The Dominant Beast

Prologue: It's Started With A Deal

Janice's POV

--

His lips crashed into mine in a hidden corner of the place. I was ambushed, entirely caught off guard. I didn't expect him to do that, not after I had already turned him down.

But he kissed me with a burning intensity, like he was pouring every ounce of longing and desire into claiming me again. And damn it, I started to give in. His kiss was electrifying, disarming me piece by piece. If it weren't for the sudden blare of loud music, I probably would've fallen straight into his trap.

I gathered all my strength and shoved him away, shooting him a sharp glare. Even in the dim lighting, I caught the wicked curve of his lips and the way his seductive eyes bore into me, dreamy and dangerous all at once.

The music that filled the place was loud and sultry, a sensory overload for anyone who wasn't used to this scene. This part of XHaven was exclusive, private, and designed for people who craved deep, thrilling, wild sex.

Only a select few had access. The elite. The powerful. Mafia Lords who flew in from different corners of the world... and somehow, I had ended up in the middle of it all.

"What the hell are you doing here? And how did you even find this place?" I hissed, yanking him into a shadowed corner-far from the women who looked like they were ready to devour him whole.

"I'm here because of you," he said, his tone deadly serious.

"What?" My brows pulled together tighter. What the hell was he talking about? Sure, he'd shown interest before, but I hadn't given it much thought. I was too wrapped up in the mess my family was dealing with-especially the drama between Luigi and Chelsey's damn marriage.

"What the fck are you saying? I didn't tell you to come here!" I snapped, my voice sharp with disbelief and rising frustration.

He took a slow, deliberate breath and flashed me that cocky grin I hated-because it stirred something I didn't want to admit.

"You don't need to tell me what to do, Janice Ortega. I can do whatever the hell I want-and I don't need your permission for any of it."

I stared at him, shaking my head. Was he serious right now? The crease on my forehead deepened. He said he came here because of me, but why? What was he really after?

"Whatever your reason is, you can't let anyone here know you know me," I warned, my tone firm and low. "This isn't the kind of place people come to chit-chat and make friends."

He let out a dry, humorless laugh, his eyes gleaming like I'd just told him a joke.

"Do you really think I don't know what kind of place I just walked into?" he said, one brow lifting as he looked at me like I was the one being naive.

He pulled something out of his pocket, and when I saw what it was, my eyes widened in pure shock-a red card. My heart skipped. That wasn't just any card. It was the card. A red one meant he was an Elite Member of XHaven.

"Y-You're an Elite member?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

He nodded, that teasing grin dancing on his lips. "Surprised?"

"Who the hell are you really?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him. I wasn't trying to judge him, but red cards didn't just land in anyone's hands. Only the elite and dangerously powerful gained access to that side of XHaven-the part where innocence was stripped away, and nothing was off limits. No rules. No commitments. No judgment.

Except one. Drugs were strictly prohibited. Anyone caught using it would be banned for life. Zero tolerance. That was non-negotiable.

"I'm an international mo-"

"Cut the crap, Matteo." I snapped, cutting him off before he could finish. "I own part of this fcking club, remember? I know how we run things. I know every single person who walks in-masked or not." My blood boiled. He was playing a dangerous game and had no idea how much was at stake.

But his calm didn't break. He tilted his head slightly, his tone calm and unbothered. "Does it matter? Last I checked, no one's allowed to reveal identities here, right?"

I exhaled a frustrated breath, glaring daggers at him. "That rule's for customers. And I am not a customer."

My gaze dropped to the card still in his hand. I snatched it without a second thought. "I want to see who issued this," I growled and turned to leave-but he moved faster before I could even take a single step.

He grabbed me and pinned me against the wall, trapping me between his arms. My breath caught in my throat.

"Matteo, I swear to God, if anyone sees us like this, I will kill you," I hissed through clenched teeth.

This-this was precisely the kind of situation I needed to avoid. If someone saw me like this, cornered by a client, it would ruin everything. I was already toeing a dangerous line, and now, with him caging me in like I was some fragile bird under his control, it was too much.

"Then come with me," he whispered, lips grazing the shell of my ear. "Let me share the night with you."

Goosebumps spread across my skin. I hated how my body responded and how my breath hitched when his lips brushed my neck. I wanted to knee him right there, to remind him I didn't give in that easily.

But my knees wobbled-traitorous things-and that strength I prided myself on? It slipped.

"You know this isn't going to happen," I hissed, trying to steady my voice. "Not here. You can't just walk in and act like you own me."

His eyes burned into mine. "Do you want me to make it official?" he asked.

I blinked. "Make what official?" I snapped, confusion and dread coiling in my chest.

Then he smiled-and just like that, I knew.

"Don't you dare."

"And if I do?" he challenged, his voice low, daring.

We stared at each other, and the tension between us could've set the whole damn place on fire. It was a silent war. I refused to let him win. I couldn't let his gaze pull me in again, even if every inch of my body was already starting to crumble.

"Why are you avoiding me, Janice?" he asked, voice husky, almost vulnerable. "Why do you keep ignoring how I feel about you?"

I let out a shaky breath, trying to push him away again-but my body, damn it, was betraying me. Responding to every word, touch, forbidden thrill that came with this man, I should've stayed far away from him. 'Fck it! Move!'

"Move your ass, Matteo! I told you from the beginning-I never mess around with my models," I said firmly, shoving at his chest with both hands. But of course, he just smirked-that same insufferable, teasing smirk.

"Oh? And how exactly do you want me to move?" he asked, voice laced with mischief, as if everything I'd said just bounced right off him.

"Damn you," I snapped.

And then someone passed by. Without thinking, I pressed myself against his chest, hiding my face from view. My body moved on instinct-to protect my identity, position, everything I'd worked for.

And that's when it hit me-his scent.

God. That damn cologne of his-rich, masculine, smooth, and dark like temptation bottled up just for me. Jesus, Matteo. How long are you going to keep tempting me like this?

He moved even closer, his body shielding me entirely from the prying eyes of the guests walking past.

"You're trapped," he murmured. "Stay like this for... five minutes? Or until you cum," he whispered, lips brushing the shell of my ear.

My eyes flew open, heat pooling in my core as his hand slid down to my jeans. My mouth parted, ready to curse him out-but the words died on my tongue the moment his lips landed on the soft curve of my neck.

I bit down on my lip to stifle the moan threatening to escape.

'No. Fcking way. I will not submit to you, you arrogant jerk!' I wanted to scream.

But my body...

God, my body betrayed me!

I shifted just slightly-just enough for him to slip his hand inside, and of course, he took full advantage.

"Don't hold back, Janice," he whispered, his fingers brushing against my lace underwear. "Just say it."

My fists clenched, nails digging into my palms. "You think this is enough to satisfy me?" I hissed, though my voice shook more than I wanted it to.

"Wanna bet?" he replied, pushing further-until his finger found exactly where I didn't want him to go.

A shaky breath escaped me. Damn him-he found my G-spot like he already knew every inch of me.

"Two minutes," he said. "I'll stop if I can't make you feel good in two minutes. But if I can... you'll accept my second deal."

"What deal?" I asked, barely breathing.

"I'll tell you after this," he whispered, kissing the edge of my earlobe. "Deal?"

I stared at him, then exhaled slowly.

"Deal."

Just two minutes. I could survive that. I would survive that. I wasn't called the Dominant Beast for nothing. He wasn't going to break me-not this easily.

Then I caught that wicked grin of his. That cocky, confident look like he already knew he'd won.

When he leaned in to kiss my mouth, I turned my head.

"Kissing me isn't part of the deal."

He paused, his eyes searching mine for a heartbeat. Then he nodded.

Instead of my lips, he kissed my ear-softly, slowly, as if he knew precisely how to unravel me. Meanwhile, his hand kept working between my thighs, relentless and skilled. The area we were in was dim, shadowed enough to keep us hidden from the crowd, but still too damn risky.

I clenched my jaw, keeping my lips tightly sealed. No moans. No surrender. No pleasure he could claim as victory.

No matter what he does, he's not going to break me.

Not ever!

Raising the white flag signals surrender in war, but for me, as the Dominant Beast, it wasn't an act of giving up. It was the act of moaning-a clear sign that I was submitting to him, offering control of my body to whatever he desired to do with me.

But the moment he slipped a finger inside me, I couldn't hold back the sharp gasp that tore through me. I fought to keep it down, but if I hadn't controlled myself just in time, I would've moaned, unable to keep quiet at the overwhelming rush of sensation flooding my body.

It was fcking good!

A second later, he pulled his finger out, and my entire body screamed in protest. If I wasn't so damned stubborn, if I wasn't holding myself back so fiercely, I would've given in right then and there-uncaring of who might be watching-and handed myself over to Matteo completely.

"Just admit it, Janice... you want me as much as I fcking want you," he whispered, his finger still inside me, his movements slow, deliberate, torturously calculated.

She shook her head. "You're wrong," she said hoarsely, leaning against his chest to hide her face.

"Wrong? Are you sure about that?" he replied, his voice low and challenging as he slipped one hand under her cropped top. His fingers traced the soft skin of her breast, and then-damn it-he pinched her nipple.

"Stop torturing me, asshole!" I snapped, but even as the words left my mouth, I wasn't sure how angry I actually sounded. Because my body... my body was betraying me now. I was starting to like what he was doing-and the worst part was, I didn't want him to stop.

"Are you sure you want me to stop?" he asked, voice dripping with that damn husky tone that always seemed to get under my skin. 'Fck you, Matteo!'

"Say it. What do you want? Do you want me to stop? Or do you want me to continue and satisfy you?" His fingers slowed, teasing as they moved between my thighs, inching closer to where I didn't want him to go.

I stayed silent. I wouldn't fall for his trap. But how long could I hold out?

"You're already wet, Janice. In any minute now, you'll cvm for me. How long can you keep holding back?" he teased, his words laced with smug satisfaction.

I took a deep breath and locked eyes with him. "I'll never submit to-" My words faltered, caught in my throat, as his movements suddenly grew faster. My lips parted, and I couldn't look away from him.

"Your body can't lie, Janice. How about we make it quick?" he said, his voice dark and seductive, as he increased the pace of his fingers.

When he slid another finger inside me, I nearly lost it. The heat coursing through my body was overwhelming, pushing me to the edge of sanity.

"Fck you! If you're going to do this, I'm gonna-damn you!" I cursed, biting his arm, desperate to keep myself in check. But I couldn't stop the moan that almost escaped as my body tensed, my senses exploding in his palm.

I pulled away from his arm, breathless, my body still trembling. I lost. I f*cking lost! And with that realization sinking in, I couldn't help but wonder-If I've already lost... why not make the most of it?

Once I regained my composure, I grabbed Matteo by the arm and pulled him into a darker, more secluded corner. The dim lighting made it easier for me to focus, to push past my hesitation. Without a second thought, I unbuckled his belt and shoved him against the wall. He didn't fight it; he just watched me, that devil-may-care look in his eyes, as if he were letting me take the reins.

I ripped off my tight jeans, and just as quickly, we switched positions. He lifted me effortlessly, and without wasting any time, I slid him inside me. The moment I started moving, the pleasure surged, and I heard him moan-god, that sound-only fueling my own desire.

The music blared, the speakers above us pumping out bass-heavy beats, drowning out our moans and gasps and creating a rhythm of their own. Time seemed to blur as we reached the peak together, and for those few seconds, nothing else mattered except the overwhelming sensation.

We stayed like that for a few moments, catching our breath. When we finally dressed, the silence was almost suffocating. I couldn't believe it. The control I'd always prided myself on had slipped through my fingers, and I had completely lost myself to him-to Matteo.

Once we were both fully dressed, he spoke, his voice steady and almost smug. "You lost. You'll have to do my second deal."

I took a deep breath, still trying to regain some semblance of composure. "What deal?"

He grinned, a challenge lighting up his eyes. "One month. I'll give you one month to submit to me. We both know we're dominant beasts, so let's make a deal. If you win, you'll have me as your slave. You can do anything to me-anything. But if I win, you'll have to marry me and be mine forever."

I raised an eyebrow, incredulous. What the hell? The nerve of him, offering me a deal like this. He had no right to try to dominate me.

I was the one who dominated. I was the one who called the shots in every fling, every one-night stand. No one ever dared defy me. But then here he was, Matteo fcking Cordova, challenging me in ways no man ever had, offering a deal that was impossible to ignore.

Was he serious? And more importantly, could I actually lose to him?

Chapter 01: A Marriage Without Love

Janice's POV

--

"Where the hell did those two go?" I muttered under my breath, clearly annoyed as I looked around for Luigi and Chelsey, who had conveniently disappeared. "Did they already forget we're still in their house?"

Travis chuckled dryly and slung an arm around my shoulder like he owned the place. "Let them be. You know this is probably the only time they'll get to be alone without any interruptions," he said with a grin before pinching little Stefan's nose, who was comfortably sitting in his arms.

I scowled. "Get your damn arm off me."

He raised an eyebrow. "Why are you so grumpy today? Is it your red days or something?"

"Shut up," I snapped, turning away and refocusing on Braun and Briella, who were busy doting over their baby. I smirked. "Time flies, huh? Who would've thought you two would settle down first?"

"So... does that mean someone else here is next to get married?" Leon chimed in, brows raised.

Travis cleared his throat dramatically. "Well, I would like to be, but Kimineah and I aren't ready yet," he said with his usual smug grin. "So yeah, it's a no from me for now."

"Wait-who caught the bouquet at Chelsey's wedding again?" Jeydon asked, bouncing little Ivan in his arms.

I let out a laugh. "Seriously? You forgot? That was you."

Jeydon's brows furrowed like he was trying to remember. "No way. I'm not getting married anytime soon," he said, shaking his head. Then he looked straight at me. "What about you?"

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Nami stiffen. Her smile faltered, and I felt sorry for her for a second. But only for a second.

I sighed quietly and looked at Briella and Braun, then turned back to Jeydon with the sweetest smile I could muster.

"What about me?" I said innocently. Then I tilted my head toward Nami. "Why don't we ask Nami instead?"

Her face drained of color like someone had just thrown vinegar on her. I almost smirked.

"Are you getting married, Nami?" Braun asked, frowning at his sister.

"W-What? N-No, of course not. I don't even have a boyfriend. How can I get married?" she stammered, clearly flustered.

"But what if someone proposes out of the blue?" I teased, not even trying to hide who I was referring to. I glanced at Jeydon again, but the guy was as oblivious as a rock as usual.

Nami shook her head quickly. "I don't have a boyfriend, so that's impossible."

"Stop teasing my sister, Ortega," Braun warned, giving me a disapproving look.

I just glared at him. He wasn't my brother. He had no business telling me what to do.

"Aunt Janice, can I play with Baby Stefan?" little Kisha asked sweetly, her tiny hands reaching out.

I smiled and gently set Stefan down on the carpeted floor. Excited, he immediately started crawling toward his 'elder sister' Kisha.

A few minutes later, the missing couple finally reappeared. They didn't have to say a word-everyone already knew what they'd been up to.

"Finally done?" Travis teased Luigi with a wicked grin.

Luigi just glared at him, and I stood up, brushing imaginary lint off my pants.

"I'm heading out. I have an early meeting tomorrow with a VVIP. I can't afford to mess up-it's a multi-million-dollar deal, and he's putting serious money into the company," I said as I walked toward Chelsey to say goodbye.

"Thanks for coming," Chelsey said as she hugged me. "Take care on your way home."

I chuckled at her motherly tone but didn't say anything. I just nodded and gave her a quick squeeze. Then, I waved goodbye to the rest of the group.

Then I heard Travis behind me. "Want me to come with you?"

"Fck off. I can get home just fine on my own," I snapped without even turning to look at him. I was in no mood for his antics tonight.

I walked straight out of my brother's house and headed to my car, grateful I'd left my phone inside. That dinner had already been chaotic enough, and I didn't want any distractions. Tonight was supposed to be peaceful-a rare night when all of us were together with no emergencies, no drama... just good company.

But peace never seemed to last long in my world.

As soon as I settled into the driver's seat, I picked up my phone and powered it on. Notifications started popping in, but none of them mattered.

My fingers tightened around the phone as the memories came rushing back-Jared. It had been a year since that bastard got caught. And I had been the one to punish him. If Aleck hadn't pulled me off him, I might've actually killed the guy. The rage... God, it had consumed me.

He didn't just embezzle millions from my father's company. No, he went deeper than that. He dug into my family's scars-dug until it bled. I found out afterward that my mother had sold her shares to one of the most conniving stockholders we had... and as if that wasn't enough, she slept with him for the payout.

That broke me.

All the hope I'd carried since childhood-of my parents ever getting back together-shattered in one blow. I had held on for so long, thinking maybe, just maybe, we could still be whole again.

But fate has a cruel way of reminding you that hope is a luxury.

***

When I finally arrived at my penthouse, its weight crashed down on me. I stripped off my clothes, grabbed a bottle of red wine, and sank into the steaming bathtub. The water curled around my body like a warm embrace, but couldn't wash away the ache.

I leaned back, letting the water lap at my shoulders. Soft, mellow music played from the Bluetooth speaker. I needed this silence-this moment-before the chaos resumed tomorrow.

Because tomorrow... I'd be seeing him again.

Matteo.

The very thought of his name gave me a headache.

He always found a way to get under my skin, showing up with that infuriating smirk, teasing, provoking, taunting me like I was some game he intended to win. I couldn't understand why he kept pursuing me when I knew, without a doubt, there were women literally throwing themselves at him.

And yet... Is that okay with you?

I jolted at the voice that echoed in my head. What the hell? Was I seriously losing it now?

I shook the thought away. I had rules. No dating anyone who worked under me. No emotional attachments. No exceptions. No fcking strings attached. It wasn't just policy, it was survival.

Then my phone rang.

I stared at the screen and nearly dropped the glass in my hand.

Speaking of the devil. Matteo.

Of all people... right now?

What, did he have a sixth sense that alerted him every time I thought about him?

I sighed and answered. "Hello?" My voice was calm and steady, like I hadn't just been caught off guard.

"Are you at home?" he asked, voice low. Too low. Like a goddamn temptation.

"Why?" I asked, already suspicious.

"I'm standing in front of your door."

My grip tightened around the phone. "What?" I stood up from the tub so fast I nearly slipped. "What the hell do you want, Matteo?"

"It's been a month, Janice. I want your answer."

My jaw dropped. He remembered?

A whole month had passed since that night. Since he made that stupid bet-the one I never even agreed to. I thought he had dropped it. He hadn't contacted me after that night. I figured it was over. Forgotten.

But Matteo Cordova never forgets.

And suddenly, I wasn't so sure if I wanted to answer... or open the door.

Occasionally, Matteo would still find ways to pester me, inviting me out or offering to drive me home. I turned him down every time. Not because I didn't want to say yes-God, a part of me wanted to-but because I knew better. I had to.

I had stood before cameras, the press, and shareholders, sworn to uphold my principles. I would not mix business with personal affairs, and I would make no exceptions, especially not with anyone working under me.

So why was my hand trembling now, clutching the phone so tightly it might shatter?

"W-What the hell are you talking about?" I snapped, voice sharper than I intended. My brows furrowed, my pulse pounding in my ears. "I already told you the answer, Matteo. I don't-"

"Open the door and say it to my face." His voice cut clean through my words-calm, unwavering, maddeningly sure of himself.

I bit my lower lip hard. My heart stuttered.

I couldn't open that door. If I saw him, if he got too close, I knew my body would betray me just like it did that night. That stupid night I haven't been able to forget.

I took a shaky breath. "I'm not at home right now."

"Where are you?"

"I can't tell you. I'm sorry," I murmured, my voice faltering. "Matteo, what do you want... It's not possible. You're one of my models. You know I can't. I made a promise. I built this company on that line."

There was a pause, followed by a low, heated growl. "To hell with that damn promise, Janice. I don't fcking care about that. What matters is the deal we made. You lost. And that means..." He paused, then, slow and deliberate, "...you'll be my wife."

I squeezed my eyes shut, as if I could block his words from hitting me.

Just a few hours ago, my friends were teasing each other about who would be the next to get married. It was all fun and games until now.

'What a fcking joke. Am I really the next bride?'

"Matteo, please. Stop this," I said, breath shaky, words choked with anger. "I won't marry you. Choosing someone to marry isn't a game!"

"Open the door." He said it again, like I hadn't just begged him to let this go. Like he hadn't just set fire to the wall I was trying to build between us.

I felt heat rising in my chest-not just from the bathwater but from everything he was making me feel.

"I'm not home and not coming home tonight."

"I'll wait here until you do."

Click. He hung up.

I stared at the screen, stunned. He wasn't bluffing. That bastard was waiting outside my door.

I groaned and slammed back the rest of my wine. In all my life, I had never been pursued like this. And now, of all people, Matteo Cordova had decided he was going to marry me?

Was he out of his fcking mind?

"What does he think marriage is, a prize you win in a bet? Fck him!" I shouted, slamming the wine glass down on the tub's edge. Water sloshed over the side.

I leaned back, chest heaving, eyes closed. I needed this night to end.

But I couldn't relax.

The second my lids fluttered shut, my mind raced again-images of him outside my door, waiting, unwavering.

What if he really meant it?

What if he stayed there... all night?

My heart ached in a place I didn't even know existed.

"Damn it, Matteo... why are you making this so hard for me?" I whispered. "I don't want a marriage without love..."

And I was terrified I might start loving him.

Chapter 2: A Fcking Marriage Contract!

Janice's POV

--

Almost an hour had passed. I had been itching to check if Matteo was still outside my door, but I was too afraid he'd realize I'd been inside the whole time. A small part of me still felt guilty for avoiding him, for pushing him away without any real explanation.

I glanced at my phone, resting on the small table. Without thinking, I grabbed it and checked to see if I'd missed any texts from him, but there were none. I let out a frustrated sigh. Then, after a deep breath, I dialed Jeydon's number. It was the only way I could think of to find out if Matteo was still waiting outside.

The line rang a few times before I heard his familiar voice.

"Hello, Jeyd? Where are you?" I asked.

"I'm driving home, why?" he replied.

"Can you call Matteo? I want to know where he is right now," I said.

"Why me? Can't you do that yourself?" I could practically hear the smirk in his voice.

"He's your damn friend, Jeydon!" I snapped.

"Yeah? But friends don't go around giving updates on where and what they're doing," he teased.

I rolled my eyes and let out an exasperated sigh. "He called me and said he's waiting outside my door," I admitted, knowing that beating around the bush would get me nowhere.

"Oh? And if I'm not mistaken, you don't want to entertain him?" Jeydon asked, followed by a mocking laugh.

"Jeydon, I don't mess around with my employees," I said firmly. My patience was wearing thin, and I started pacing back and forth in my room.

"But he likes you... a fcking lot," he said with a chuckle.

"Obsessing over someone isn't healthy," I replied.

"Then why don't you tell him that?" he shot back.

"I've told him many times-we can't have any affair. Not even a fcking buddy arrangement! I can't ruin the reputation I've built in this industry!" I hissed, my frustration growing.

"But you want him, don't you?" The question made me freeze. Yes, I want him. I fcking want him.*

"Five-second rule. Silence means yes," he said, teasing. "Janice, stop fighting your desire for him. Your feelings are mutual, so why not just give in?"

"What? Hell no!" I snapped instantly. I would never give in to Matteo. I had never surrendered to a man-not even the ones I'd slept with. I had always been the dominant one, the one in control. My fck buddies loved being tortured by me during our intimate sessions. No one ever had power over me, not like this.

"Letting go of your pride can lead to ecstasy, you know," Jeydon teased from the other end.

I groaned loudly in irritation. "Jerka*s," I muttered under my breath.

He laughed, which only made me more annoyed.

"Fine. I'll call him this time-but this is the last. If you want to get rid of him, do it yourself," Jeydon said before ending the call.

I sighed deeply, lowering my phone. I dropped myself onto the foot of the bed, eyes still fixed on the bedroom door. After a moment, I couldn't resist anymore. Slowly, I crept out of the room and tiptoed to the front door, peeking through the peephole to check if Matteo was still there.

I didn't see anyone outside. Could it be because of Jeydon? I was about to return to my room when I jumped at the sudden sound of the intercom.

"I know you're there, Janice." Matteo's calm but insistent voice came through. "Please open the door and let's talk."

"Fck!" I muttered, frustration bubbling up. Taking a deep breath, I reached for the door handle and turned it.

When I opened the door, Matteo stood before me, his expression dark and intense. His brows furrowed as he stared at me, like he was trying to read my thoughts.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. I tried to sound tough, but my knees shook for reasons I couldn't understand.

Is it because of the way he looks at me? I thought, shaking my head to push the thought aside. I couldn't give in to whatever attraction I felt toward him.

"Let me in," he said, his voice firm with authority.

"No," I replied immediately, trying to stand my ground. "I'm tired, and I want to rest. I have an early meeting tomorrow with a VVIP," I added, hoping to push him away.

The corner of his mouth lifted into a small smile. "A VVIP, huh? Is that how important it is to you?"

"Of course," I answered quickly. "MC Underwear Trading Co. is one of the major undergarment suppliers. Meeting with the CEO is my top priority, so please, go home."

He stared at me for a long moment, silent. I didn't want to be rude and slam the door in his face, but the tension was thick between us.

"Okay, you win-I'll let you win... for now. But I'm not giving up, Janice. A deal is a deal, and I want you to keep your end of the deal, or else..." He waited for me to respond, but then turned and walked away.

Or else what? I thought, frowning, feeling an unsettling flutter in my chest.

I finally closed the door when I saw him enter the elevator. I walked toward the kitchen, trying to shake off the feeling of his presence lingering. My phone buzzed, and I saw a text message from Jeydon.

Sorry, he knows me. I can't lie. ?

"That jerk!" I muttered angrily. I was glad he wasn't standing in front of me right now, because I would've slapped him. I quickly typed a message and, after sending it, I grinned and walked over to the fridge to grab some water.

A few seconds later, my phone buzzed again. I grinned when I saw it was from Jeydon.

"I'm going to sleep. Stop calling me," I typed back.

"What did you just text me?" he replied, clearly annoyed.

I chuckled softly. "Nami wants to meet some of my male models, so I conducted a party," I responded.

"And why would she do that?" he asked, curious.

"Uhm... let's just say she wants to claim herself from being a fool," I replied, a little smirk playing at the corners of my lips.

There was a long silence on the other end. It seemed like Jeydon was struck by what I'd said. He should be, because what he was doing to Nami-leading her on-was utterly wrong. But I knew I'd be in trouble with Nami if that idiot ever decided to tell on me.

"I'm just kidding," she said, laughing. "The truth is, I invited her to come with me. She needs to have some fun," she added with a grin.

"And where are you taking her?" he asked, clearly curious.

She yawned, signaling that she was about to head to bed. "I'm tired, good night!" Without waiting for him to say anything else, she hung up. She didn't care if he was flustered or angry. He deserved it for being a jerk.

***

The next day, I made sure to arrive at the office early. I needed everything to be perfect for my meeting with the CEO of MCUT Co.; securing this company was a big win for Sun Glow Fashion. It would make importing high-quality fabrics and products easier. I was confident that it would help the company gain even more global visibility, especially with the Queen of Arc Fashion Show in Paris coming up in three months.

"Darla, please check with the IT Department to make sure there won't be any issues with our team's presentation later," I instructed my assistant.

"Sure, Miss," Darla replied before leaving me to prepare.

Once I was alone, I took a moment to survey my surroundings. I couldn't afford for the CEO of MCUT to notice anything out of place. From what I'd heard from other business people, he was known for being meticulous and picky about local investors.

MCUT had been featured in international magazines and showcased at major fashion events, so I couldn't let this opportunity slip away. As I was deep in thought, I received a call from the CEO's assistant.

When the meeting time arrived, Darla and I headed to the Conference Hall. We waited for a few minutes, and right on the dot, at 9:00 AM, the meeting partners arrived.

Since I had been facing away from the door, I didn't notice who had entered at first. But when I turned to greet them, I froze. A tall, muscular man, wearing a dark navy slim-fit suit, walked toward me. His presence was as commanding as a king's-everyone in the room would obey him.

"Miss Ortega?" his companion called to me.

I blinked a few times, shook my head, and sighed deeply. "I'm sorry," I said with a smile, trying to recover from my surprise. "Welcome to Sun Glow Fashion."

"Thank you, Miss. By the way, I'm Niccolo Montenegro, and this is Matteo Cordova-Montreal, CEO of Montreal-Cordova Underwear Trading Corporation. I believe you already know him," Niccolo said, introducing his companion with a warm smile.

I stared at Matteo, unable to hide my shock. I had seen his portfolio before, but the surname Montreal had not been mentioned.

"I'm sorry, but I don't know him," I said, staring at Matteo. "I only know Matteo Cordova, but your boss... I don't know anything about him," I replied seriously.

He didn't answer me. He just kept staring at me, and I stared back. The irritation inside me was building, especially towards Matteo. I never expected to see him here.

He fooled me! And I want a damn explanation! I thought to myself, my patience wearing thin.

Niccolo cleared his throat, breaking the tension between us. "Can we start the meeting? Let's talk about business, everyone," he said, clearly trying to keep things on track.

I forced a smile, turning my attention to him. "Of course, let's all have a seat."

I signaled for Darla to hand over the contract to them, but Matteo spoke before she could sit back down.

"Leave us," he muttered, looking at Niccolo and Darla. "Both of you."

I froze for a moment, stunned by his command. I was about to protest, but Niccolo quickly stood up, politely asking Darla to leave. She waited for me to give some signal, but I just nodded. Whatever his game was, I wasn't going to back down.

Once we were alone, Matteo picked up the papers from the table and started reading them in complete silence. I crossed my arms, my gaze fixed on him. I had so many questions and was determined to get some answers.

Time seemed to drag on. He kept reading, and I kept watching. He should've been asking questions and discussing the document, but thirty minutes passed, and no word was spoken between us.

Finally, Matteo pulled something from his jacket. I raised an eyebrow when I saw the pen. Without hesitation, he signed the document. When he was done, he looked at me and said, "I signed the contract. Now it's your turn."

I smirked. "I already signed the-"

He cut me off, his voice steady. "When I say it's your turn to sign, I didn't mean this contract. What I mean is the marriage contract."

I blinked, confused, as he stood up and opened the attaché case his assistant had brought. He pulled out more papers, walked over to me, and placed them in front of me. My eyes widened when I saw the large letters at the top of the document: CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE CONTRACT.

"You're going to sign it, Janice, or else I'll tell everyone that we're having an intimate affair," he said with a playful smirk in his eyes. "I'm sure you don't want that to happen."

My teeth clenched, and I could feel my anger rising. If looks could kill, he would have been dead by now. How dare he corner me like this? My reputation, my career-it all meant too much to me. I wasn't about to let him ruin it all for a damn scandal.

"Fck you!" I snapped, grabbing the pen and signing the marriage fcking contract with a harsh flourish.

He immediately snatched the paper from me and smirked. "Yeah, I will... only if you really mean it."