TAMING THE ICE KING

e floors gleamed like water or the air smelled

bition stacked fifty stories high. She tightened the belt of her tan trench coat, suddenly aware of every fray

ionist didn't look up, he

m into her voice even though her h

wait

oo smooth. As the floors rose, so did the pressure behind her eyes. She should have said no

an didn't notice people like her

in matte black, with chrome accents and a single glass wall that overlooked the cit

d as she entered. He didn'

r arrogance, a silver watch peeking from his cuff like a quiet threat. He was everything the he

finally, glancing at

a brow. "By t

tolerat

she said before she could sto

pa

his mouth tilted-not a smile exa

what I expec

eet his gaze. "You requested me. If you just needed a designe

e moved like power incarnate-fluid, deliberate, dangerous.

the broke girl

turned scraps into so

ught off-guard.

, Miss Blake." His voice was

"What exactly are

space between them shrank unti

id, as casually as if

ared. "E

year. You'll be paid handsomely, given full design autonomy over my sister's charity fashion line, a

rt, stunned sound

t blink. "I

said, stepping back. "

nted. I know you need exposure, and I can offer it. This

ed a fake w

st merger in my company's history. Investors trust family men. And becaus

r stuck, rumors of a scandal with a rival's daughter, and then silence. The st

e an actress

meone real. Someone unpredictable enoug

ng between t

say no?"

n you walk away with nothing. And some

gray at best. But the temptation pulsed like a heartbeat-recognition, op

ine print?" she

ection when necessary, but nothing else. You'll have you

break the

he designs we'd promote under you

room felt too quiet

sign for your sister's charity line,

died her.

s pushed her next words out

I'll

ala in this." He handed her a black card and a folded sketch. Her breath caught as she ope

stole

" he said. "Now

idn't t

ouldn't w

part of her d