Chapter 1 - The First Fracture in the IceThe silence between Dominic and Natalie wasn't the awkward kind. It was heavy, electric, and charged with an unspoken challenge.
Across the candlelit table, Shelby was glaring daggers, whispering something frantic to Paige. But neither Dominic nor Natalie cared.
"You're not like the others," Dominic murmured, low enough that only she could hear over the gentle lapping of Lake Michigan against the terrace wall.
"Which others?" Natalie asked, taking a slow sip of sparkling water. "The ones who laugh at jokes you didn't make, or the ones who pretend to love bourbon?"
A rare, dangerous smirk touched the corner of Dominic’s mouth. "All of them. You sat down here knowing exactly who I am, and you didn't blink."
"I have deadlines to meet and a business to run, Mr. Vale. Staring at a man who collects women like trophies isn't on my itinerary."
Dominic’s gray eyes darkened, fixing on her with an intensity that made her breath hitch. "Careful, Natalie. People who tell me the truth usually don't get a second warning."
"Good thing I’ve never needed one."
As dinner ended, Dominic stood, his presence commanding the entire terrace. But before he walked away, he leaned down close to her ear. "Monday morning, 9 AM. My office downtown. Bring your portfolio."
May you like
Natalie froze. "I don't work for you."
"You do now," he whispered, vanishing into the night.
