Page 72 of Abandoned By My Alpha Husband

The elevator climbed slowly. I watched my reflection in the polished walls. My heart was pounding. My palms were damp.

Don't be nervous, I told myself. This is just a business meeting. Your fragrance is good. That's why they want to work with you.

The elevator doors opened.

In that instant, I caught a familiar scent. Amber and cedar. My heart lurched. No. It had to be a coincidence. I followed the waiter down a long hallway, stopping at a door. He knocked and pushed it open.

"Ms. Windsor is here."

I stepped inside. Cedar and amber crashed over me.

My wolf shot to its feet, tail rigid.

There was only one person in the room.

Lucifer sat at the head of the long table in a black suit and white shirt, every button fastened. When he saw me, he stood. His gaze landed on my face.

The waiter had already closed the door. I stood there, unsure how to react.

"You—" My voice was tight. "What are you doing here?"

"The company asked me to handle negotiations with you." His tone was calm, like this was perfectly normal.

My fingers tightened on the bag strap.

"They asked you?" I repeated, then gave a bitter laugh. "Lucifer, you did this on purpose."

He didn't deny it. Didn't defend himself. He just looked at me with those gray eyes full of something I couldn't read.

"I wanted to talk to you," he said. "About the collaboration. And other things."

"We have nothing to talk about." I turned to leave.

"Elena."

He stopped me. I froze but didn't turn around.

"At least look at the contract," he said. "The terms are good. You'd regret passing this up."

I stood there, hesitated for a few seconds, then finally turned back. Lucifer smiled faintly and picked up a document from the table, holding it out. I walked over and took it. Opened it.

The wholesale price was twenty percent lower than what I'd been quoted before.

Shipping costs covered by the buyer.

First payment deferred.

And a string of other favorable terms. These conditions were... too good. Suspiciously good.

I looked up at him. "What are you trying to do?"

"Help you." His voice was serious. "Elena, I just want to help you."

"I don't need your help." I bit out.

"But you need this deal." He took a step forward. His scent grew stronger. I stepped back instinctively. "You're opening a shop in Silver pine. You need a stable supply chain. Good prices. This contract gives you that."

I stared at him. That tightness in my chest started up again.