Trap me by his side.
"I know," Kayden replied with surprising frankness. "But I had no choice."
Diana stirred from sleep. The enticing scent of our mate roused her, and now she was inappropriately excited, trying to make me move closer to Kayden.
Dream on, you traitor.
I mentally cursed Diana and glared at Kayden.
"Since Mr. Blackwood is so eager to discuss work, let's discuss work."
I forced myself into professional mode, opening to the first design.
"The Lucas project is a six-month high-end custom jewelry series themed 'Rebirth.'" My voice became steady and professional. "Three sample designs are complete: the 'Breaking Free' bracelet, the 'Phoenix Rising' necklace, and the 'New Life' earrings."
"The 'Rebirth' series." He studied the designs, fingers lightly tracing one. "Why this theme?"
"Based on market research and analysis of target demographic preferences..."
"That's not what I'm asking." Kayden leaned back, his gaze roaming over my face with unsettling intimacy. "I'm asking why you, Miss Ross, chose 'Rebirth.'"
He emphasized that "you."
My fingers gripped the folder's edge tightly.
"Professional expertise," I said, controlling the urge to throw the whole stack in his face. "Understanding the high-end market and consumer psychology."
"Is that so?" Kayden picked up one sheet—the 'Phoenix Rising' necklace, a phoenix rising from flames, wings spread wide. "Rising from death, reborn from despair... this design feels very personal."
He looked up, those silver eyes boring straight into mine.
"Like someone who actually experienced death and then... rebirth."
My breathing hitched.
"That's your interpretation." I managed to say, then quickly recovered. "I simply created a design that meets market demand. If you have objections, I can revise the concept."
"No need. I quite like this theme. Please continue."
I mentally rolled my eyes and gave him the barest hint of a smile to acknowledge his microscopic courtesy.
I pulled the design from his hand, pointing to the 'Phoenix Rising' necklace.
"Here, the centerpiece is a 5-carat Burmese pigeon blood ruby, VS clarity, paired with..."
"Why not larger?" Kayden interrupted abruptly.
"Excuse me?" I couldn't believe my ears.
"The ruby," he said, pointing at the design. "Why only 5 carats? I want 8."
He came here just to mess with me!
"Five carats is the optimal ratio based on precise calculations," I said, suppressing my irritation. "The pendant dimensions are 3.2 by 2.8 centimeters. If the main stone exceeds 5 carats..."
"I don't care." Kayden fully embraced his role as a difficult client, looking even more infuriating. "I want 8 carats."
I clenched my jaw.
