A Deal with Desire

nd echoed through the cavernous lobby, drawing curious glances from suited professionals as she marched t

he glass fortress towering over the city skyline. Damian Blackwood. Billionaire, real estate

ments," the woman had said, her tone polite but firm. But Elena had refused to be dismi

afford. When the doors slid open, she was greeted by floor-to-ceiling windows framing the city in golden light, an ex

a second skin. His dark hair was neatly combed, his jawline sharp enough to cu

ce carrying an edge of curiosity. "To what do

spite the intimidating presence before her. "I'm here to talk about my lease-your

est as he studied her. "Your lease was terminated because

y livelihood. My employees' livelihoods. You have no idea what it's like to build something from the g

er of something unreadable cros

resolve. "You sit up here in your glass tower, making decisions that ruin people'

n's dark eyes held hers, and she could feel the weight of his scrutiny,

that sent a shiver down her spine. "You'

shot back, though h

" he said, his tone almost...admiring. "I li

But she wasn't about to back down now. She lowered herself into the lea

oment longer, an unreadable intensity in his eyes. "You w

vative, it's strategic, and it's profitable-well, it will be if given the chance. We specialize in branding fo

That sounds like every other marketing firm

ve millions of dollars to throw at a problem. My team finds creative, cost-effective solutions that actually work. We take risks other

a genuine reaction she'd seen from him.

caught off guar

r. But this isn't about me-it's about you. You claim your company is worth saving, but claims don't impress me. Re

tion! Let me pick up where

se doesn't threaten my survival-it threatens my momentum. There's a difference. My clients trust me because

case studies from three of our biggest campaigns. All businesses that were struggling before we stepped in. We doubled their revenue in six months wit

cking them up, he kept his gaze fixed on her. "And wha

. I just need time. Sixty days to find a new space, stabilize my operations, and

f his desk as his dark eyes bore into hers. "Sixty days

to me. You've already won, Mr. Blackwood. Your plans for the building are moving forward, an

expression unreadable. Then, without a word, he reached for the

in this moment, how her future seemed to rest in the hands of a man who probably

down and looked at her. "You're

back. "I'm capable. And if you give

"You have fire, Miss Carter. I like fire. Bu

s?" she as

de the box. If you're as capable as you say you are, then you'll work for me while you

t off guard by the o

y. "You'll have access to resources you've never dreamed of, and

lve. "Losing the lease doesn't threaten my survival-it challenges

her or take her seriously. Then he pushed himself upright, unfolding his arms. "Very well," h

ce momentarily faltering. "

I'll consider investing in your company. And I'll help you find a new office sp

ood would be like walking into a lion's den. But what choice d

" she said, he

d something darker-something dangerous. "Good. I'll hav

es

ke me reg