A DEAL WITH DESIRE

ding perfection without a hint of warmth, and the next, he'd linger for just long enough to make me question if there was something more behind his cool façade. It was maddening. The constant ba

"Thank you for your input, Liana. While I may be junior in title, I've put in the time to thoroughly understand the details of this deal. I'm confident in my ability to continue leading it effectively, and I'm happy to collaborate as we move forward." Liana's eyes flicked over me with careful scrutiny. "Good. But I'll need to be updated on every move you make, every step forward. My employer won't accept anything less than perfection." I nodded, familiar with this kind of pressure..it wasn't new to me, especially with high-stakes deals. "Of course. I'll keep you informed." But it wasn't long before the dynamic between me and Liana shifted. The meetings became more frequent, the stakes higher, and the expectation heavier. And through it all, Liana's presence was a constant reminder of the power that lay beyond the man we were working for. When the official contract was ready for signing, Liana informed me that the customer would finally make his presence known, not in person, but virtually. A video call was scheduled..a moment where everything would come to a head. And when the screen flickered to life, my breath caught in my throat. The man sitting on the other side of the screen was unlike anyone I had ever seen before. His presence was magnetic, but not because of any outward display of wealth. It was something in the way he carried himself..effortlessly confident, calm, but sharp as a blade beneath the surface. He had piercing, dark eyes that seemed to see into the very soul, a quiet intensity that spoke of experience, control, and authority. His features were