Amara Reyes hated distractions.
And lately, Adrian Velasco had become one.
She stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows of her office, watching the early morning light spill across the city. Unlike Adrian's cold, calculated presence, Amara's office carried warmth—soft neutral tones, fresh flowers, and the faint scent of jasmine.
But make no mistake.
She was just as dangerous.
"Ma'am, the contracts are ready," her assistant said, placing a folder on her desk.
Amara nodded, but her mind lingered elsewhere.
On a voice.
On a gaze.
On a man who looked at her not with admiration—but with challenge.
"That man is trouble," she murmured.
"Ma'am?"
"Nothing."
But it wasn't nothing.
Because for the first time in years, Amara felt… seen.
Not as a CEO.
Not as a competitor.
But as someone worth watching.
Her phone buzzed.
A message.
Unknown number.
"Coffee. 10 AM. Neutral ground."
No name.
No signature.
She didn't need one.
Amara smiled slightly.
"Bold," she whispered.
Most people feared her.
He invited her.
She typed a reply.
"You're assuming I'll say yes."
The response came instantly.
"You already did."
Her smile widened—just a little.
And for reasons she refused to examine too closely—
She started getting ready.