Mia lay in bed, staring at the ceiling long before her alarm blared through the quiet room. Sleep had evaded her for most of the night, leaving her tangled in a mess of sheets and nerves. Her thoughts had refused to settle, replaying every possible scenario of her presentation like a never-ending reel. She imagined herself stammering, forgetting key points, or—God forbid—completely blanking in front of Marco Valentino.
When the alarm finally shrilled at 6:30 AM, she flinched but didn’t bother reaching for it. She had been awake for the last half-hour, counting down the minutes in the dim morning light. With a deep breath, she turned it off, swung her legs over the edge of the bed, and sat there for a moment, her heart thudding against her ribs. You’ve got this. Just get through today. She forced herself to stand and padded to the bathroom, shivering as her bare feet met the cold tiles. Turning on the shower, she let the water heat up before stepping in, sighing as the warmth seeped into her tense muscles. She stood under the stream for a while, letting it wash away the exhaustion clinging to her bones. After lathering herself with vanilla-scented soap, she massaged shampoo into her blonde hair, carefully working the strands with practiced ease. The scent of citrus and honey filled the air as she rinsed, the fragrant steam helping to ease some of the knots in her shoulders. By the time she stepped out, wrapped in a towel, the anxiety had dulled—but only slightly. She made her way to her wardrobe, rifling through her neatly arranged clothes. Today demanded the perfect balance between confidence and professionalism. After a few seconds of deliberation, she pulled out a cream-colored silk blouse and a high-waisted charcoal pencil skirt. She paired it with nude heels, knowing they would elongate her legs and give her that extra boost of confidence. Standing in front of her mirror, she gave herself a once-over. Her straight blonde hair fell in soft layers around her face, framing her sharp cheekbones and full lips. She applied light makeup—just enough to hide the exhaustion and add some color to her face. A touch of nude lipstick, a hint of blush, and a flick of mascara later, she looked ready to take on the day. Or at least, she hoped she did. Her stomach grumbled, reminding her that she needed to eat. As much as her nerves made her feel like skipping breakfast, she knew she couldn’t risk feeling faint during the presentation. She walked into the kitchen and made herself a quick omelet, flipping it onto a plate before pouring herself a fresh cup of coffee. She took slow bites, barely tasting the food as her mind continued to race. Her laptop sat open on the counter, the slides of her presentation glowing on the screen. She had gone over them at least a dozen times last night, but she still felt like something was missing. Checking the time, she nearly choked on her last sip of coffee. 8:30 AM. Shit. She grabbed her bag, slipped on her blazer, and rushed out the door, locking it behind her. As she speed-walked toward the bus stop, the sun peeked over the buildings, painting the sky in warm hues of gold and orange. The air was crisp, but the heat of the day was already settling in. It was going to be another hot day. By the time Mia reached the bus stop, the streets were already buzzing with morning activity. The hum of traffic filled the air, mingling with the scent of freshly brewed coffee from a nearby café. Street vendors called out their usual morning deals, and office workers rushed past, their heels clicking against the pavement. She exhaled sharply, hugging her bag to her chest. The nerves hadn’t settled—not even a little. A young couple stood a few feet away from her, lost in their own world. The woman giggled as the man tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering just a second longer than necessary. They looked carefree, wrapped up in love and morning sunshine. Mia’s chest tightened. For a moment, she wished she could be that at ease—completely absorbed in something other than the mounting anxiety clawing at her stomach. The bus finally screeched to a stop, and she climbed aboard, choosing a seat near the window. As the city blurred past, she tapped her fingers against her knee, rehearsing key points of her presentation in her mind. The ride felt both too long and too short. Before she knew it, the bus reached her stop, and she stepped off, adjusting her skirt and taking a deep breath. The office building loomed ahead, a towering structure of sleek glass and steel that gleamed under the golden morning sun. Its reflective surface mirrored the bustling city around it, from the steady stream of pedestrians weaving through the sidewalks to the line of honking cars stuck in traffic. Mia took a deep breath, steeling herself before pushing through the revolving doors. The moment she stepped inside, the shift in energy was palpable. The air carried a charged sense of urgency, a stark contrast to the leisurely pace of the streets outside. Employees moved swiftly through the polished marble lobby, their heels clicking with purpose. Some clutched files to their chests while others balanced cups of coffee, barely sparing a glance at their surroundings. The low murmur of conversations blended seamlessly with the distant ringing of phones, creating a rhythmic hum that filled the space. Near the reception desk, a group of interns huddled together, whispering in hushed tones as they stole nervous glances toward the elevators. The receptionist barely looked up as she answered an incoming call, her voice crisp and professional. A security guard stood near the entrance, surveying the room with a watchful eye. Mia exhaled slowly, smoothing down the front of her blouse as she adjusted the strap of her bag. The cool blast of air conditioning sent a shiver down her spine, but she barely noticed. Her focus was singular—getting through the next few hours without falling apart. Mia’s heels echoed sharply against the polished marble floor, a steady rhythm that barely registered in her mind as she moved toward her cubicle. The usual morning chatter of employees settling into their workstations, the distant hum of printers, and the occasional ring of a phone blurred into background noise. Her focus was on the task ahead, on the weight of the presentation looming over her. But she barely made it two steps before her gaze locked onto a familiar figure standing near the conference room—Mr. Gravitas. He was flanked by a few board members, engaged in a low conversation. His expression was unreadable, his posture rigid, a telltale sign that something important was happening. Mia slowed her pace, gripping her bag strap as she observed them from afar. The board members occasionally nodded, exchanging glances, their demeanor composed but attentive. Whatever they were discussing, it was serious. Then, as if sensing her presence, Mr. Gravitas’s gaze snapped to hers. His sharp blue eyes locked onto her, and without hesitation, he gave a curt nod, motioning her forward. A lump formed in her throat as she approached. “Miss Cruz,” he said, extending a sleek black file toward her. His voice, though calm, carried an unmistakable air of authority. “Marco Valentino has arrived.” Mia’s breath hitched. She hadn’t expected him to be here so early. Mr. Gravitas continued, his gaze unwavering. “You’ll be presenting first. Be ready.” Her fingers tightened around the edges of the file, feeling the crisp weight of the documents inside. The paper felt heavier than it should have, as if the gravity of the moment had seeped into it. Her pulse pounded against her ribs. The reality of the situation crashed over her—this was her moment to prove herself. To stand before one of the most influential men in the industry and make her case. She exhaled shakily, lifting her chin ever so slightly. This was it. No turning back now.Mia took a deep breath, her fingers tightening around the file as she stepped forward. Her heart pounded a relentless rhythm against her ribs, the weight of anticipation pressing down on her chest like an iron vice. The hallway leading to the conference room had never felt so long, each step echoing in her ears, amplifying the anxious storm brewing inside her. She could feel the weight of her own thoughts, spiraling through worst-case scenarios. What if I forget my key points? What if I stutter? What if Valentino dismisses me before I even finish my first sentence? Her grip tightened around the file. No. Focus. She inhaled deeply, willing herself to exude the same level of confidence as the other executives who strolled these halls like they owned the world. She straightened her blouse, smoothing the fabric over her waist as though it could also iron out the nervous energy thrumming through her veins. The closer she got to the conference room, the louder the murmur of conversation
The conference room door clicked shut behind her, but Mia barely heard it over the pounding of her own heartbeat. The moment the presentation ended, she had slipped out, needing a moment to gather herself. She had done it—delivered her pitch with poise, answered every question with confidence. But none of that mattered. Because the entire time, she had felt his eyes on her. Marco Valentino. The man who now stood at the center of her world in ways she couldn’t understand. The same man who, for the briefest second during the presentation, had looked at her like he knew her—like he was peeling back layers of time, trying to place her in a memory just out of reach. She exhaled sharply, pressing a hand to her chest. It was just business. That was all. Yet, deep down, she knew that was a lie. Mia barely had time to steady her breathing before her boss’s voice rang out behind her. “Miss Cruz.” She turned sharply, her pulse still erratic, to see Mr. Gravitas standing in th
The scent of old paper and freshly brewed coffee filled the bookstore, wrapping Mia in a familiar comfort. Sunlight streamed through the large glass windows, casting a warm glow over the wooden shelves stacked with stories waiting to be discovered. It was a quiet Saturday morning, the kind she usually cherished. But not today. Today, she was on edge. Her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted a row of hardcovers, pretending to be engrossed in her task. She had been doing this all morning—straightening books, reorganizing displays, making small talk with Chloe—all in an effort to ignore the gnawing unease in her stomach. Because he was coming. Marco Valentino. She swallowed hard, sneaking a glance at the clock hanging above the counter. 10:02 AM. He hadn’t given her a specific time, but she knew he would show up whenever he pleased. That was the kind of man he was. The bell above the door jingled, and her breath caught. She turned, pulse hammering, only to find an elder
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
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 should
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 through the open archway that led into a
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
Mia sighed, running a hand through her hair as she stepped into her bedroom. As much as she wanted to linger in the quiet morning with Marco, today was still a workday. Reality was waiting.She pulled open her wardrobe, grabbing a fresh outfit. Behind her, she could hear Marco moving around the living room.By the time she emerged, dressed in a fitted blouse and tailored pants, he was standing by the window, phone pressed to his ear. His voice was low and steady as he spoke.“Come back now,” he told the driver. A brief pause. Then, “Yeah, the rain’s lighter. Just be careful.”Mia glanced outside. The heavy storm had passed, leaving behind a soft drizzle. The streets glistened under the muted morning light, damp but no longer flooded.Marco ended the call and turned toward her, his sharp gaze raking over her appearance. Something flickered in his eyes, but he didn’t comment.“You’re heading to work,” he stated rather than ask
Mia woke to the soft patter of rain against the window, the storm from last night reduced to a gentle drizzle. For a moment, she stayed still, letting the warmth of the bed and the steady rhythm of Marco’s breathing beside her keep her grounded.Then it hit her—Marco was still here.Her eyes flickered open, and the first thing she saw was him. He lay on his side, one arm resting beneath his head, the other draped loosely over the duvet. His face, usually hardened with intensity, was relaxed in sleep. The sharp angles of his jaw, the faint crease between his brows, the slow rise and fall of his chest—it was a side of him she’d never seen before.A flutter stirred in her stomach.Carefully, she shifted, trying not to wake him. But as soon as she moved, his eyes cracked open, dark and unreadable.For a second, they just stared at each other.Then his lips twitched. “You’re watching me, little mouse.”Heat rushed to her chee
Mia stepped back into her bedroom, her heart knocking against her ribs. The air between them was thick—charged with something unspoken, something heavy. Marco stood near the window, his broad frame silhouetted against the flashes of lightning outside. He had rolled up the sleeves of her father’s pajama shirt, exposing his forearms, the fabric slightly loose on his powerful build. She swallowed hard, hugging her own arms as another loud clap of thunder shook the apartment. The storm had grown worse—angrier, more relentless. Marco turned at the sound, his eyes flickering to her. “You alright?” She nodded, though her pulse was anything but steady. “Just… the thunder.” His gaze lingered for a moment before he gestured to the bed. “You should sleep.” Mia hesitated, glancing at the large bed, then at him. The room was warm, but not enough to chase away the chill that clung to her skin. Maybe it was t
The rain blurred my vision, turning the city lights into hazy streaks of gold and red. I could still see him, though—Marco, striding through the storm like it belonged to him.My fingers curled around the damp fabric of my dress, a strange tightness in my chest as I waited.A sleek black car pulled up moments later, its tires slicing through puddles on the asphalt. The door swung open, and Marco stepped out, water dripping from his hair onto his sharp cheekbones. Even drenched, he was devastating.“Come on,” he called, his voice cutting through the rain.I hesitated for only a second before hurrying toward him. The moment I slid into the car, warmth enveloped me. The contrast was jarring—cold rain still clinging to my skin, heat seeping from the plush leather seats.Marco followed, shutting the door behind him. The scent of rain and his cologne filled the spaceMarco ran a hand through his wet hair, then shifted his gaze to
The city lights flickered past as the car glided smoothly through the streets. The tension between us had lessened, but something still lingered beneath the surface—unspoken words, unanswered questions. Marco sat beside me, his elbow resting against the door, fingers lightly tapping against his knee. His gaze was fixed ahead, but I could feel his attention on me, like a gravitational pull I couldn’t escape. “You barely ate today, did you?” His voice was quiet, but there was an edge of certainty to it. I hesitated before admitting, “I wasn’t really hungry.” His jaw twitched. “You need to take care of yourself, Mia.” I let out a soft laugh, though there was no humor in it. “Says the man who probably hasn’t had a full meal in days.” Marco smirked, finally turning to face me. “Touché.” The car slowed as we neared a sleek, high-end restaurant. The kind of place where the we
Mia Cruz The rest of the day passed in a blur. I tried to focus, tried to drown myself in work, but my thoughts kept circling back to Marco. To the attack. To the way he stood on that stage, commanding the world’s attention while I sat at my desk, feeling like nothing more than a forgotten spectator in his carefully controlled world. He hadn’t reached out. Not last night. Not this morning. I told myself I didn’t care. That I didn’t need him to check on me. But the truth? It hurt. “Earth to Mia.” I blinked and looked up to see Mr. Gravitas standing beside my desk, arms crossed. His sharp gaze studied me with quiet scrutiny. “You’ve been staring at that same email for the past five minutes.” Shit. “I—uh, just lost track of time,” I said, forcing a tight-lipped smile. He didn’t look convinced.
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