THE UNLIKELY UNION

Landon Ryder, a billionaire with a reputation for ruthlessness, stood in front of the canvas, his eyes fixed on the vibrant colors and bold strokes. He was captivated by the raw talent and emotion that radiated from the artwork.

Ava Moreno, the artist, watched him from across the room, her heart racing with a mix of fear and curiosity. She had never met anyone like Landon before - his chiseled features, piercing green eyes, and commanding presence made her feel like a small bird trapped in a gilded cage.

As Landon turned to face her, Ava felt a jolt of electricity run through her veins. He was even more intimidating up close, his gaze piercing through her like a knife.

"You're the artist," he stated, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine.

Ava nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, I am."

Landon took a step closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "I want to buy this painting. Name your price."

Ava hesitated, unsure if she wanted to sell her art to this enigmatic stranger. But something about Landon's intensity drew her in, making her feel like she was standing at the edge of a precipice, staring into the unknown.

"I'm not sure it's for sale," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Landon's smile was like a crack of thunder on a summer day - sudden and electrifying. "Everything has a price, Ava. I just need to find out what yours is."

Ava felt a shiver run down her spine as Landon's eyes seemed to bore into her soul. She tried to step back, but her feet seemed rooted to the spot.

"I'm not interested in selling," she repeated, trying to sound firm.

Landon chuckled, the sound low and husky. "Oh, I think you are," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You're just not sure what you want yet."

Ava's heart raced as Landon took another step closer, his presence suffocating. She could smell the scent of his cologne, a heady mix of leather and spice.

"I'll give you a million dollars for it," he said, his voice dropping to a whisper.

Ava's eyes widened in shock. No one had ever offered her that kind of money for her art before.

But something about Landon's offer didn't feel right. It felt like he was trying to buy more than just her painting.

"I'll think about it," she said finally, trying to sound nonchalant.

Landon's smile grew wider. "I'll take that as a yes," he said, his eyes glinting with triumph.

As he turned to leave, Ava felt a sense of unease settle over her. She had a feeling that she had just made a deal with the devil himself.

"Landon," she called out, her voice barely above a whisper.

He turned back, his eyes questioning.

"Why will you offer a million dollars for this painting?" she asked, her heart pounding in her chest.

Landon's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"Oh, Ava," he said, his voice low and husky. "I always get what I want."

Ava's heart skipped a beat as Landon's eyes seemed to bore into her soul. She felt a shiver run down her spine, but she tried to shake off the feeling.

"I need to think about it," she repeated, trying to sound firm.

Landon nodded, his expression unreadable. "Very well. I'll give you a week to decide. If you don't sell it to me, I'll make sure no one else buys it either."