MIA CRUZ
The blaring of my alarm jolted me awake, dragging me out of a restless sleep. I groaned, rolling over and slamming the snooze button before burying my face in my pillow. Just five more minutes. Except five minutes turned into ten, and by the time I finally forced myself up, the sun was already peeking through my window, casting a warm glow across my room. Sunday. The realization hit me fully, sending a jolt of awareness through my still-sleepy mind. I was meeting Marco today. At his house. I shook off the nerves creeping in and stretched, rubbing my eyes before dragging myself out of bed. My feet padded across the cool wooden floor as I made my way to the bathroom. A splash of cold water to my face did wonders in shaking off the last remnants of sleep. I brushed my teeth, letting my mind wander as I moved through my morning routine—washing my face, tying my blonde hair into a loose bun, and stepping into the shower. The hot water loosened the tension in my shoulders, and I took my time, letting it relax me. By the time I was out, I felt more awake, though there was still a lingering buzz of excitement in my chest. Wrapping myself in a towel, I walked back into my room, rifling through my wardrobe for something to wear. I settled on a floral sundress that was simple yet flattering, paired with strappy sandals. It wasn’t overly formal, but it also didn’t scream casual bookstore owner. Satisfied, I made my way to the kitchen. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the scent of toast. My mom stood by the stove, flipping pancakes onto a plate. “Morning, sleepyhead,” she teased, glancing at me over her shoulder. I rolled my eyes, grabbing a mug and pouring myself some coffee. “Morning, Mom.” She eyed me as I slid into a chair, taking a sip of my drink. “You’re up early for a Sunday. Got plans?” I hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Yeah. I have a meeting with a client.” Her brows lifted slightly, but she didn’t press. Instead, she placed a plate of pancakes in front of me. “Eat up before you go charming your client with those big brown eyes of yours.” I laughed, shaking my head. “It’s not like that.” “Uh-huh.” I chose to ignore her amused look and focused on my food, letting the fluffy pancakes and sweet syrup distract me. But deep down, I knew today wasn’t just any business meeting. It was Marco. And that made all the difference. The memory of our café meeting lingered in my mind—Marco’s piercing blue eyes, the way he’d studied me like I was something to be figured out. His gaze had a way of making me feel seen, as though he wasn’t just looking at me but rather through me, peeling back the layers to uncover something even I wasn’t sure of. He had listened intently when I pitched the idea of supplying books and learning materials for the orphanage, his expression thoughtful, almost guarded. I could tell this wasn’t just a corporate deal for him. It was something more. Something personal. And that intrigued me. People with wealth often saw charity as a tax write-off, a public relations move to polish their image. But Marco had been different. There was a weight to his decision, an unspoken reason why he wanted to do this—not as Mr. Valentino, CEO, but as Marco, the man who sat across from me in that café, holding his iced coffee with an easy yet unreadable expression. I wanted to ask why. I wanted to know what it was about this orphanage that made him care enough to be personally involved. But something told me Marco wasn’t the kind of man you pushed for answers. If he wanted me to know, he’d tell me. I sighed, forcing my focus back to reality as I sat behind the counter at my mother’s bookstore, flipping through one of the sample catalogs. I’d spent the past hour curating a list of books and learning materials that would be best suited for the kids—storybooks, activity books, educational games. Something fun yet meaningful. Just as I was about to jot down a few more ideas, my phone vibrated beside me. Marco: Send me a list of what you think would be best for the kids. Also, bring the samples. We’ll go over everything at my place. I bit my lip, my fingers hovering over the screen. His place? A warmth curled in my stomach, one I didn’t want to acknowledge. There was no reason for it—this was business. Strictly business. Yet, the thought of stepping into his world, into whatever space he called home, made something in my chest tighten. I shook off the ridiculous feeling and quickly typed a response. Mia: Got it. What time should I come by? His reply came almost instantly, as if he had been waiting for my response. Marco: 11:30 AM. I’ll send my address. I stared at the message, my pulse betraying me with a slight flutter. There was nothing unusual about this. Clients invited me to meetings all the time. I’d visited corporate offices, attended business dinners. But this wasn’t a boardroom or a café. This was his home. I inhaled deeply, trying to push aside the nervous energy creeping in. I wasn’t going to Marco’s house as anything more than a business associate. It didn’t matter that his voice had a way of making my skin tingle, or that I had caught myself staring at the way his jaw clenched when he sipped his coffee. This was about books. About the orphanage. About work. At least, that’s what I kept telling myself. I took one last look at myself in the mirror before grabbing my purse. My floral dress swayed slightly as I moved, and I ran a hand over my blonde waves, making sure they were in place. It wasn’t like I was trying to impress Marco—I wasn’t. But there was something about him that made me more conscious of my appearance. Shaking off the thought, I made my way outside, only to halt in my tracks. A sleek black car was parked in front of my house, its polished surface gleaming under the morning sun. The driver, a well-dressed older man with a poised demeanor, stepped out as soon as he spotted me. “Miss Cruz?” His voice was deep and professional. I blinked. “Uh, yes?” He nodded respectfully. “I’m here on behalf of Mr. Valentino. He asked me to bring you to the estate.” For a moment, I just stood there, taken aback. I had expected to drive myself. But of course, Marco Valentino wasn’t the kind of man to do things halfway. Still, something about this felt… personal. I hesitated for only a second before reminding myself this was business. Nothing more. With a small nod, I adjusted the strap of my purse and approached the car. The driver—Cursey, I assumed—opened the door for me, and I slid into the plush leather seat. As the door shut behind me, sealing me inside the luxury vehicle, I let out a slow breath. This wasn’t just a simple book deal. I was stepping into his world now. As the car approached Marco Valentino’s estate, my breath caught in my throat. The wrought-iron gates loomed ahead, tall and imposing, adorned with intricate patterns that whispered of old money and untouchable power. They glided open without a sound, revealing a long, paved driveway lined with towering oak trees. Their sprawling branches created a natural tunnel, casting shifting patterns of sunlight and shadow across the sleek hood of the car. At the end of the drive, the estate came into view, and I couldn’t help but stare. The mansion was a masterpiece of architecture—grand yet refined, with pristine white walls, tall columns, and massive windows that reflected the endless sky. The dark slate roof gave it a timeless, elegant feel, and a grand staircase led up to an entrance that was nothing short of regal. Perfectly trimmed hedges bordered the property, and the garden was a riot of color, with roses, orchids, and exotic flowers I didn’t even know the names of. A marble fountain stood proudly in the center of the courtyard, water cascading from the carved hands of a Romanesque statue. It was beautiful. And intimidating. The car rolled to a smooth stop, and before I could fully gather my thoughts, the door was pulled open. “Miss Cruz,” Cursey said with a polite nod. I swallowed and stepped out, my sandals clicking softly against the stone driveway. The air smelled like fresh blooms and the faintest hint of expensive cologne. The door at the top of the grand staircase opened, and there he was. Marco Valentino. Standing in the doorway, watching me and leaning against the frame with the kind of ease that came naturally to men like him—powerful, self-assured, completely in control. His piercing blue eyes swept over me, slow and assessing, sending a shiver down my spine. Dressed in a fitted black shirt that clung to his broad shoulders and dark slacks that hinted at his toned frame, he looked effortlessly elegant. The morning sunlight streaming from behind him only added to the effect, casting a soft glow around his silhouette. For a moment, I just stood there, gripping my bag tighter, my heart doing an odd little flip. “Morning, Mia,” he said smoothly, his deep voice rolling over me like warm silk. I swallowed and forced a polite smile. “Morning, Marco.” His lips curled at the edges, as if he found something amusing, but he didn’t say anything. Instead, he stepped back, silently inviting me inside. I hesitated for only a second before stepping past him, catching a faint, expensive cologne that made my head spin. As I entered, my breath hitched at the sheer beauty of the interior. This man is loaded!The grand foyer stretched before me, a masterpiece of timeless elegance and quiet opulence. The floors were polished marble, smooth and gleaming beneath my feet, reflecting the soft glow of the golden chandelier hanging above. High ceilings made the space feel impossibly vast, and intricate crown moldings framed the room with refined detail.A sweeping staircase curved to the second floor, its railing carved from dark mahogany, polished to perfection. The scent of leather, wood, and something distinctly Marco—masculine and expensive—filled the air.I took a slow breath, trying not to seem too affected by the sheer grandeur surrounding me. This wasn’t just wealth. It was power, woven into every inch of the space.Marco shut the door behind me, the quiet click echoing in the vast room. I felt his presence at my back, close but not touching.“Come on,” he said smoothly, walking ahead. “Let’s go somewhere more comfortable.”I followed him thr
MIA CRUZThe air crackled with tension, heavy and charged, wrapping around us like an unspoken promise. My breath came in uneven gasps, my pulse hammering against my ribs in a frantic rhythm. Marco’s fingers rested lightly on my waist, a touch that felt both possessive and teasing, his lips hovering just inches from mine. Every nerve in my body was aware of him—of his presence, his power, the quiet restraint in his stance. And yet, despite the space he left between us, I could feel it—the unmistakable heat radiating off his skin.His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, filled with something dark and unreadable. A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, lazy and knowing.“You’re blushing, Mia.”I felt my cheeks burn hotter, my stomach twisting at the teasing edge in his voice.“I—” I started, but words failed me. How the hell was I supposed to respond to that?Marco chuckled, the deep, rich sound rolling over me like warm honey.
MIA CRUZ Three days. Three days, and I hadn’t seen Marco. I told myself I didn’t care. I told myself I had more important things to focus on—work, my bookstore, my life. But my mind had other plans. Sitting at my desk, I tapped my pen against my notepad, staring blankly at the emails I was supposed to be responding to. The words blurred together, my focus slipping every time I remembered the way his lips had lingered just inches from mine. The way he pulled away like he was testing me, teasing me. The way I had wanted him to stay. I groaned under my breath and squeezed my eyes shut. Get a grip, Mia. “You okay?” I snapped out of my daze, looking up to see my co-worker, Naomi, peering at me from across the desk. She raised a brow, eyes full of suspicion. “Yeah. Fine,” I lied, sitting up straighter and forcing my attention back to my laptop. She smirked
The moment I stepped out of the car, the cool evening air kissed my skin, sending a slight shiver down my spine. The entrance to the gala was nothing short of breathtaking—golden lights illuminated the grand building, luxury cars lined the driveway, and men in sharp tuxedos escorted women draped in elegance. But none of it compared to the man walking toward me. Marco Valentino. His presence commanded attention, his dark eyes locked onto me with an intensity that made my breath hitch. He looked effortlessly powerful in his tailored suit, the crisp black fabric molding to his frame in a way that was both refined and utterly sinful. A slow smirk tugged at his lips as he reached me, his gaze roaming over my figure in a way that sent warmth pooling in my stomach. “You wear it well,” he murmured, voice smooth as silk. I swallowed, heart racing. “Thank you… for the dress.” His smirk dee
Marco leaned in, his nose brushing against mine, his breath warm and intoxicating. My own breath hitched, my lips parting instinctively.And then—He pulled away.A slow, deliberate retreat, his lips curving into something smug, something wicked.Heat flared in my cheeks as frustration tangled with the ache in my chest.“Are you—” I swallowed, gripping the fabric of my dress. “Are you teasing me?”Marco smirked. “Maybe.”I narrowed my eyes, but before I could retort, he leaned in again, his fingers brushing against my wrist, his voice a low murmur against my ear.“But when I finally take what I want, Mia,” he whispered, “you won’t be questioning anything.”My stomach flipped, my skin burning where he touched me.And just like that, he straightened, composed as ever, like he hadn’t just turned my entire world upside down.I exhaled shakily, my heart still racing as he walked ahead, effo
Marco’s entire demeanor shifted in an instant. The composed, enigmatic man I had seen moments ago was gone—replaced by someone colder, sharper. His jaw tightened, his hands curling into fists at his sides as his gaze swept across the ballroom.Something was wrong.I took a hesitant step forward, but before I could call his name, he turned, barking out orders to the men stationed discreetly around the room.“Lock down the exits. No one leaves until I say so.”A shiver ran down my spine. The air grew heavy with tension as the guards moved swiftly, their expressions grim.People in the ballroom were oblivious for now, laughing, drinking, swirling across the dance floor. But I could feel it—the shift in the atmosphere, the weight of something unseen pressing in.Marco’s head snapped toward one of his men, who had just rushed up to him. They exchanged a few hushed words, and whatever he was told made his already sharp expression darke
MIA CRUZI tossed and turned, my sheets tangled around my legs, my mind refusing to give me peace.No matter how many times I shut my eyes, the scene played on repeat—the gunshot, the screams, the way Marco’s arms had caged me against him as he rushed me out the back door.The way blood had spread across the pristine floor, staining the elegance of the night with something raw and violent.I squeezed my eyes shut, willing sleep to take me, but it never came.And then—BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!My alarm blared through the room, dragging me into the present. I groaned, pressing my hands over my face. The sharp ring was an unwelcome reminder that life didn’t pause just because my world had been turned upside down.I forced myself to sit up, my body feeling heavier than usual. My heart was still racing from memories I couldn’t shake, my hands curling into fists in my lap.Everything had changed last night.
The moment I stepped off the train and into the cool Chicago air, a shiver ran down my spine. The city was alive—too alive. Streetlights flickered in the fading evening light, illuminating the busy sidewalks where businessmen hurried past, laughter spilled from a nearby bar, and the faint scent of roasted chestnuts lingered in the air. Yet, beneath the surface, something felt… off. I pulled my coat tighter around me and shifted my overnight bag higher onto my shoulder. I wasn’t here for sightseeing. I was here because my mother, Emily Cruz, practically forced me to attend a book club event in her place. The thought made me sigh. “Mia, it’s important to keep connections alive,” she had said. “You never know when you’ll need them.” As the owner of Cruz’s Bookstore—one of New Orleans’ oldest independent bookstores—my mother was obsessed with building literary networks. I, on the other hand, had no such ambitions. I just wanted to survive the night and catch my flight home in the m
MIA CRUZI tossed and turned, my sheets tangled around my legs, my mind refusing to give me peace.No matter how many times I shut my eyes, the scene played on repeat—the gunshot, the screams, the way Marco’s arms had caged me against him as he rushed me out the back door.The way blood had spread across the pristine floor, staining the elegance of the night with something raw and violent.I squeezed my eyes shut, willing sleep to take me, but it never came.And then—BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!My alarm blared through the room, dragging me into the present. I groaned, pressing my hands over my face. The sharp ring was an unwelcome reminder that life didn’t pause just because my world had been turned upside down.I forced myself to sit up, my body feeling heavier than usual. My heart was still racing from memories I couldn’t shake, my hands curling into fists in my lap.Everything had changed last night.
Marco’s entire demeanor shifted in an instant. The composed, enigmatic man I had seen moments ago was gone—replaced by someone colder, sharper. His jaw tightened, his hands curling into fists at his sides as his gaze swept across the ballroom.Something was wrong.I took a hesitant step forward, but before I could call his name, he turned, barking out orders to the men stationed discreetly around the room.“Lock down the exits. No one leaves until I say so.”A shiver ran down my spine. The air grew heavy with tension as the guards moved swiftly, their expressions grim.People in the ballroom were oblivious for now, laughing, drinking, swirling across the dance floor. But I could feel it—the shift in the atmosphere, the weight of something unseen pressing in.Marco’s head snapped toward one of his men, who had just rushed up to him. They exchanged a few hushed words, and whatever he was told made his already sharp expression darke
Marco leaned in, his nose brushing against mine, his breath warm and intoxicating. My own breath hitched, my lips parting instinctively.And then—He pulled away.A slow, deliberate retreat, his lips curving into something smug, something wicked.Heat flared in my cheeks as frustration tangled with the ache in my chest.“Are you—” I swallowed, gripping the fabric of my dress. “Are you teasing me?”Marco smirked. “Maybe.”I narrowed my eyes, but before I could retort, he leaned in again, his fingers brushing against my wrist, his voice a low murmur against my ear.“But when I finally take what I want, Mia,” he whispered, “you won’t be questioning anything.”My stomach flipped, my skin burning where he touched me.And just like that, he straightened, composed as ever, like he hadn’t just turned my entire world upside down.I exhaled shakily, my heart still racing as he walked ahead, effo
The moment I stepped out of the car, the cool evening air kissed my skin, sending a slight shiver down my spine. The entrance to the gala was nothing short of breathtaking—golden lights illuminated the grand building, luxury cars lined the driveway, and men in sharp tuxedos escorted women draped in elegance. But none of it compared to the man walking toward me. Marco Valentino. His presence commanded attention, his dark eyes locked onto me with an intensity that made my breath hitch. He looked effortlessly powerful in his tailored suit, the crisp black fabric molding to his frame in a way that was both refined and utterly sinful. A slow smirk tugged at his lips as he reached me, his gaze roaming over my figure in a way that sent warmth pooling in my stomach. “You wear it well,” he murmured, voice smooth as silk. I swallowed, heart racing. “Thank you… for the dress.” His smirk dee
MIA CRUZ Three days. Three days, and I hadn’t seen Marco. I told myself I didn’t care. I told myself I had more important things to focus on—work, my bookstore, my life. But my mind had other plans. Sitting at my desk, I tapped my pen against my notepad, staring blankly at the emails I was supposed to be responding to. The words blurred together, my focus slipping every time I remembered the way his lips had lingered just inches from mine. The way he pulled away like he was testing me, teasing me. The way I had wanted him to stay. I groaned under my breath and squeezed my eyes shut. Get a grip, Mia. “You okay?” I snapped out of my daze, looking up to see my co-worker, Naomi, peering at me from across the desk. She raised a brow, eyes full of suspicion. “Yeah. Fine,” I lied, sitting up straighter and forcing my attention back to my laptop. She smirked
MIA CRUZThe air crackled with tension, heavy and charged, wrapping around us like an unspoken promise. My breath came in uneven gasps, my pulse hammering against my ribs in a frantic rhythm. Marco’s fingers rested lightly on my waist, a touch that felt both possessive and teasing, his lips hovering just inches from mine. Every nerve in my body was aware of him—of his presence, his power, the quiet restraint in his stance. And yet, despite the space he left between us, I could feel it—the unmistakable heat radiating off his skin.His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, filled with something dark and unreadable. A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, lazy and knowing.“You’re blushing, Mia.”I felt my cheeks burn hotter, my stomach twisting at the teasing edge in his voice.“I—” I started, but words failed me. How the hell was I supposed to respond to that?Marco chuckled, the deep, rich sound rolling over me like warm honey.
The grand foyer stretched before me, a masterpiece of timeless elegance and quiet opulence. The floors were polished marble, smooth and gleaming beneath my feet, reflecting the soft glow of the golden chandelier hanging above. High ceilings made the space feel impossibly vast, and intricate crown moldings framed the room with refined detail.A sweeping staircase curved to the second floor, its railing carved from dark mahogany, polished to perfection. The scent of leather, wood, and something distinctly Marco—masculine and expensive—filled the air.I took a slow breath, trying not to seem too affected by the sheer grandeur surrounding me. This wasn’t just wealth. It was power, woven into every inch of the space.Marco shut the door behind me, the quiet click echoing in the vast room. I felt his presence at my back, close but not touching.“Come on,” he said smoothly, walking ahead. “Let’s go somewhere more comfortable.”I followed him thr
MIA CRUZ The blaring of my alarm jolted me awake, dragging me out of a restless sleep. I groaned, rolling over and slamming the snooze button before burying my face in my pillow. Just five more minutes. Except five minutes turned into ten, and by the time I finally forced myself up, the sun was already peeking through my window, casting a warm glow across my room. Sunday. The realization hit me fully, sending a jolt of awareness through my still-sleepy mind. I was meeting Marco today. At his house. I shook off the nerves creeping in and stretched, rubbing my eyes before dragging myself out of bed. My feet padded across the cool wooden floor as I made my way to the bathroom. A splash of cold water to my face did wonders in shaking off the last remnants of sleep. I brushed my teeth, letting my mind wander as I moved through my morn
MIA CRUZI took a deep breath before stepping out of the storeroom, my hands tightening around the book samples. I had only been in there for a few minutes, but it had been enough to gather myself—or so I thought.The moment I looked up, my stomach did a ridiculous flip.Marco was still there.He leaned casually against one of the bookshelves, arms crossed over his broad chest, watching me with an amused expression. His dark eyes held a knowing glint, like he could see right through me.“You sure took your time,” he mused.I forced a small laugh, shifting the samples in my grip. “Just… making sure I got the right books.”He hummed as if he didn’t believe me but didn’t push. Instead, he straightened, his gaze settling on me in a way that made my skin prickle.“So,” he said smoothly, “since I’m already here, how about we grab a coffee? You must have a lot of questions.”Coffee?I blinked, caught