The Next Evening – Harper & Co. Offices
Samantha was just wrapping up her day when her phone buzzed. A message from Richard, her boss.
Dinner meeting moved up to tonight. 7 PM. Wolfe Enterprises expects us. Be ready.
Her stomach twisted.
Tonight?
She had expected at least a few days to regain her composure—to put more distance between herself and Alexander. But now she had just over an hour to prepare for another encounter with the man who had completely turned her world upside down.
Julia peeked into her office, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. "You look like you’ve seen a ghost."
Samantha groaned, rubbing her temples. "The dinner meeting with Wolfe Enterprises? It’s happening tonight."
Julia whistled. "Damn. That man doesn’t waste time."
No, he certainly didn’t.
"Okay, what are you going to do?" Julia asked, perching on the desk.
Samantha straightened. "I’m going to be professional. That’s what I’m going to do."
Julia smirked. "Uh-huh. Sure. And what if he looks at you like he did yesterday? Like he’s imagining what’s under that very professional blazer?"
"Jules!" Samantha hissed, but heat crept up her neck at the thought.
Her friend laughed, then stood and adjusted her jacket. "Alright, boss lady. Let’s get you ready for this battle of wills. And maybe—just maybe—you’ll realize you’re allowed to want something for yourself, too."
Samantha rolled her eyes, but deep down, she knew Julia had a point.
---
7 PM – Exclusive Rooftop Restaurant
The setting was elegant—glass walls, a stunning view of the city skyline, and the quiet hum of expensive conversations. Samantha arrived with Richard, trying to steady her nerves as they were led to a private dining area.
Alexander was already there.
He looked devastatingly handsome in a tailored black suit, his dark hair perfectly styled, his expression composed—but the moment their eyes met, a flicker of something deeper passed through his gaze.
Something dangerous.
"Mr. Wolfe," Richard greeted, shaking his hand.
"Richard," Alexander replied smoothly, then turned to Samantha. "Miss Carter."
"Mr. Wolfe," she answered, keeping her voice even.
The air between them crackled with unspoken tension.
They settled in, the conversation flowing effortlessly between Alexander and Richard, both men discussing business, negotiating details. Samantha chimed in when needed, but she could feel Alexander’s gaze on her, like a predator watching his prey.
Halfway through the meal, he leaned back in his chair, swirling his whiskey. "Miss Carter, what’s your take on long-term partnerships?"
She arched a brow, sensing the double meaning in his words. "A partnership only works if both parties trust each other completely."
Alexander smirked. "I agree. Trust is essential."
Richard, oblivious to the tension, nodded. "Exactly why I wanted Samantha leading this. She’s excellent at building trust in high-stakes deals."
Alexander’s gaze didn’t waver from her. "Yes. I’ve noticed."
Samantha’s breath hitched, but she forced herself to remain composed.
She wasn’t going to let him win this game.
The evening continued, and by the time dessert arrived, Richard checked his watch and sighed. "I need to make a call. Samantha, finish up the details with Mr. Wolfe."
And just like that, they were alone.
Samantha reached for her wine glass, willing herself to stay calm. "That was a bold move, rescheduling the dinner last minute."
Alexander smirked. "I prefer efficiency."
"Or control," she countered.
He tilted his head. "You think I’m trying to control you?"
She met his gaze evenly. "Aren’t you?"
Silence stretched between them before he leaned forward, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "If I wanted to control you, Samantha, you wouldn’t be sitting across from me—you’d be beside me. Where I could touch you."
Her pulse pounded. "This is business, Alexander."
"Is it?" His fingers brushed the stem of his glass. "Because I can’t stop thinking about that night. And I don’t believe you can either."
She clenched her hands in her lap, her resolve wavering. "We can’t."
"But we already did." His voice was pure temptation. "And tell me, Samantha—was it worth the risk?"
Her breath hitched.
Because the truth was… yes.
Yes, it had been worth it.
And that terrified her more than anything.
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