Cassandra Vale stepped into the glass elevator of Valoria’s tallest skyscraper, her portfolio clutched tight, her crimson blouse accentuating her curves. At thirty-two, she was a freelance artist known for her bold murals, her fiery spirit a shield against a past shadowed by an abusive ex, Liam. Tonight, she’d meet Theo Arden, the enigmatic CEO of Arden Enterprises, to pitch a redesign for his penthouse. Her nerves danced, but her resolve was steel—she needed this job to rebuild her life.

The penthouse was a marvel of sleek lines and cold marble, its floor-to-ceiling windows framing Valoria’s glittering skyline. Theo stood by a bar, pouring whiskey, his tailored suit hugging a frame that radiated power. His dark hair was tousled, his emerald eyes piercing as they met hers, a flicker of curiosity breaking his stoic mask.

“Ms. Vale,” he said, his voice a low rumble, like thunder over the city. “You’re late.”

“Traffic,” she replied, her tone sharp, refusing to cower. “But my work’s worth the wait.”

He raised an eyebrow, gesturing to a leather couch. “Impress me.”

She spread her sketches—vibrant murals of sunlit forests, stormy seas—her passion pouring into each word. Theo’s gaze wasn’t on the art; it was on her, tracing her lips, her collarbone, igniting a heat she fought to ignore. “Bold,” he murmured, leaning closer, his scent—sandalwood and spice—flooding her senses. “But can you handle a space this… demanding?”

Her breath hitched, his words a challenge, a dare. “I can handle anything,” she said, her eyes locking with his, the air crackling. “Even you.”

His lips curved, a predator’s smile. “We’ll see.” He offered her a drink, his fingers brushing hers, sending a jolt through her core. They talked art, business, the city, each word a thread pulling them closer. But his guarded tone hinted at secrets, and her own walls—built from Liam’s cruelty—kept her cautious.

As she left, Theo’s voice stopped her at the elevator. “You’re hired, Cassandra. Don’t disappoint me.” His gaze lingered, promising more than a job. That night, in her loft, she painted, her brush strokes wild, Theo’s face haunting every line. But a text from an unknown number chilled her: He’s not what he seems. Was it Liam, or something tied to Theo’s world?

Cassandra arrived at the penthouse with her supplies, her denim overalls loose but hinting at her curves, her auburn hair tied in a messy bun. Theo was there, no suit today—just a fitted shirt, sleeves rolled up, revealing corded forearms. “Ready to transform my world?” he asked, his voice teasing, eyes dark with something deeper.

“Ready to let me?” she shot back, setting up her paints, her movements deliberate, aware of his gaze. They worked side by side, her sketching murals, him offering input, their banter sharp but laced with heat. His hand brushed hers as he passed a brush, and she froze, the contact sparking fire.

“You’re intense when you work,” he said, stepping closer, his breath warm on her neck. “It’s… distracting.”

Her pulse raced. “Focus, Arden,” she teased, but her voice was husky, her body leaning toward him. He caught her wrist, his thumb tracing her pulse, and the air shifted, heavy with want.

Their kiss was inevitable, slow at first, then ravenous, his hands sliding under her overalls, finding bare skin. She gasped, clutching his shirt, as he lifted her onto a dropcloth-covered table, his lips trailing down her throat, her moans soft in the vast space. Her overalls fell, his shirt unbuttoned, their bodies pressing close, a dance of need and restraint.

A phone’s ring shattered the moment—his. He cursed, stepping back, his face darkening at the screen. “I have to take this,” he said, his voice tight, leaving her breathless, her skin tingling.

Alone, Cassandra found a locked drawer in his study, curiosity tugging. She didn’t open it, but the text from last night echoed. That evening, Theo returned, his mood shadowed. “Dinner tomorrow,” he said, not a question, his eyes promising more. As she left, a man watched from the lobby, his face familiar—Liam. Her heart stopped. Why was he here?

Chapter 1: The Spark in the Sky

Join the Discussion