Chapter Eleven

(Damien's POV)

The Delacroix-Valenci alliance is an empire built on strategy, not sentiment. The world loves a good fantasy. A well-dressed couple, all smiles and elegance, stepping out of luxury cars and into flashing lights. A marriage that binds two legacies. 

Business was booming.

Since the merger, profits have soared. Our reach expanded across continents, devouring smaller competitors like a lion with a taste for blood. My days were booked with high-level negotiations and my nights... Well, they belonged to indulgence.

The ink was still drying on the latest contract—an oil-tech collaboration in the Middle East that promised another billion in the next quarter. I leaned back in my chair, loosening my tie, reeling in the sharp and intoxicating taste of victory.

A knock interrupted my thoughts.

“Come in,” I said, already knowing who it was

Tasha walked in like she owned the room. Tall, striking, and trouble in heels. Her black dress clung to her like a second skin, and her eyes had that same spark that always gets to me. She's like a challenge wrapped in lipstick.

“You said six,” she murmured, closing the door behind her. “I’m five minutes early. Hope that’s not a problem.”

“It’s never a problem when you’re early.” I stood, walking toward the minibar. “Scotch?”

She waved a hand. “No need. I came for something stronger.”

Her smile said everything.

I liked that about Tasha. With her, there was no pretense or strings attached. It was just pure fun. She didn’t care about the ring on my finger or the press parading Selena and me as the power couple of the decade. She understood the rules of our game.

She approached me slowly, her fingertips grazing my chest as she passed. “I watched the gala photos,” she said softly, voice like silk. “You and your new wife look convincing.”

I chuckled. “That’s the idea.”

“Does she look as perfect in private as she does in those pictures?”

I met her gaze. “I don’t look at her.”

Tasha’s smirk deepened. “That’s cold. Even for you.”

She closed the distance between us in a single breath. Her hands found the buttons of my shirt, and I didn’t stop her. There was no need for words.

Her lips found mind in a scorching kiss. My hands wrapped around her waist as I brought her body closer to mine.

The kiss was hot and intense. In a flash, her back hit the edge of my desk with a soft thud. I lifted her onto it, scattering the folders and contracts I’d spent the day negotiating. Her legs wrapped around my waist just like she’s done a hundred times.

Our lips found each other again, urgent and teasing.

There were no declarations or affections, just movement, sensation, and rhythm.

The world shrank to the four walls of my office, the hum of the city muffled by moans and the creak of wood under our shifting weight.

When it was over, I tucked my shirt back into my slacks as Tasha smoothed down her dress, eyes still burning with mischief.

She leaned in, trailing her fingers down my chest. “Let me know when you need another escape from your perfect marriage.”

I gave a nonchalant smirk. “You’re good at your job, Tasha. That’s why I keep you around.”

She laughed. “You say that like you’re the only one getting something out of this.”

She left without looking back, leaving the scent of perfume and victory in her wake.

I returned to my desk, glancing at the crumpled documents and lipstick smudges on the edge of the table.

My phone buzzed. Luca’s name flashed on the screen.

It was a text.

I quickly picked it up and saw the words staring at me;

We need to talk.