The next morning, Bella arrived at Wolfe International, determined to push away the confusing thoughts that had plagued her all night. She had spent hours tossing and turning, trying to make sense of the strange connection she had felt with Damien at the gala. It was unprofessional, she told herself, and she needed to focus. Damien Wolfe was her boss—nothing more, nothing less.
As she stepped into the sleek lobby, the atmosphere seemed more electric than usual. Employees scurried past, talking in hushed tones, their faces a mixture of anxiety and excitement. Something was going on.
Bella's suspicions were confirmed when Ethan Hunt, the ever-charming COO, intercepted her just as she was about to enter the elevator. His easy grin was in place, but there was a flicker of something mischievous in his eyes.
"Looks like you survived the gala," Ethan said, leaning casually against the wall. "I heard you made quite the impression."
Bella gave a noncommittal shrug, not entirely sure how to respond. "It was… an interesting night."
Ethan chuckled knowingly. "Interesting? That's one way to put it. You must be good if Damien dragged you to that circus."
"Dragged is the right word," Bella muttered under her breath.
Ethan's grin widened. "Ah, don't take it personally. Damien is… complicated."
Bella tilted her head. "Everyone keeps saying that, but no one explains why."
Ethan's expression shifted ever so slightly. It was subtle—almost imperceptible—but Bella caught it. A flicker of hesitation, as though there were things he wanted to say but knew better than to share.
"He has his reasons," Ethan said eventually, pushing off the wall. "You'll figure it out—if you stick around long enough."
Bella didn't have time to ask what he meant because the elevator doors opened, revealing Damien standing inside. His gaze locked on Bella immediately, his expression unreadable as usual.
"Ms. Gray," Damien said, his voice smooth but curt. "Come with me."
Ethan gave Bella a playful wink before she followed Damien into the elevator. As the doors slid shut, the tension inside the small space became almost palpable. Damien stood rigid beside her, his hands folded neatly in front of him, his dark eyes fixed on the elevator doors as though he were already five steps ahead of the conversation.
Bella cleared her throat. "Is everything all right?"
"Yes," Damien replied without looking at her. "But there is a matter we need to discuss."
Bella waited, but he did not elaborate. Of course not. Damien Wolfe was not the type to explain things unless absolutely necessary.
When the elevator reached the top floor, Damien led her into his office. The large windows offered a breathtaking view of Gaborone's skyline, but Bella barely noticed. Her attention was focused entirely on Damien, who stood behind his desk, his hands resting lightly on the surface.
"Sit," he instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Bella sat down, her heart thudding uncomfortably in her chest. She hated how nervous she felt around him—how her body seemed to respond to his presence without her permission.
"There is a potential deal in the works," Damien began, his eyes sharp and assessing. "It is a delicate negotiation, and I need someone I can trust to assist me with the finer details."
Bella blinked, caught off guard. "You… trust me?"
Damien's expression did not change. "You proved yourself competent at the gala. That is enough for now."
Bella fought the urge to roll her eyes. Damien Wolfe, king of backhanded compliments.
"This deal involves a private investor who values discretion," Damien continued. "I will need you to accompany me to all meetings and ensure that everything runs smoothly. Do you understand?"
"Yes, of course," Bella replied, though her mind was racing. Why me? She had only been working for Damien for a short time, and yet he was already involving her in high-stakes negotiations.
"Good." Damien leaned back slightly, his gaze still locked on hers. "There is a meeting scheduled for this afternoon at the investor's private residence. You will accompany me."
Bella nodded, doing her best to appear calm even though she felt anything but. "I will be ready."
"Wear something appropriate," Damien added, his gaze flickering briefly over her before returning to his desk.
Bella's cheeks warmed under his scrutiny, but she managed a professional nod. "Understood."
The afternoon sun hung low in the sky as Bella and Damien drove through the quiet, affluent suburbs of Gaborone. The streets were lined with elegant houses hidden behind high walls and lush gardens. Bella glanced at Damien, who sat beside her in the back seat of the sleek company car, his expression unreadable as always.
"Is there anything I should know about the investor?" Bella asked, breaking the silence.
Damien's eyes remained on the passing scenery. "He is eccentric but brilliant. Do not be alarmed if he tests you."
"Tests me?" Bella frowned. "How?"
"You will see soon enough."
Bella bit back a groan. Typical Damien. Always keeping things vague.
When they arrived at the residence, Bella's eyes widened. The house was more of a mansion, with sprawling gardens and a grand fountain in the driveway. As they approached the entrance, a butler opened the door with a polite bow.
"Mr. Wolfe, Ms. Gray," the butler said smoothly. "Please, follow me."
They were led through a series of elegant rooms until they reached a large study where the investor awaited them. He was an older man with silver hair and sharp blue eyes, dressed in a tailored suit that hinted at both wealth and power.
"Damien Wolfe," the man said with a smile that did not reach his eyes. "It has been too long."
"Mr. Van der West," Damien replied, shaking the man's hand. "Thank you for meeting with us."
Van der West's gaze shifted to Bella, and something in his eyes sparked with curiosity. "And who is this lovely young lady?"
"This is Bella Gray," Damien said smoothly. "My assistant."
Van der West gave Bella a long, assessing look. "I hope you know what you are getting into, Ms. Gray."
Bella smiled politely, though her nerves were on edge. "I am learning quickly, sir."
The older man chuckled. "Good. You will need to."
The meeting proceeded smoothly, with Damien and Van der West exchanging details about the potential deal. Bella listened carefully, taking notes and observing the dynamics between the two men. Damien was calm and composed throughout, his sharp mind cutting through the conversation with precision.
At one point, Van der West turned to Bella with a sly grin. "So, Ms. Gray, what do you think of all this?"
Bella hesitated for only a second before replying, "It is a fascinating opportunity. The potential for growth is significant if managed correctly."
Van der West's grin widened. "I like her, Damien. She is sharp."
Damien's gaze flicked briefly to Bella, a shadow of approval in his eyes. "Yes, she is."
The meeting wrapped up shortly after, and as they left the mansion, Bella could not help but feel a strange sense of accomplishment.
"You did well," Damien said quietly as they got into the car.
Bella glanced at him, surprised by the unexpected praise. "Thank you."
Damien's eyes lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary, and Bella felt her pulse quicken under his gaze. There was something shifting between them—something neither of them dared to name yet.
As the car pulled away from the mansion, Bella stared out the window, her thoughts swirling. She knew
she was treading dangerous waters with Damien Wolfe.
But, for better or worse, there was no turning back now.