Business in a Devil’s Den.

I stood up and strode towards the black door, my heart racing with anxiety. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves before raising my hand to knock on the door.

Just as my hand was about to make contact with the door, the secretary called out.

“Miss,” My hand hung mid-way, and I turned to face her.

"Try not to stutter, ma'am. Sir doesn't like it, and I'm sure you can do this. Good luck!" She smiled and gave me a thumbs up, offering a reassuring nod.

My heart melted at her kind action and words.

I smiled gratefully and mouthed a 'thank you'

"Hurry up and go in. He doesn't like tardiness," still with a smile, I nodded and knocked on the door.

There was no reply, so I stood there biting on my bottom lip thinking about whether I should go in or....

"Just go in." The kind secretary called from the elevator before the door slid shut, not giving me the opportunity to thank her.

The very dim lighting and the cold atmosphere of the room engulfed my presence, sending a chilly feeling to tiptoe slowly in my spine.

Although the place was dark, I could still make out the figure of the man that sat behind his table.

Awe struck is an understatement to describe the man sitting not far away from me when the lights suddenly came on.

He sat lazily on the chair with his legs opened and his arms resting on the arm rest.

The first button of his shirt was left open, showing his hard chest and the tattoos peeking out from it.

I didn't miss the expensive silver chain that rested on his neck and a simple black cross earring that dangled from his ears.

His sleeves were rolled up, revealing his veiny tattooed arms, and they clung so tight to his trained arms.

His dark hair was scattered on his head and when I realized I was staring at the man that might refuse to help the paisley fashion house because i was ogling him like a creep which will lead to Mr. Paisley firing me, I blinked my eyes repeatedly and cleared my throat.

"Good evening sir." I pulled a smile to boost my confidence and prevent me from stuttering.

He didn't reply, he just stared at me with his gray eyes which appeared so dark, dangerous and alluring.

"Who are you?"

Damn! I cursed inwardly because I almost squirted on myself. His voice was as smooth as velvet yet deep and husky.

I've heard different tones of men's voices, but his was enough to make someone weak in their knees.

"Camila Colorado from Paisley fashion house." I introduced myself confidently, trying not to allow his aura and physique intimidate me.

"Have a seat." He permitted, and I thanked him in a quiet tone and sat on the cool leather chair.

He stretched out his arm for me and I swear I almost lost it, especially at the sight of the expensive silver rings on his fingers and the wrist chains that hooked around his wrist.

For some reason I saw myself being choked by him as he.... 'The heck Camila.' I mentally scolded myself.

Paula was right when she said he was sexy and dangerous in looks. He looked through the files then locked his eyes back on mine, causing my breath to pause.

"Do you have a valid reason why I should invest in this company?" He asked, his brow raised and expression emotionless.

His words diverted me so much that I lost track of everything I had said to persuade him.

I cleared my throat and spoke, hoping I wasn't coming across as silly.

It dawned on me that I was the one who was talking most of the time, and he was just staring at me, emotionless in his attractive gray eyes, which only made me feel more anxious.

"....because it is winter." I wrapped my explanation up.

Silence rested between us and I bet he could hear the sound of my heart beating.

"That was impressive, Ms Colorado," His compliment somehow made me flush and caused bubbles to erupt in my stomach.

"I'll certainly look into this and get back to Paisley."

"Thank you so much Mr Dela Lucchese," I gleamed happily. He said nothing and I figured out it was my cue to leave.

"Alright, I'll take my leave now." I whispered and got up.

I extended my hand to collect the paperwork from his desk, but he stopped me.

The icy metal of his ring on me froze my skin, and I realized his hand was on mine. His touch on my skin caused a burning sensation.

Although I was shocked by the sudden touch, I still didn't want to pull away.

"Leave it," came his curt order, and I stood still staring at the masterpiece of God right in front of me.

The beeping sound from his phone broke our little staring contest and I quickly pulled my hand away.

"Sorry." I whispered and turned to leave.

"Good night Ms Colorado." He bid me, making me halt my movement and turn to face him.

"Goodnight Mr Dela Lucchese." I told him and turned around to leave.

Till the last step and second I left his office, I could feel his burning gaze at my back.

I let out a breath as I exited the office and was greeted by the warmth of the dark empty hallway.

Although the hallway was chilly, it was not as cold as his office. I composed myself and went downstairs to the floor occupied exclusively by his secretary.

What a strange man. Why didn't he just let her stay on his floor with him? That place was just too big for one office and person to occupy.

"From the expression on your face I can tell that it went well."

Startled, I spun around to find the nice secretary. I flashed a smile.

"It went better than I expected. By the way, thank you for earlier," she waved me off with a smile.

"It's nothing, I just thought a pretty lady like you deserved to be informed. Besides all my years of working here, you're the first lady to come here decent and polite to me, so I decided to help you out with my mob boss up there."

I stared at her with surprise.

"Pretty?" She nodded with a smile.

"Yes, you are pretty, Miss...."

"Camilla." I introduced myself.

"Yes, I wanted to save a pretty face from bawling her eyes out when I could have done something." I smiled genuinely and thanked her.

"I am Delilah." She introduced herself.

"So Delilah, aren't you going home?" I asked, since it was almost ten, and she was still there.

She sighed and shook her head.

"I may stay in the office today," I raised a brow, confused and concerned.

"Why?" I asked, curious.

"Well my house is kinda from here, and I'm sure no cab will be available to take me home, so I'll just pass the night."

"Hey, you can come with me," I suggested, and she was quick to reject the offer.

"No Camila you don't have to. Besides, I do not want to bother you..."

I clicked my tongue and shook my head in disagreement.

"Of course you aren't bothering me, come on, let's go." I tugged on her wrist.

"But Camila..."

"Consider it a favor for what you did earlier."

She saw that she wasn't going to win the argument, so she sighed and gave in.

"Alright, let me go and get my stuff," I smiled in victory, and she left while I stood in the same spot waiting for her.

I know it might seem strange to let someone I'd just met spend the night with me, but I couldn't live with myself if I hadn't.

"Let's go." She came back holding her bag, laptop and a file.

^^^^^

"Nice car." She commented when we arrived at the parking lot. I thanked her with a grin.

I looked around and noticed it wasn't just my car. An expensive black car was parked at the other end.

Heavy footsteps drew our attention and I turned to find who it belonged to. His blazer hung on his arm as he walked in the direction of his car.

As if sensing our presence, he stopped walking and looked up, making our eyes meet.

I felt my heart beat quicken at the sudden contact and I shamelessly dropped my gaze on his lips.

"Good night sir." Delilah's voice broke our eye contact.

I was so lost in his eyes that I totally forgot she was there.

He nodded but didn't glance her way because the entire time his eyes were on mine till the moment his car disappeared from my view.

"Well that was really intense." She commented. Without uttering any response, I quietly got into the car.

Putting on our seatbelts, I roared the engine to life and sped off.