The universe had a sick sense of humor.
Aria discovered this the following morning when she walked into the gleaming marble lobby of Blackwood Enterprises for her job interview—an interview she'd been preparing for all week—only to find him.
Damian Blackwood.
The arrogant stranger from last night's storm.
He stood near the security desk, issuing clipped instructions to a man in a navy suit. Even dressed in another immaculate suit, he looked exactly the same—sharp jawline, piercing gray eyes, and the kind of authority that drew attention without asking for it.
Aria froze, her stomach plummeting. Of all the companies in the city, it had to be his.
"Miss Lane?" the receptionist called brightly.
Aria snapped out of it, forcing a polite smile as she approached. "Yes. I'm here for the executive assistant interview."
The receptionist nodded and gestured toward the elevators. "Top floor. Mr. Blackwood's office. Someone will meet you there."
Aria's smile faltered. "Mr. Blackwood?"
"Yes. Damian Blackwood. The CEO."
Aria's heart sank as reality hit her like a punch. The arrogant stranger wasn't just rich—he was her potential boss.
She wanted to turn and run, but Sophie's voice echoed in her head. This job could change your life. Don't screw it up.
So, with her pulse thundering, she squared her shoulders and stepped into the elevator.
The top floor was all glass walls and sleek lines, designed to intimidate. A tall assistant led her into the office and told her to wait.
Aria perched on the edge of the leather chair, clutching her folder, praying to every higher power that Damian wouldn't recognize her. After all, it had been dark, rainy, chaotic. Surely he wouldn't remember a drenched, furious woman who'd cursed him out on the street.
The door opened.
And in walked Damian Blackwood.
Her stomach dropped.
He paused mid-step, his eyes landing on her. For a moment, silence stretched thick in the air. His expression was unreadable, but those storm-gray eyes sharpened with unmistakable recognition.
"You," he said softly, almost amused.
Aria swallowed hard. "Me."
A smirk tugged at his mouth as he closed the distance, settling behind his desk with deliberate calm. "Miss Lane, isn't it? Tell me—do you always attack potential employers on the street?"
Heat flamed in her cheeks. "I didn't attack you. You nearly knocked me into the road."
His smirk widened. "Funny. That's not how I remember it."
Aria gritted her teeth, forcing herself to keep her tone professional. "Look, last night was… unfortunate. But I'm here for a job interview, not to argue about it."
Damian leaned back in his chair, studying her with unnerving intensity. "Interesting."
She frowned. "What is?"
"That you had the courage to argue with me at all." His eyes glinted. "Most people wouldn't dare."
Aria crossed her arms, irritation flaring. "Maybe most people are too afraid of you. I'm not."
He chuckled, low and rough. "Clearly."
The sound of it sent an unexpected shiver down her spine, and she hated herself for it. She cleared her throat, straightening. "Shall we begin?"
The interview was less of an interview and more of a verbal sparring match.
Damian asked pointed, rapid-fire questions, and Aria answered with equal sharpness, refusing to be intimidated.
"You have no prior experience as an executive assistant," he said, scanning her résumé.
"No, but I learn fast," she replied.
"You've switched jobs frequently in the past three years."
"Because I refuse to stay where I'm undervalued."
His eyes flicked up, curious. "And you think you won't be undervalued here?"
"That depends." She leaned forward, meeting his gaze head-on. "Do you value competence over obedience?"
The corner of his mouth twitched, as though she'd surprised him.
For the first time, silence fell—not because she didn't have an answer, but because Damian seemed caught between irritation and intrigue.
Finally, he leaned back, his voice softer. "You're bold."
Aria's chin lifted. "Is that a problem?"
"No," he said, his eyes locking onto hers with dangerous intensity. "It's… refreshing."
Her heart thudded, but she forced herself to stay composed. "Then maybe I'm exactly what you're looking for."
The tension between them crackled like electricity, filling the room with heat.
When the interview ended, Damian rose, extending his hand.
Aria hesitated a fraction too long before slipping hers into his. His grip was firm, warm, lingering just a second longer than necessary.
"Thank you for your time," she said quickly, pulling back.
"You'll be hearing from me soon," he replied smoothly.
The way his eyes lingered as she turned to leave made her pulse race, though she refused to show it.
In the elevator ride down, Aria exhaled sharply, pressing a hand to her chest.
"That man is impossible," she muttered. "Impossible."
And yet… she couldn't deny the spark that had lit up between them, hot and dangerous, impossible to ignore.
Back in his office, Damian poured himself a glass of water, his lips curving faintly.
Aria Lane.
Fiery. Bold. Defiant.
She wasn't like anyone he'd interviewed before. Most people bent under his scrutiny, desperate to please him. But not her. She had met his gaze without flinching, thrown his questions back at him with sharp wit.
She was reckless. And intriguing.
And for reasons he couldn't quite explain, Damian knew he wasn't done with her yet.