I walked into the office the next morning like I owned it. My heels clicked against the floor, my blazer sharp, my hair perfectly messy—just enough to look effortless. I caught a few stares, but I didn't care. I never did.
The elevator dinged, and he was there. Adrian Cole. Same suit, same cold eyes, same expression that made people freeze in place. Not me. I didn't freeze. I smiled, faint, just enough to annoy him if he noticed.
He didn't look at me. Just pressed the button for the top floor. I stayed close, but not too close. Let him feel I was aware of him, but not afraid.
When we got to his office, he didn't bother to greet me. Just said, "Desk."
I dropped my bag on the chair, crossed my legs, and leaned back. Not cocky, just aware of myself. He stared. I knew it. He always stares when he's deciding if someone is a threat—or useful.
"You're on my floor now," he said. "You understand the rules."
"Yes."
"You don't talk unless spoken to. You follow instructions. You stay out of my way."
"Understood." I tilted my head, letting him feel my calm. He doesn't like calm he can't control.
He didn't say anything. Just watched me for a long second, like he was trying to read something he couldn't. That was fine. I don't let anyone read me.
"Good," he finally said, walking past me. "You may start."
I didn't flinch. I just picked up my bag and went to my desk. He glanced back once, just long enough for me to feel it. That glance was cold. Dangerous. And… weirdly magnetic.
I ignored it. Focused on my work. But I felt his eyes on me most of the morning. Watching. Judging. Not a look anyone survives without noticing.
By lunch, I was still calm, but I knew he was curious. I'd seen him with other people. He doesn't do casual curiosity. It's a test. A challenge. And I never back down from challenges.
"Miss Moore."
I looked up. Him. At my desk. Early. Not normal. He doesn't do early visits. Not unless he wants something.
"Follow me," he said. Not a question.
I stood, smooth, controlled. My heels clicking as I followed him. He didn't say a word on the way to the conference room. When we entered, he shut the door. Just the two of us.
"You're sharp. Confident. Bold." He circled me slowly. "I like that. Not many survive in my office with that attitude."
I smirked. "I never survive on luck. I make sure I'm untouchable."
He stopped in front of me. So close I could feel the heat from him. Not touching. Not smiling. Not even human, really. "You think you're untouchable?"
"I know I am." I didn't flinch. I didn't step back. I never do.
He stared for a long moment. The tension was real. Dangerous. And I liked it. Not because I wanted him—I wanted to see if he could handle me.
"I'll be watching," he said finally. "Don't think my attention is a favor."
"I wouldn't," I replied. Calm. Confident. Hottest girl in the office, unshaken.
He left without another word, leaving me standing there, knowing I'd just survived a storm. And I wanted more.