Harri

orting. Instead, my nerves felt stretched thin. A deep breath did little to settle them.

me, already scrolling through emails, fingers tapping away at his phone. No acknow

is smelled different-cleaner, fresher, tinged with a hint of coff

to head straight to the hotel and review the re

take in the view. Jus

itecture and bustling streets. People walked with purpose yet carri

eflected in the tinted window, jaw set in deep concentration. I should have been used to it

e dinner meeting. I swiped it away, knowing full well t

y. A bellhop opened my door before I could reach for the handle, greeting me in

th a warm smile. "Monsieur Caldwell, Mademoiselle

suite meant space, separation, a brief

ill in hand, eyes scanning some report. I stared at the blinking floor numbers, sil

to the plush mattress. The exhaustion hit hard. Between the time difference,

djoining door jo

cou

as put-together as he had hours ago. His suit jacket had been discarded, but the crisp w

g out a folder. "Go over them.

own," I mutte

ifted sligh

was overwhelming. Instead, I forced a

icked shut

gainst the pillows. Paris was outside-vibrant, ali

to my dr

n Cal

hat's all I n

hing had shifted. A hesitation in her responses, a tightness in her to

s dinner. Caldwell Enterprises didn't get se

had never held the same magic for me that it did for others. To me

and unwavering. Business is war, Damian. T

world. Neither did distraction

adjoining door

n written across her face.

ed evenly. "N

but stepped aside to let me in. Her suite

given her lay uno

ppoi

ven't r

d her arms

hould have

's Paris, Damian. One of the most beautiful cities in

use that's

her temples. "Forget it. Le

ll I neede

rategy. She absorbed everything quickly, as always. D

d at an exclusive restaurant,

ed, but with an edge of defiance in her

demeanor changed. Smiling, confident,