Chapter 1: The Office Trap
I only popped into Lucas’s private office to drop off his favorite fountain pen before his big board meeting. I didn't expect to find his assistant, Celeste, practically draped over his desk.
She was leaning in way too close, pointing at a tablet while her shoulder brushed against his suit jacket. "And for the New York merger, Lucas, I think we should personally review the files over dinner tonight," Celeste purred, her voice dripping with forced sweetness.
Lucas didn't look up from his papers, his voice like pure ice. "My wife and I have plans tonight, Celeste. Just send the files to my email."
Celeste’s smile tightened, and she finally noticed me standing by the door. She straightened up, her eyes flashing with pure malice. "Oh, Mia. I didn't see you slide in. You're always so... quiet. Like a little mouse.
"I didn't say a word. I just walked over and set the pen on the desk. The moment Lucas looked at me, his coldness vanished completely. His dark eyes flared with a sudden, heavy heat that made my breath hitch. He reached out, his large, warm hand gripping my waist possessively and pulling my hips flush against his side. "Thank you, mia cara," he murmured, his voice dropping into a low, rough register. He leaned in, his lips lingering on my temple in a kiss that felt more like a claim.
Celeste let out a sharp, mocking laugh, her eyes burning with jealousy at how easily he touched me. "Honestly, Lucas, I don't know how you get anything done with her hovering around. She doesn't understand business. Yesterday, she couldn't even find the gala invitation list I printed. It must be so exhausting carrying someone who contributes nothing to your world.
"She was lying through her teeth. She had purposely hidden that list to make me look foolish. Lucas’s jaw clenched tightly, his grip on my waist tightening until it was almost bruising. "Celeste, watch your tongue. You are talking to my wife."
"I'm just being realistic, boss," Celeste said, tossing her hair arrogantly. She stepped right between us, deliberately forcing Lucas to let go of my waist so she could hand him a folder. She looked over her shoulder at me, her eyes gleaming with triumph. "Some people are built to rule empires, Mia. And some people are just built to sit at home and look pretty. You should leave the heavy lifting to the professionals before you embarrass him."
I maintained a shy, timid look, shrinking back slightly. Lucas looked absolutely furious, a dangerous hunger in his eyes like he wanted to rip her apart for disrespecting me. Before he could erupt, I gently placed a soft hand on his chest, feeling the heavy, rapid thudding of his heart. "It's fine, Lucas. She's just doing her job. I'll go wait for you at the gala entrance."Lucas pulled me back for one final, intense second. His hand slid to the back of my neck, his thumb tilting my chin up so I had to look into his dark, obsessed gaze. "I'll make this quick," he whispered against my lips, his breath hot and intoxicating. "Don't go far."
"Good girl," Celeste mocked under her breath as I turned to leave. "Run along now."I walked out of the office with my head down, playing the part of the broken wife. But the moment the heavy doors clicked shut behind me, my timid posture vanished. My eyes turned to pure ice. I pulled out my phone and dialed Matteo, my lead Rossi guard."Matteo," I said, my voice dead calm and ruthless. "Celeste Hart has officially worn out her welcome. Find out what she's hiding. I want her ruined by the end of the night."
