His hair brushes the collar of his jacket, just long enough to soften the sharpness of his jaw. His presence hits first. Then his eyes.
They lock onto mine the moment he enters—steady, deliberate, as if he’s here for no one else.
My breath catches, but I don’t let it show.
Greg stands to greet him; all charm and excitement.
“Mr. Marshall,” he says, offering his hand. “We’re thrilled to have you here.”
Dorian returns the handshake with quiet authority.
“The pleasure is mine,” he replies, his tone calm but clipped. Then his eyes flick back to me—burning, searching, unreadable.
“After our conversation at the restaurant,” he adds, gaze anchored on me now, “I decided it was worth exploring a collaboration.”
His words carry a double meaning, one that’s impossible to miss.
Without waiting for a reply, he takes the chair directly across from me—close enough for his cologne to find its way across the table. Dark. Familiar.
Greg launches into his pitch, eager and energetic.
I focus on the screen, pretending to type notes I won’t remember later. My heartbeat’s too loud to think.
Then Dorian speaks again.
“I’ve been reviewing several agencies,” he says casually, “but I’m particularly interested in your team.”
Greg beams. “We’d love to collaborate.”
Dorian leans back slightly—a controlled gesture.
“On one condition.”
His tone is smooth, polite—but firm in that way that doesn’t allow negotiation. His eyes turn to me.
“Miss Toma will be my direct contact for the project. All meetings, communications, negotiations—through her.”
I stop breathing for a second. My fingers freeze on the keyboard.
Greg nods, clearly surprised but already calculating.
“Of course,” he says, flashing a quick glance at me. “Della’s technically with our international office, but we’ll adjust her assignment if needed. We’ll find a way.”
He’s too eager for this deal to risk saying no.
My face doesn’t flinch. Inside, my pulse is roaring.
Dorian watches me. Quiet. Certain. Unshakable.
“It’s settled then,” he says, a quiet finality in his voice.
Greg grins, already excited about the deal.
But I know better.
This isn’t business. This is personal.
And it’s only the beginning.
