Chapter 9 New Rules

Next Morning - Cade Penthouse, Living Room

Amara sat at the sleek marble dining table, her coffee untouched.

She wasn't running.

Not anymore.

If Sebastian wanted her here, really wanted her-he was going to have to play by her rules now.

He entered the room without his usual swagger. No blazer, just a black t-shirt that hugged his chest, and dark jeans.

Still intimidating. Still infuriatingly attractive.

But this time, not in control.

"You stayed," he said carefully, like each word was a question.

"I stayed," she echoed, looking straight at him. "But it's not what you think."

"I'm listening."

She lifted her eyes to meet his. Calm. Collected. A woman with purpose.

"I'm not here as your project. Not your punishment. And definitely not your pawn. If I continue with this design contract-and I haven't decided yet-it's going to be strictly business."

He nodded once. "Understood."

"No more secrets. No more surprise photos or cryptic answers or people watching me behind tinted windows."

A muscle in his jaw ticked.

"And you will not touch me again unless I say so."

His mouth parted slightly, as if in protest-but he said nothing.

She rose from her chair, brushing invisible lint from her blouse. "You said you didn't expect me. Fine. Now you'll see what happens when you earn something you didn't plan for."

Sebastian stepped forward. "Amara-"

She held up a hand. "I'm not finished."

He stopped.

"You're still angry at my father. I get that. But I'm not him. I won't carry the guilt of a man who raised me but never let me all the way in."

He nodded slowly, voice quiet. "I never wanted to hurt you."

"But you did."

"I know."

They stood in silence, the weight of everything between them thick and heavy.

Then she added softly, "You want this design done right? You'll treat me with the respect I deserve. Nothing less."

"Done."

She turned to leave but paused at the hallway.

"One more thing," she added without facing him.

"Yes?"

"Don't fall in love with me."

He smirked, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Too late."

Cade Enterprises – Sebastian's Office

"Sir," his assistant said over the intercom, "the investor from Madrid is on line one."

"Tell him I'll call back."

"But-"

"I said later."

Sebastian leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling.

She stayed.

She set the rules.

And for the first time in years, he wasn't holding the cards.

He kind of liked it.

Amara's To-Do List (Written in her journal)

• Stand my ground

• Redraw foyer layout

• Email cabinetry vendors

• Figure out why part of me still wants to kiss him