MIA CRUZ
I 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 off guard. He wanted to have coffee with me? The billionaire I barely knew? My first instinct was to refuse, but something in his expression—something both confident and inviting—made me pause. “I…” My voice faltered for a second before I finally nodded. “Okay. Sure.” His lips curled into a satisfied smirk, and before I could change my mind, he stepped closer and held out a hand. I hesitated for a second before placing my palm in his. His grip was firm, warm, and sent a strange buzz up my arm. Without another word, he led me outside. I didn’t need to turn around to know that my mom and Chloe were watching. I could feel their curious stares drilling into my back. The short walk to Café Curzon was quiet, the air thick with something unspoken. I still wasn’t sure what to make of Marco Valentino. He was charming but intense—like there was always something lurking beneath his polished exterior. Inside, the café smelled like fresh coffee and vanilla. It was cozy, with warm lighting and soft jazz playing in the background. We picked a table by the window, and before we could settle in, a chubby older lady in a floral-patterned shirt approached us. “Hi, welcome to Café Curzon! What can I get for you?” “Iced coffee,” I said. “Make that two,” Marco added. The lady smiled and shuffled away, leaving us in a brief silence. I sipped my water, glancing at him. “So… what’s this about? This isn’t about the company, is it?” His gaze flickered with amusement. “No, it’s not.” He leaned forward slightly. “I want to purchase some children’s books. Not for the company—this is personal.” I straightened. “For the orphanage?” He nodded. “Yes. I want to stock their library, maybe get some extra supplies. I know you already pitched me on it, and I’ve decided to go through with it—but through your bookstore.” My chest warmed at the thought. “That’s really generous of you,” I said softly. Marco shrugged. “I like to keep certain things personal. This is one of them.” I studied him for a moment. There was something in his tone—something unguarded. He wasn’t just doing this for show. “I can put together a selection for you,” I offered. “Good. Bring them to my house tomorrow, and we’ll go through everything there.” I blinked. “Your house?” He smirked. “Yes. It’ll be easier to sort through them in person.” My mind raced, but I nodded. “Alright. Just send me the address.” The waitress returned with our drinks, and I wrapped my hands around my cup, letting the chill ground me. Marco took a slow sip of his coffee, his gaze lingering on me over the rim of his cup. The way his jaw flexed as he drank was distracting, and I had to force myself to look away. “Tomorrow, then,” he murmured, setting his cup down. “Tomorrow,” I echoed. MARCO VALENTINO She didn’t press me for details about why I wanted to keep the orphanage deal personal, and I appreciated that. Most people would have asked a dozen questions, pried into things that weren’t their business. But Mia? She simply nodded, as if understanding that some things were better left unsaid. It made me look at her differently. I leaned back in my chair, letting my gaze linger on her. She was beautiful—striking in a way that wasn’t just about her looks. It was in the way she carried herself, with a quiet confidence and an unshakable sense of purpose. The soft café lighting played with the waves of her blonde hair, the golden strands catching the light each time she shifted. Her fair skin had a warmth to it, a natural glow that only added to the effortless elegance she carried. Her eyes—deep, expressive—held a curiosity that made me wonder just how much she had already figured out about me. She was watching me closely, as if she could piece together the puzzle of who I was just by observing. Her lips pursed slightly as she traced the rim of her cup, lost in thought. I found myself following the movement, wondering if she knew how damn distracting she was. “You have more questions,” I stated, smirking when she blinked at me in surprise. “I do,” she admitted. Her voice was soft, but there was a curiosity laced within it, something deeper. Her fingers fidgeted slightly, as if she was debating whether or not to ask, but then she exhaled and went for it. “That night in Chicago… what really happened?” The question hit harder than it should have. For a moment, the sounds of the café faded—the low hum of conversations, the occasional clatter of dishes. I tensed, just for a second. If she hadn’t been watching so closely, she probably wouldn’t have noticed. But she was watching. I leaned forward, resting my forearms on the table. “I was attacked,” I said simply. “Robbed and left for dead.” Her eyes widened, and a flash of genuine concern crossed her face. “Oh my God. Marco, that’s—” “I survived,” I cut in, my voice even. “And the people responsible were dealt with.” She didn’t miss the way I phrased that. Her fingers stilled on the cup, and her lips parted slightly as if she wanted to say something but thought better of it. “You’re okay now?” she asked softly. It was such a simple question, but it made something unfamiliar stir in my chest. I nodded. “I am.” She studied me, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like someone was actually seeing me. Not the businessman. Not the name. Just me. She still didn’t push, didn’t demand details. “Good,” she finally murmured before lifting her drink to her lips. I watched as she took a sip, my gaze flickering to the way her throat moved, to the way her fingers curled around the cup. She had a grace about her that was completely effortless. I smirked, deciding to lighten the mood. “Also, you can drop the ‘Mr. Valentino’ thing. Makes me feel old.” Mia rolled her eyes, but I caught the small smile playing on her lips. “Noted,” she said, shaking her head slightly. There it was again—that pull. I chuckled, finishing the rest of my drink while she did the same. Tomorrow was going to be interesting.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
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.
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