Bound by boardroom

d, leaving only the hum of the air conditioning and the faint glow of city lights beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. She'd assumed she'd be home by now, microwaving ramen in her c

oser, and the room seemed to shrink. "You said you'd do whatever it takes." Her throat went dry. "No, sir. It's not a problem." "Sir." He smirked, a dark edge to it. "I like that." He moved past her, brushing her arm-deliberate, electric. She froze as he reached into a drawer and pulled out a sleek black box. "But first, a test." "A test?" She clutched her notepad tighter. He opened the box, revealing a thin silk scarf, deep red, coiled like a snake. "Trust is everything in this role, Elena. Do you trust me?" Her heart thudded. "I... I don't know you." "Exactly." He stepped behind her, his breath warm against her neck. "Close your eyes." "What?" Panic spiked, but curiosity-and something darker-kept her rooted. "Close. Your. Eyes." Each word was a command, laced with a promise she couldn't name. She obeyed, lids fluttering shut. The air shifted as he moved, and then the silk scarf slid over her eyes, co