For long moments, the only sounds were the spray of the water and their ragged breathing. He kept her pinned to the wall, his forehead resting against hers, his eyes closed. Camille didn’t ever want to let go. She wanted to stay wrapped around this powerful, dangerous, perfect man forever.
This was the life she’d ached for but never dared to envision—a life of passion, of partnership, of a love that was both asanctuary and a revolution. He would keep her safe. He would love her fiercely. And she, in turn, would stand by his side.
TWENTY
LEANDER
Two days later, the conference room of Drake Holdings had never felt smaller. Twelve board members sat around the polished mahogany table, their faces carefully neutral as they prepared to deliver the verdict that would reshape Leander’s entire future. He’d built this empire from the ashes of his father’s legacy, but nothing—not the most lucrative acquisition, not the most challenging development project—had ever mattered as much as this moment.
Camille sat beside him, her posture straight and composed despite the tension radiating through the mate bond. She wore a navy pantsuit that made her blue eyes look like sapphires, every inch the accomplished professional she’d always been beneath the socialite facade. But Leander could see the subtle tremor in her hands where they rested on the table, and could sense the carefully controlled hope she didn’t dare let show.
She deserves this,his lion rumbled with fierce certainty.She deserves everything.
Sterling Montgomery, the silver-haired board chairman who’d known Leander since he was a teenager shadowing his father through these same halls, rose from his seat. Theman’s weathered face revealed nothing as he cleared his throat, commanding the attention of everyone present.
“We’ve reviewed Miss St. James’s qualifications extensively,” Sterling began, his voice carrying the authority of someone who’d overseen billion-dollar decisions for three decades. “Her architectural degree from Columbia, summa cum laude. Her innovative redesign concepts for the Lexington project. Her strategic vision for expanding our client base into previously untapped markets.”
Leander’s jaw clenched. The formal recitation felt like torture when what he wanted was simple confirmation that the woman beside him—his mate, his future wife, the brilliant mind who’d already revolutionized how he approached every project—would officially become his partner in all things.
“The vote was called yesterday evening,” Sterling continued, his gaze moving between Leander and Camille. “After extensive deliberation and careful consideration of all factors involved.”
Get on with it,Leander thought, his lion pacing beneath his skin. The protective instinct that had driven him to kill for her just days ago now demanded he shield her from even the possibility of rejection. But this was her moment, her triumph to claim, and he forced himself to remain still.
Sterling’s stern expression suddenly cracked, revealing a smile that transformed his entire face. “The decision was unanimous. Camille St. James, you are hereby approved as Mr. Drake’s equal business partner, effective immediately.”
The words hit Leander with powerful force—not of pain, but of pure, overwhelming relief. His careful composure shattered as he turned toward Camille, who sat frozen for a heartbeat before her face lit up with a radiance that stole his breath.
He didn’t care about professionalism. Didn’t care about the twelve pairs of eyes watching them. Didn’t care about anything except the woman whose dreams had just become reality.
Leander surged to his feet and pulled Camille into his arms. The kiss he pressed to her lips was fierce and claiming, pouring every ounce of pride and love and possessive satisfaction into the contact. She melted against him, her arms winding around his neck as she kissed him back with equal fervor.
Mine,his lion purred with deep contentment.My brilliant, extraordinary mate. My partner in everything.
When they broke apart, the conference room erupted in applause. Board members who’d maintained their poker faces throughout the public display of affection were suddenly beaming as they rose to their feet.
“Congratulations, boss,” Sterling said, extending his hand to Camille with a grin. “I have a feeling you’re going to shake things up around here in the best possible way.”
“Thank you,” Camille replied, her voice steady despite the emotion Leander could feel coursing through the bond. “I won’t disappoint any of you.”
She couldn’t disappoint if she tried,Leander thought, watching as each board member took their turn congratulating her, their enthusiasm infectious.
Harrison Smith, the sharp-eyed financial strategist, actually laughed as he shook Camille’s hand. “Your proposal to incorporate sustainable materials into luxury developments? Brilliant. We’ve been trying to crack that market for years.”
“And your suggestion about partnering with local artists for custom installations,” added David Reeves, the marketing director. “That’s going to set us apart from every other firm in the city.”
Leander felt his chest swell with fierce pride as he watched his mate—his partner—handle each interaction with the perfect blend of confidence and humility that made her irresistible. This brilliant woman was going to make Drake Holdings the premierdevelopment firm not just in New York, but in the entire nation. He could feel it in his bones.
“This calls for celebration,” he announced, his voice filled with warmth. His hand found the small of Camille’s back, a possessive touch that grounded them both. “Shall we?”
They made their way toward the elevator, the board members trailing behind with continued congratulations and excited chatter about upcoming projects. But as the elevator doors opened onto the main lobby, Leander felt Camille’s surprise spike through the mate bond.
The entire first floor of Drake Holdings had been transformed. A massive congratulatory cake sat on the reception desk—three tiers decorated with architectural blueprints rendered in elegant fondant. Balloons in the company colors created festive clusters throughout the space, and what looked like every single employee had gathered, their faces bright with genuine excitement.
“Surprise!” Travis called out from the center of the crowd, his grin so wide it looked painful. “Did you really think we’d let this moment pass without proper fanfare?”
One hundred employees burst into applause, and Leander felt something shift in his chest as he watched Camille’s eyes fill with tears from the overwhelming emotion. Not the overwhelmed panic of her first day, when she’d looked like a deer caught in headlights. This was the good kind of overwhelmed—the kind that came when dreams you’d barely dared to dream suddenly became reality.
“We’re so excited to work for you, Miss St. James,” called out Rebecca from accounting. “Your ideas are going to change everything!”
