screen of her laptop, rereading the email from Julian Hayes. Her fingers hovered above the keyboard, but her mind seemed unwilling to cooperate. The invitation w

importance of discretion," Julian's email had read. "I'd like t

her as odd, yet compelling. She should have been cautious, maybe even wary, but instead, a spark of excitement ignited within

hought of finally coming face-to-face with him stirred something deeper in her-a restless energy she couldn't sh

d, unable to settle. She didn't know why she was so anxious. It wasn't as though she hadn't met famous clients before. But Julian Hayes wasn't just another high-profile name; he was an enigma,

. The nerves hit her all at once-like a sudden storm after a long dry spell. She couldn't explain it. It wasn't just the prospect of a new c

silently rehearsing what she'd say when the doors opened. She couldn't afford to be anything but professional-this was a business meeting. Yet

e polished floor. A receptionist greeted her with a polite smile and motioned for her to take a seat. As Elena settled into the sleek chair, she couldn't help but feel the

from behind the door. Elena stood, her heart thud

presence. He stood there for a moment, his dark eyes scanning her face as if assessing her in the same way she was quietly s

ew exactly the effect he had on people. "Ms. Moore," he said, his voice dee

ttle shakier than she'd intended. "Of course, Mr. Hayes.

ly, his expression unreadab

e rapid shifts in her emotions. She knew she had to stay focused, but Julian's presence was making it difficult to concentrate. His scent-a mix of expensive cologne and

ing view of the city, but Elena wasn't paying attention to that. Her eyes were fixed on him as he took a seat across

slightly, his voice lowering to an almost conspiratorial tone. "I don't want

er. It wasn't just the idea of the event. It was the way he looked at he

g you want," Elena replied, he

of smile that was meant to reassure. There was someth

ocked onto hers, and for a mome

focused on logistics. Every word that came from Julian's lips seemed charged with an unspoken invit

n touch soon," he said, his fingers brushing lightly against hers as they shook hands. Th

replied, her voice a littl

, his eyes narrowing slightl

t her lips. "Julian. I'll loo

eling that this was only the beginning, that their connection, whatever it was, would only deepe

ng. Julian Hayes wasn't just a client. He was a puzzle-dangerously attractive, impossibly intriguing