SEDUCTION

Sienna Locke had worked too hard to let a man like Adrian Blackwood intimidate her.

The sleek, glass-paneled headquarters of Blackwood Enterprises towered over the city skyline, exuding the kind of power and prestige that made most people hold their breath the moment they stepped inside. But as Sienna strode through the grand lobby, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floors, she kept her posture poised, her expression unreadable.

This was more than just a job-it was an opportunity. A high-stakes position that countless others had competed for. And she had won.

A polished assistant from HR led her through a maze of corridors, each one more pristine and sophisticated than the last. "Mr. Blackwood is expecting you," the woman said with a professional smile before gesturing toward a set of imposing double doors.

Sienna inhaled quietly, adjusting the cuffs of her tailored blazer. This is just another meeting. Nothing more. She ignored the faint tightening in her stomach as she pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The office was vast, designed with modern luxury-dark wood, glass, and steel, all overlooking a breathtaking skyline. And behind the massive desk, seated with an air of effortless dominance, was Adrian Blackwood.

He didn't rise. He didn't need to.

Dark eyes locked onto her with a focus so unwavering, it felt like a slow, deliberate assessment. The weight of his gaze was like a silent challenge, but Sienna refused to react.

"Miss Locke," Adrian finally spoke, his voice smooth, rich, and entirely unreadable. "Sit."

Sienna met his gaze, lifted her chin slightly, and took the seat opposite him.

She would not be the first to break.

Adrian leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled together as he studied her. The silence stretched just long enough to feel intentional-controlled.

"You're aware of what this role entails?" he asked, his voice smooth but edged with something sharper.

Sienna crossed her legs, keeping her posture composed. "Yes. Managing your schedule, handling high-profile clients, overseeing communications. I've read the expectations thoroughly."

A ghost of a smirk flickered across his lips. "You sound well-prepared."

"I am."

A slow nod. "We'll see about that."

He reached for a file on his desk-her résumé, no doubt-but instead of reading from it, he kept his eyes on her. "You worked under Nathaniel Carter before this. I assume that was challenging."

Sienna didn't blink. Carter had been a demanding executive, but she had handled him with ease. "He had high expectations. I met them."

Adrian's gaze darkened with something unreadable. "I don't doubt that. But working for me will be different."

A test. She could feel it.

"I'm adaptable," she said smoothly.

Adrian let the silence linger again, his thumb brushing over the edge of the file. Then, he leaned forward slightly. "I don't tolerate mistakes, Miss Locke. I don't repeat myself. And I certainly don't have patience for hesitation. If I ask you to handle something, I expect it done before I have to ask again."

Sienna met his stare, unwavering. "Then it's a good thing I don't need things repeated."

Something flickered in his expression-approval, maybe. Or amusement.

"Good." He closed the file and leaned back again, exuding nothing but confidence. "Let's put that to the test."

He turned his computer screen toward her. On it, a chaotic schedule, overlapping meetings, and conflicting appointments.

"Fix it," he said simply.

Sienna's pulse remained steady. She reached for the laptop.

Sienna didn't hesitate as she pulled the laptop closer, her fingers gliding over the keyboard with practiced ease. She scanned the chaotic mess in front of her-double bookings, last-minute meeting requests, appointments clashing with travel schedules. If this was meant to overwhelm her, Adrian would be sorely disappointed.

Silence stretched between them as she worked, the only sounds in the office the soft taps of her keystrokes and the distant hum of the city outside. Adrian said nothing, but she could feel his gaze on her, studying her movements, waiting for a mistake.

She wouldn't give him one.

Within minutes, the schedule had transformed-meetings realigned, unnecessary overlaps eliminated, and priority tasks arranged with perfect efficiency. Sienna finally pushed the laptop back toward him, her expression unreadable. "It's done."

Adrian glanced at the screen, his eyes scanning her adjustments. He took his time, long enough that most people would have fidgeted under the weight of his scrutiny. Sienna remained still, her confidence unwavering.

Finally, he leaned back, a slow smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Impressive," he admitted, his voice like a slow drag of velvet over steel. "Most people would've needed more time."

Sienna allowed herself the barest hint of a smile. "I'm not most people."

Adrian's smirk deepened. "No, you're not."

The air between them shifted, thickening with something unspoken, something neither of them acknowledged but both could feel. Adrian watched her as if debating his next move, testing the waters.

Then, just as smoothly, the moment was gone. He shut the laptop and stood, adjusting the cuffs of his crisp white shirt. "You'll receive the full list of your responsibilities by the end of the day. Be here at seven sharp tomorrow. I don't tolerate lateness."

Sienna rose as well, her gaze steady. "I don't intend to be late."

Adrian's eyes flickered with something dark, something intrigued. "Good."

She turned, walking toward the door, fully aware of his gaze trailing her every step.

As she reached for the handle, his voice stopped her.

"One more thing, Miss Locke."

She paused but didn't turn around.

"Welcome to Blackwood Enterprises."

A challenge. A warning. A promise.

Sienna walked out without another word.

She knew exactly what kind of man Adrian Blackwood was.

And she had no intention of falling for him.

At least, that was the plan.