working with you, Mr. Sinclair."

His grip was firm, warm, and too familiar.

"Likewise," he murmured.

And just like that, I sealed my fate.