Chapter 2

Roman Lysander pushed open the main door, and the heat from outside surged into the air-conditioned office. Sweat quickly formed on my temples, though I knew it had less to do with the weather and everything to do with the man approaching me with such intent.

I had to tilt my head back to keep my focus on his face as he moved closer. My eyes widened, and my lips parted, feeling like a star-struck fool. I must have looked ridiculous, but I couldn’t help it.

I blinked, trying to regain my composure and stay professional since I was alone at the front desk.

“Hello,” I managed, my voice barely above a whisper. Roman’s mouth curved into a subtle smile, as if he was amused by my reaction.

“I’m sorry,” I cleared my throat, trying again.

“Thank you for visiting Clover. How may I assist you?”

My gaze was drawn to his hand, noticing the scars and the dark ink creeping out from beneath his shirt sleeve. He removed his sunglasses, slipping them into the pocket of his suit jacket, never breaking eye contact with me.

“Do you want me to fetch the manager?” I asked, my throat sounding rough.

“No,” he replied, “I’ve come to visit you.”

My eyes widened further, heat rising to my face as embarrassment washed over me.

“Me?” The word almost came out as a squeak.

Roman’s smile grew, showing his gleaming teeth. Despite its pleasantness, the smile only heightened the intensity of his presence. The effect it had on me was overwhelming; I felt a rush so strong that I instinctively pressed my thighs together.

When he spoke my name, "Avior," it sounded exotic and sensual, sending a jolt through me. He extended his hand, and I found myself staring at it for far too long.

Snapping out of my daze, I took his hand. His touch was warm, powerful, and undeniably masculine. He grasped my hand firmly, then, to my astonishment, lifted it to his lips, inhaling deeply before placing a soft kiss on my knuckles.

Oh God.

A wave of heat and electricity coursed through me, making me feel like fireworks were exploding inside. And through it all, he kept his gaze locked on me.

“Roman,” I managed to say, my voice barely audible.

“Roman Lysander.”

We stood there in silence, simply gazing at each other. I felt utterly exposed, as if nothing was concealing me and I was completely naked before him.

Roman leaned forward, resting his forearms on the desk, and I couldn’t help but notice how even his posture exuded a potent mix of strength and dominance.

“Avior,” he whispered my name softly, the sound of it far more sensual than I’d ever imagined.

“Join me for supper.” His deep, silky voice made me shudder. The underlying arrogance in his invitation was unmistakable. It was clear that Roman was accustomed to getting what he wanted and probably had never heard the word “no.”

My eyes widened again, and my brows shot up in disbelief. “W-What?” I cursed inwardly at the tremor in my voice.

“Dinner,” he said smoothly. “Avior, I’d like to have dinner with you.”

I straightened, forcing myself to focus. A sarcastic part of me emerged, surprised that I could think clearly at all. As he stood tall, Roman’s demeanor seemed relaxed, yet I sensed an intense awareness about him, as if he was constantly scanning his surroundings for potential threats.

His dark eyes returned to me, and I felt an unsettling sense of exposure, as if I were completely bare and vulnerable in his gaze.

“Are you requesting or requiring?” I asked, my voice steady despite the quiver of nervousness.

He paused just long enough for me to catch the faintest hint of satisfaction at the corner of his lips.

“Asking,” he replied, his tone dripping with confidence.

That smug tone suggested he was certain of my response. I should have turned him down immediately, but I found myself unable to form the words. As I stared into his almost dark eyes, I felt my skin tighten. Surrounded by his arrogance and a palpable sense of danger, a small alarm went off inside me, warning me to proceed with caution.