or's

lls of the elevator reflected a version of myself I barely recognized-sharp suit, polis

s finances were in a messed up state, and thi

t was about politics, money, and connections. Humans held the strings to the world w

of wealth-marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and a panoramic view of the city that seemed almost unnatural.

strode toward me. He was a man who didn't walk-he prowled, exuding

ded my hand. His grip was firm, his gaze assessing,

meeting," Daniel said, gesturing for

ts kept drifting back to her-to Ivy. To the fire in her eyes when she'd looked at me, n

k to the present. I sank into one of the l

he right places, asked the right questions, but my wolf stirred uneasily beneath my skin. It wasn't the business talk that bo

niel here, manage to live in a world o

shifted, pulling m

sly smile tugging at his lips. "A potential investo

ng my reaction behind a neu

y making waves. Her backing could open

my tone carefu

u'll want to meet her. She's

ut I forced myself to remain calm as Da

rowing restless with every step. The scent hit me first-subtle but u

o

uldn'

nter first. I forced my legs to move, stepping int

ere sh

-no,

gaze locking onto mine, and the air between us crackled with tension. She was stunning, he

voice smooth and icy. "I was

taut. "Ms. Blackwood," I managed, my voice

indifference. She didn't look at me like she used to-with trust, with hope. No

tension, beamed. "So, y

ft mine. "We've...cr

sts at my sides, fighting the urge to reach for her, to say somethi

dustry right now," Daniel continued, completely unaware of the history boilin

y jaw aching from the eff

discuss potential opportunities," she said, her tone businesslike. "Though I'll admit,

to let it show. "I adapt," I replied

but she masked it quickly, turning her atte

houghts like a blade. She was composed, professional, and utterly beautiful. But ben

ended, Daniel excused h

etched, heavy a

r yourself," I said

as cold. "

have, and I took a step closer, my w

whatever you think this is, Connor, it'

ok away. "I know," I said quietly. "But

"What I was to you, you mean. You made

g, that I hadn't stopped wanting her even for a

ension. Her voice dropped to a low, almost teasing whisper. "Tell me, Connor," she murmured, "do you

f snarled in response, wanting her closer, but knowi