Bought by the Billionaire

before. She couldn't shake the sensation of his eyes on her, even though he was long gone. His word

carefully. Trusting Damien Blackwood felt like walking a tightr

s ruthless exterior. Maybe beneath the layers of control and power, there was a man figh

her thoughts. She couldn't afford to l

in her hands. The space, once a haven of comfort, felt oppressively small tonight. Papers from he

picked it up, half expecting another message fro

xt was

et me at the pentho

or not she'd go. Damien wasn't the kind of man you ignored. But she hated how easi

over the keyboard be

I'll b

unding as if she had just

fraying with every passing second. The building loomed above her, i

timidating as the man himself. The penthouse was all glass and steel, with sweeping views of the city

oosened, and the top buttons of his shirt were undone, giving him a more relaxed ap

said, his lips curvi

me much choice," Elena re

turing for her to sit. "I s

nvolved," she shot back, sinking in

y amused. "Noted. I'll keep

t's skip the pleasantries,

ression. He set his glass down on the table and

he said, his voice steady. "And a

but she forced herself

isn't just about trust. It's about partnership. I don't need a yes-man, Elena. I need someone who wi

ck by his candor. "And

already proven it. You didn't back down at the auction. You didn't let

't let herself be swayed so easily. "What's the

catch is that you'll have to trust me. And I kno

chair, crossing her arm

d. "But I'm offeri

y constructed facade. For all his confidence and charm, there

s if I say no?"

ment, she thought he might snap. But then

lking away won't make this go away. The problems your father left behind-they'll

much sense he made, how easily he poi

he said finally, her voic

time you need," he said, his tone softer now. "But don't take too

s. Damien's words had shaken her, but it was his sincerity that scared her the most.