Boardroom to Bedroom

ver cutlery glinted on linen-draped tables, and the murmur of European accents filled the air like a low tide. This wasn't

ack as we entered. Not possessive, but steady - l

xpression practiced. Inside, my stomach was tight. This was my world once

le," Damian murmured in my ear. His voi

way

r at the corner of his mouth,

, a Swiss billionaire who owned half the hydropower stations on the continent, a young French minister with e

my turn, I felt their eyes assess me - the underdog, the upstart Am

il chair, a silver-haired woman with diamond studs.

"Innovation has alway

around the table, but under it ran a current of calculation. These people weren't

his vision. The others nodded, murmuring approval.

, whom I'd only seen in headlines - turned to me. "And you, Ms

. I felt Damian's gaze flick to

responsibility. Those values haven't changed. Partnering with Mr. Cross allows

table. Victor Lang tilted his head, i

ng in the air l

ill have... spirited discussions. But ultimat

Damian's lips quirked. "She's telling the t

at me with something like

ned closer, his shoulder brushing

hout looking at him.

actually enjoy this if you stop

ld," I said. "You

s - not anger, but recognition

halfway to my m

tched you tonight. The way you h

at him. "

enemy. Maybe I am. But I'm also the only one

ent through me, more dangerou

ut hosting a private roundtable tomorrow morning - just Damian and me

smoothly. "We'

potted olive trees. The night air was crisp, the city l

ang well," Dam

need your

pproval. That

him. "Why are you

he said quietly. "I'm not here to destroy you, Elena. I'm here

make you

intly. "I'm

y chest tighten. I turned back to the

. "Or maybe we'r

lse jumped at that. "

as soft now. "I'm just

beneath us, his presence like heat at my side. It felt dang

away. "Goodni

a half-smile. "Goo

shut and the city lights winking below, I could still feel the echo o

x months to keep my company, my

e which woul