Julian Knight's POV
The boardroom crackles with tension, blueprints strewn across the mahogany table, but my eyes are locked on Scarlett Valenti. She's a vision at the head of the table, her red power suit clinging to her like a lover, accentuating her full breasts, the curve of her hips, that perfect ass shifting as she leans back in her chair. Every move she makes is a challenge, her red hair catching the light, her emerald eyes slicing through me like she's daring me to break. She's fire, and I'm drawn to her heat, even if it burns.
"Knight," she snaps, her voice sharp, teasing. "You gonna stare all day, or do you have something useful to contribute?"
I smirk, leaning forward, my gaze lingering on the way her suit hugs her waist, her curves a distraction I'm fighting to ignore.
"Just appreciating the view, Scarlett," I say, my voice low, meant to rile her. "But your residential tower plan's solid. Too bad it's missing my tech to make it revolutionary."
Her lips twitch, a flash of amusement she tries to hide. "Revolutionary? Your AI grid's a shiny toy, Julian. I'm building a legacy, not a science project."
I chuckle, the sound rough, my eyes tracing her neck, the swell of her breasts as she shifts. She's a masterpiece, strength and seduction in one infuriating package, and I'm torn between wanting to spar and wanting to pull her close, feel those curves against me. "A legacy needs vision," I say, keeping my tone calm, but the heat's there, undeniable. "I've got plenty to share, if you're willing to listen."
She leans forward, her jacket falling open just enough to tease, and my mouth goes dry. "Eyes up here, Knight," she says, playful but sharp, catching me staring. "Unless you're planning to bid on me instead of the project."
The room laughs, but it's just us, the air thick with something dangerous. "Tempting," I murmur, my voice low, for her alone. "But I'd rather win you the hard way."
Her breath catches, a crack in her armor, and I savor it, my blood heating at the desire flickering in her eyes. She laughs it off, sharp and dismissive. "You couldn't afford me, Julian."
I lean back, my smile slow, letting her feel my stare. "Oh, I can afford a lot, Scarlett. Question is, can you handle what I'm offering?"
Ethan cuts in, his voice light but firm. "Okay, you two, save the fireworks for after hours. We've got a deadline."
I glance at him, irritation flaring. He's watching her too closely, his brown eyes too soft, and it twists something dark in my chest. She's mine to unravel, not his.
Scarlett shifts her focus to the blueprints, her fingers brushing the paper, confident, precise. Her team pitches eco-friendly towers, mine counters with smart tech, but every time she speaks, her voice pulls me in, sharp and commanding. Her hips sway subtly when she stands to point at the plans, and I'm caught, imagining how she'd feel under my hands, all fire and defiance.
She steps around the table, closing the distance, her scent floral, sharp hitting me like a drug. "Your grid's untested," she says, her voice low, challenging. "I'm not betting my reputation on a glitchy algorithm."
I lean in, my breath brushing her ear, my voice a growl. "Scared, Scarlett? Thought you were fearless."
Her eyes darken, her lips parting, and for a moment, it's just us, the room fading. "Scared?" she whispers, her voice a dangerous purr, her curves inches away. "I just don't trust you to deliver anything but hot air."
"Careful," I murmur, my gaze dropping to her lips, full and tempting. "Keep pushing, and I'll show you exactly what I can do."
She straightens, her smile sharp, her hips a slow taunt as she steps back. "Big talk, Knight. I'm still waiting."
Ethan clears his throat again, pulling us back to reality. The meeting drags on, but my focus is on her every move, every barb. There's a shadow in her gaze, though, something like suspicion, and it sets me on edge. Singapore's ghosts linger in my mind, buried secrets that could ruin me if she digs too deep. She's a puzzle, fire and steel, and I want to crack her open, but I'm starting to wonder what she's hiding too.
As we wrap up, I stand, adjusting my cuffs, my eyes never leaving her. "See you tomorrow, Scarlett," I say, my voice a promise. "Try not to miss me too much."
She laughs, bright and cutting, her curves shifting as she gathers her things. "Miss you? I'd rather miss a deadline."
But as she walks out, her hips swaying, I know she feels it too the heat, the pull. She's chaos, and I'm ice, but this partnership is about to ignite. I just hope I'm ready for the fallout.