The night air was thick and heavy with intent.

Maxwell King leaned down, pressing his lips to hers. His fingers wove through her soft, dark hair, his thumb tracing the shell of her ear in a soothing, hypnotic rhythm. Her lips were intoxicating—much like the strawberries from the fruit platter they had shared earlier.

Arianna Stone wrapped her arms around his neck, drowning in the sudden depth of his gentleness, her face tilted upward to meet his fire. The atmosphere shifted, drifting from a soft spring breeze to a torrential downpour. Arianna felt every fraction of the change.

In a haze of sensory overload, she caught a subtle rustle. She opened her eyes, their corners flushed with a vibrant, feverish red. Sunk into the soft sheets, she looked like a solitary, blooming rose against a backdrop of fresh, pristine snow. A thick fog clouded her mind, and her voice came out as a soft, breathless plea. "When... when did you get these?"

Maxwell tore open the small square packet, his gaze locking onto hers. "Last time. The moment you told me you liked me."

Arianna flushed a deep crimson, turning her face away to hide the heat radiating from her skin.

***

The next morning, sunlight spilled through the window, painting the floorboards in golden slats. The air felt crisp and clean.

Upstairs in the master bedroom, Arianna stirred from her slumber. Her fingertips twitched, brushing against something hard and solid. The unfamiliar sensation jolted her into full consciousness.

As she opened her eyes, she collided directly with Maxwell’s gaze, his expression warm and amused. He had clearly been awake for a while, his pajama collar unbuttoned to reveal his broad, rugged chest. He looked devastatingly handsome, propped up on his elbow, staring at her with unblinking intensity.

"Finally awake?"

Arianna gave a stiff, non-committal hum. Then, her attention drifted downward.

Her fingertips were pressed against his firm abdomen; beneath her palm, she could feel the pulse of his taut muscles.

A playful, rough voice murmured in her ear, "Mrs. King, you’ve been touching me all night. Haven't you had enough?"

Arianna: "..."

*Had she really been touching him all night?*

Memories from the night before came rushing back. Maxwell had been covered in a fine sheen of sweat, and Arianna was no better. He had kissed her brow and eyelids over and over, his lips brushing against her ear, whispering her nickname, guiding her hand to his stomach. *Arianna, would it feel better if you did this?*

She had felt like she was looking at the world through a rain-streaked window—dazed, flushed, and utterly lost in him. Every time she reached out, she could clearly feel the muscles beneath her palm flex and recoil.

Maxwell had remained incredibly gentle, hyper-aware of her every reaction, moving with a precision that was maddeningly perfect. But for the first time, she was seeing a man completely unmasked. His fingers had gripped hers, locking them together, his skin slick with sweat. His eyes, usually cool and sharp, had darkened with an intensity that felt as if he were trying to swallow her whole, or perhaps, devour her with a devotion that scared her.

It was a contradiction that tore at her nerves—a look that made her heart shudder.

Seeing her blush deepen, Maxwell chuckled. He didn't push it further, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Arianna, it’s getting late. Time to get up."

Arianna mumbled an "okay."

Once he left the room, she finally slunk out of bed, shuffling toward the bathroom in her slippers. After last night, she had no idea how she was supposed to face him. She dragged her feet for as long as she could, taking forever to head downstairs.

She had a perfect excuse ready: "It’s getting late. I don't have time for breakfast. You go ahead, I’m heading out." She was already preparing to bolt.

But at the foyer, Maxwell intercepted her.

He held out a sandwich and a carton of milk, his voice smooth and warm. "Take these for the road."

From her shifty eyes and the way she was blushing, Maxwell knew she was planning to avoid him. That was why he’d come downstairs early to pack her a meal.

Arianna, dazed and flustered, took the bag, muttered a quick thank you, and made her escape.

All the way to the office, she couldn't stop thinking about it. Even though he was fully dressed now, she felt like she could still see the intoxicating scenes from earlier—the hard, solid chest, and those muscles that tightened with his every movement...

It seemed like she wouldn't be able to look him in the eye for a very long time.

But life had other plans. Reality didn't give her a moment to breathe. The moment she arrived at the office, she remembered it was Saturday—the day of the industry summit.

Before she could even settle in, Charlotte Marshall grabbed her and ushered her toward the company’s chauffeured town car. "It’s free. Why wouldn't we take it?"

The car was packed with staff from other departments. Everyone knew each other, and as soon as Charlotte climbed in, the chatter started.

"Charlotte, is this your new assistant?"

"She’s our team’s deputy lead, Arianna Stone."

"Heard you’re up for a promotion next year. Is that true?"

Charlotte never hid her ambition. "It is."

"Congrats!"

A man nearby sneered, shooting her a meaningful, mocking look.

Charlotte didn't lose her temper. She turned to stare him down. "Something wrong? You jealous?"

"Me? Jealous?" The man laughed as if he’d heard a hilarious joke, turning to his neighbor with an exaggerated expression. "Did she just say I was jealous of her?"

"Cool it, Charlotte. Ever heard of outshining the boss? You really think Miranda Green is going to sit back and watch you reach her level? Keep dreaming. Do you think..." He gave her a pointed look. "I’m just giving you a heads-up. Take it or leave it."

Charlotte gave a thin, unbothered smile. "You clearly don't know the full story. My promotion was personally recommended by Miranda herself. Next time you try to smear someone, do your homework."

She didn't miss a beat. "Brains are a valuable asset. I hope you find one eventually. And try not to sound like a dumpster when you talk."

The man’s face went ash-gray, but he knew better than to cross Charlotte. "Come on, no need to be like that. It was just a joke."

"Same here," Charlotte replied, feigning shock. "Don't tell me you took me seriously? A grown man like you, so thin-skinned?"

The other people in the car turned toward the windows, pretending to admire the scenery while holding back their laughter.

***

The industry summit was held at a five-star hotel. The grand ballroom was filled with displays of various consumer goods. Myria Cosmetics, one of the primary sponsors, was handing out gift bags to attendees.

King Enterprises was acting as the main event coordinator and was slated to appear at the final awards ceremony. Maxwell had checked the attendee list in advance and discovered that Arianna’s company would be there.

Cole Parker had followed his boss’s orders, working around the clock to secure the guest list for Myria. Arianna’s name was on it.

That was why Maxwell had arrived at the venue so early.

King Enterprises was currently at the peak of its influence, with a portfolio spanning real estate, hotels, jewelry, and financial investment. Dozens of CEOs and board members crowded around him to strike up conversations.

They were his elders, so Maxwell couldn't be rude. He hummed through the pleasantries, but his mind was elsewhere, his gaze constantly drifting toward the entrance of the ballroom.

On the count of the thousandth time he turned his head, he finally spotted her.

Since the summit was a formal event, Arianna was dressed in a power suit. A crisp, neutral-toned blouse and skirt, with a tan belt cinching her waist, and her dark hair pulled back into a low, elegant bun.

The look leaned toward androgynous, which perfectly balanced her sweet features. She looked sharper. More like a corporate titan.

This was the first time Maxwell had seen Arianna in a professional environment. He had imagined it a thousand times, but seeing her in person was far more stunning than anything his mind could conjure.

Arianna moved through the crowd, laughing at something the person next to her said. She was a different person entirely—confident, composed, a star that drew every eye in the room.

Arianna, of course, caught sight of him, too.

Their eyes met for a fleeting second before they drifted apart, lost in the sea of people.

Once Arianna finished the company’s required networking, her phone buzzed in her pocket.

Maxwell: [Come to the top-floor suite.]

Arianna: "..."