What the hell just happened?
The emergency meeting is over, I expect to retire to my desk, maybe drown my shame in coffee and pretend I didn't just see my one-night stand in an expensive suit across the conference table as a new client. But no, Mr. Carter calls me into a private meeting with one of the clients.
"Elena?" Mr. Carter's voice cuts into my thoughts. "Can I see you in my office for a moment?"
I blink up from my screen. "Sure. Just give me a second to..."
"Now," he says gently but firmly.
That tone always means something big or bad. My stomach dips.
As I approach his office, the door is already open. And then I see him.
Of course, it's HIM.
I'm already sweating , even though the air-conditioning is working fine.
"Come in," Mr. Carter says.
Dante Romano is seated like a king, legs spread, one hand resting on the armrest of the leather chair like it belongs to him. His dark gaze lands on me instantly.
God help me.
"Elena," Carter gestures to the empty chair. "Please, sit."
I take the seat opposite Dante, careful to keep my spine straight and my face neutral. But I can feel it, his eyes raking over me as I walk. I smoothen my skirt, trying to get a grip, Last night's memories are causing me to feel hot beneath my skin.
Carter clears his throat. "Mr. Romano has a proposal. I think it's best he tells you himself."
I glance at Dante. "A proposal?"
He leans forward slightly. "Your firm came highly recommended, Miss Hayes. But this project requires precision, confidentiality and no distractions. I want you working at my estate for the duration of the contract."
My heart stops.
I blink. "You want me to… move into your home?"
He nods calmly. "You'll have your own quarters, full access to everything you need. Secure network, private office, uninterrupted time. It's the only way I can ensure discretion."
I turn to Mr. Carter. "You agreed to this?"
He looks mildly apologetic. "You're our best analyst, Elena. He has offered to pay triple of our usual rate, plus other expenses."
Triple?
I feel my breath catch in my throat. This is insane.
"And there's one more thing," Dante says, eyes locked to mine. "I want a fixed timeline. One hundred days. That's how long you'll work under this arrangement. And I expect total focus during that time."
I blink. "One hundred days?"
Carter glances between us. "Dante is offering a generous payment for your services, and there will be a formal contract to ensure every agreement is upheld."
Dante leans in slightly. "I'm a man of my word. You'll be compensated very well."
I want to scream, but I can't, because this is technically a professional offer.
Then Mr. Carter clears his throat like he's choking on the tension. "You'll receive the contract by end of day. Dante has arranged to pick you up tomorrow morning."
I look at him sharply. "You already agreed to this?"
"He's our biggest client this quarter," he says gently. "And he seems to trust you. Think of this as a professional challenge."
I sigh, it seems I don't have much of a choice. I could use the very generous payment, and my promotion will be sure after this job.
"I want it in writing," I say firmly. "The terms, boundaries, privacy, payout."
"Done." He doesn't even hesitate.
Mr. Carter stands, smoothing down his tie. "Great. I'll get the paperwork sent to you."
He makes it halfway to the door before glancing at Dante. "I'll give you two a moment. I have a few calls to make."
And just like that, he's gone. The door clicks shut behind him.
The silence thickens immediately.
Dante doesn't move. He just watches me with a cool, unreadable expression, like he's trying to figure out what I'll say.
"You planned this," I say.
He smiles slightly, "I didn't, your boss recommended you."
I stand. "I don't believe you"
"Fine" he says simply. "But I'm simply making you an offer. What happens next is up to you."
My eyes narrow. "Don't play games with me."
He tilts his head slightly, amused. "You didn't seem so opposed to fun last night."
My face flames.
"That was different" I snap.
"Was it?" he asks, voice dips lower. "Because I remember you enjoying it too much, your moans made it very clear."
"Stop." I'm sure my cheeks are completely red now.
He rises slowly, almost closing the distance between us, he doesn't touch me, he just stands close enough to make me fight the urge to step back.
"You're the one who ran out, Elena. No note. No goodbye." His voice is deeper now,. "You thought I wouldn't find you?"
"I didn't think you'd care," I whisper.
He stares at me intensely. "I shouldn't. But I do."
I boldly look up and stare back at him. "You want me under your roof for a hundred days. Why?"
Dante leans forward. His voice drops even lower, "I need you close. You'll have full access to our internal system, and the estate's network will be available for your exclusive use. You'll be secure. And somehow, I trust you."
"And your place is the best option?" I ask.
His eyes shine with amusement. "Unless you have a better one. I don't want you moving around with sensitive data, and I'm not letting this case be compromised because someone got curious on your train ride home."
I swallow hard. "And if I say no?"
He leans even closer, breath warm against my cheek. "Then I find someone else. But you and I both know you won't walk away."
He's not wrong.
But I still hate how right he is.
I cross my arms. "I want a personal key to the private office and my bedroom in your estate."
He smirks. "Granted."
"And you will stay out of my space unless invited."
His smile turns wolfish. "For now."
I don't give him the satisfaction of reacting.
"When do I start?"
"Tomorrow. My trusted security personnel will come for your things. For security reasons."
"Fine."
"You'll receive the contract by end of day."
I don't have anything else to say, I turn and walk out with my heart pounding. One hundred days in a large luxury estate with Dante Romano, A powerful and probably dangerous man? The man I had the best sex ever with last night?
I know my life will never be the same again.