Days With My Sergeant

Raven Dark stared at her reflection in the towering mirror of her penthouse bedroom. The sharp, tailored black suit clung to her curves like armor, the kind that demanded respect-and, in some cases, fear. Her dark hair was swept back into a sleek ponytail, her crimson lipstick standing out like a battle cry against her porcelain skin. Today wasn't just another day at the office. Today was war.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, shattering the tense silence. She didn't have to look at the screen to know it was her assistant, Harper, reminding her of the meeting that had been circling her calendar like a vulture for weeks. She grabbed her phone, swiping the message away with a flick of her thumb.

"Matt Hank," she muttered under her breath, her voice sharp enough to cut glass. The name tasted bitter, like the wine you sip out of obligation at charity events. The man who stood at the pinnacle of her hatred-a billionaire tech mogul who exuded arrogance from every polished pore.

Raven slid her phone into her handbag and glanced at the city skyline outside her floor-to-ceiling windows. New York looked deceptively serene from this height. The chaos of the streets below was muted, but Raven knew better. She thrived on chaos. Thrived on turning it to her advantage.

By the time she entered the towering office building of GenexaTech, her company, her heels echoed against the marble floors like gunshots. The lobby was abuzz with early morning energy, a blend of sharp suits and hurried whispers. Harper was waiting by the elevators, clutching a tablet like it was a shield.

"Good morning, Ms. Dark," Harper greeted, her tone formal but tinged with nervousness.

"Don't say it," Raven snapped, stepping into the elevator as Harper hurried to follow.

"I wasn't going to," Harper lied, her wide eyes betraying her thoughts. "But... for the record, I did read his bio again. Just in case."

"Spare me the flattery. I know exactly who Matt Hank is." Raven pressed the button for the 35th floor, her jaw tightening. "The tech world's golden boy. Innovator. Philanthropist. Genius. And let's not forget-asshole."

Harper coughed awkwardly, clearly debating whether to agree or stay silent. She chose the latter, shifting uncomfortably as the elevator ascended.

By the time they reached the conference room, Raven's mask of icy composure was firmly in place. The doors swung open to reveal a scene she had prepared for but still loathed.

Matt Hank was already seated at the head of the table.

His presence hit her like a punch to the gut. He was taller than she remembered-broad-shouldered, effortlessly poised, with a sharp jawline that seemed carved out of marble. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his piercing blue eyes locked onto her with a spark of amusement that made her skin crawl.

"Ms. Dark," Matt drawled, rising from his chair. His voice was smooth, confident, and laced with just enough mockery to set her teeth on edge. "I see you've decided to grace us with your presence."

Raven's heels clicked against the polished floor as she strode to her seat across from him, her smile cold and calculated. "Mr. Hank. I wasn't aware punctuality was a competition. If I had known, I would have arrived early to watch you gloat."

A low chuckle escaped Matt's lips as he sat back down, his gaze never leaving hers. "I don't gloat, Raven. I just win."

"Debatable," she shot back, her tone saccharine as she opened her laptop.

The tension in the room was palpable as the rest of the team shuffled in, their awkward glances darting between the two combatants. Raven barely noticed. Her focus was entirely on Matt, and she refused to give him the satisfaction of rattling her.