Chapter 5 A Binding Vow

Sky walked into the Wolfe Building precisely ten minutes early, her heartbeat steady but quickened by a surge of adrenaline. She had deliberately chosen her attire today, stepping away from her usual structured power suits in favor of a flowing white dress that conveyed both confidence and elegance. The delicate fabric cascaded gracefully with each step, its sleeveless cut highlighting her toned arms and smooth shoulders. Her dark hair was styled in loose waves, framing her striking features and softening her typically sharp presence.

Heads subtly turned as she entered, and whispers followed her like an undercurrent. Sky was quickly becoming a known entity here, a woman whose mere presence sparked curiosity. Carrying a sleek Bottega Veneta clutch in one hand and the contract folder in the other, she projected a seamless balance of power and sophistication.

The assistant waiting at the reception quickly guided her toward Derek's office without hesitation. Sky felt a ripple of acknowledgment; her influence was growing faster than she had anticipated.

As the glass doors to Derek's office opened silently, Sky paused mid-step. Derek stood by his desk, his appearance unexpectedly disheveled. His tie hung loosely around his neck, and his usually flawless shirt was partially unbuttoned, revealing a hint of tanned, firm skin beneath. His hair appeared as if he'd run restless fingers through it repeatedly, adding a rugged, uncharacteristic charm.

He caught her gaze, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Long board meeting," he explained dryly, clearly noticing her surprised expression.

Sky recovered swiftly, a slight smile forming on her lips. "Rough start to the day?"

Derek chuckled softly, a rich, unexpectedly warm sound. "You have no idea. Sit."

She settled gracefully into the chair opposite him, feeling the air tighten between them. Derek reached for the intercom, his voice firm. "Two espressos, please."

Then his eyes settled on her again, their intensity making her pulse quicken. "The contract."

Sky hesitated briefly before sliding the folder across his desk. His fingers deftly flipped through her meticulous notes and amendments, pausing at one clause. He looked up, his gaze probing hers.

"No children?" His voice carried genuine curiosity.

"Not part of the arrangement," Sky answered decisively, her voice calm yet firm.

"And if it happens anyway?"

She met his eyes squarely, a chill entering her tone. "I'll handle it."

Derek regarded her in silence, absorbing the determination radiating from her. Without further comment, he swiftly signed the document and pushed it back toward her. "Your turn."

Sky stared down at the page, feeling the gravity of the moment. With deliberate resolve, she signed her name next to his, sealing their unconventional pact.

Without hesitation, Derek opened his desk drawer, retrieving a small velvet box. "I picked this up this morning," he said smoothly, sliding it toward her. "Wear it. We start now."

Her brows knitted together briefly. "You presumed I'd accept?"

His eyes gleamed with amused confidence. "Calculated risk. Either way, it would have remained yours or no one's."

Opening the box, Sky's breath caught. An emerald-cut diamond sparkled brilliantly from within, stunning yet impersonal. Perfectly fitting their arrangement. Derek's voice broke through her contemplation.

"Put it on." Sky lifted her chin, eyes flashing. "If we're making this believable, you should do it."

A flicker of something lit Derek's eyes. Rising smoothly, he walked around the desk to her side, taking the ring from the box. His warm hand enveloped hers gently yet assertively, sliding the ring onto her finger with deliberate care. The cool metal felt heavy, symbolic of their intertwined fates.

"Two days," he began quietly, stepping back. "Our engagement goes public. Marriage at the courthouse next week, and you move in afterward."

Sky steadied herself, breathing deeply. "And my revenge?"

Derek's expression hardened, his voice carrying an underlying promise. "Once our alliance is solidified, we will dismantle Thomas Black together."

She felt an electric thrill run down her spine. Derek Wolfe had just become her strongest ally and potentially her greatest challenge. Rising to her feet, Sky extended her hand, sealing their arrangement formally.

"Then it's settled," she affirmed steadily. "Let the game begin."

Derek's gaze met hers unwaveringly, the hint of a dangerous smile on his lips as he shook her hand firmly.

"Let it indeed."

As Sky exited the Wolfe Building, the sunlight felt warmer, the air crisper. She glanced at the brilliant ring adorning her finger, a symbol of her reclaimed power and the dangerous game she had willingly entered. Sky Taylor was ready to fight and win.