“That’s all I needed. Thank you.”
The dismissal was abrupt enough to earn him a searching look, but Travis rose without argument. The moment the door closed, Leander dragged both hands through his hair and forced himself to breathe.
Control yourself now.
Two hours later, The Metropolitan Club’s dining room buzzed with the quiet murmur of power lunches and calculated conversations, crystal glasses catching the afternoon light that filtered through tall windows overlooking Central Park. Leander sat at a corner table, his posture deceptively relaxed while every muscle remained coiled with tension.
Damian had arrived twenty minutes late—a deliberate power play that fooled no one—and slid into his seat with the kind of predatory grace that had always grated against Leander’s nerves. His rival looked every inch the successful developer in his charcoal suit, his dark blonde hair perfectly styled, and his blue eyes sharp with ambition.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Damian said without a trace of apology in his voice. “Traffic was awful today.”
The lie was as transparent as Damian’s intentions, but he merely nodded toward the menu. “Shall we order?”
“Let’s skip the pleasantries.” Damian leaned forward, his smile all teeth and no warmth. “I have a proposition that could benefit both our companies.”
Here we go.
Leander settled back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Damian’s face. “I’m listening.”
“The Whitmore account. The Riverside towers project. Three others in your portfolio.” Damian’s fingers drummed against the white tablecloth. “Transfer them to Cross Development, and I’ll make it worth your while. My connections with the zoning committee could expedite your Lexington project by months.”
The audacity struck Leander like a punch. Those clients represented years of relationship-building, millions in revenue, and Damian wanted them handed over like party favors.
“No.”
The single word carried absolute finality, but Damian pressed forward as though he hadn’t heard it.
“Think strategically, Drake. You’re spread thin with the Lexington development. These smaller projects are distractions. Let me handle them while you focus on your flagship?—”
“The answer is no.” Leander’s voice remained calm, but his lion prowled beneath the surface, recognizing the challenge for what it was. “Those clients chose Drake Holdings for a reason. I won’t betray their trust for your convenience.”
Damian’s smile faltered for just a moment before reasserting itself with renewed intensity. “You always were too sentimental about business relationships. It’s a weakness, you know.”
Like hell it is.
The waiter appeared, providing a brief reprieve as they ordered—salmon for Leander, steak for Damian, both rare. The irony wasn’t lost on him that they were two predators circling each other over lunch.
“The Lexington project is ambitious,” Damian continued once they were alone again. “Some might say overambitious. What happens if you can’t deliver on schedule? Your reputation?—”
Leander’s phone buzzed against the table, cutting through Damian’s veiled threat. Camille’s name flashed on the screen, and something in his chest shifted instantly—concern overriding every other consideration.
Damian’s eyes tracked to the phone, and Leander watched recognition flicker across his features.
“Excuse me.” Leander answered without hesitation. “Camille, what’s wrong?”
Her voice carried an edge of urgency that made his protective instincts flare. “I’m sorry to interrupt your lunch, but there’s a contractor here demanding answers about the Lexington project. He says his crew was supposed to start demolition today, but our permits show next week. He’s... agitated.”
Heat crawled up Leander’s spine—not desire this time, but pure territorial aggression. Someone was causing problems for his mate, and every fiber of his being demanded immediate action.
“I’ll be right there.”
Across the table, Damian’s expression had shifted from calculated charm to something far more dangerous.
“Was that Camille St. James?” Damian’s voice carried a sharpness. “The beautiful socialite? Why is she working for you now?”
The possessive tone in Damian’s voice sent warning signals through every nerve.
“She’s my new assistant.”
