ella

into hell. Polished brass and black marble reflected my own pale, composed face, hiding

oday. I was an emp

elations. She was beautiful in a sharp, manufactured way, with blonde hair pulled back so tight it looked painful. "

f the red dress into a charcoal pencil skirt and a silk blouse, but I still f

anced pointedly at the ID badge clipped to her lapel. "Though I was under the imp

neck. The elevator chimed, saving her from having to formulat

clipped, stepping out

leather that smelled of expensive scotch and raw power. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling w

. "Mr. Maddox is running a few minutes behind. He cleared his entire morn

erence and warning. "He takes family obligation

t me like a

to the

ddox, the most powerful man in the city, clearing his schedule to greet a loved one with respect. And th

idn't know Damien Maddox, but at least he was a man of honor. My h

oice dropping to a hushed whisper

h that didn't quite fill my lungs

a massive ebony desk that looked more like a barricad

ddox was

was broader than he looked in the magazines, his shoulders filling out a black suit that c

ed to absorb the light. There was no warmth

red. It wasn't

ded in my lap to hi

s voice was a deep baritone, smooth but edged w

. My expe

finger tracing the edge of a sketch I had included-a branding concept

elieve understanding the product is essential

ive. He wasn't looking at me like a boss looks at an employee. He was looki

folder with a

Preston,

e felt like a violation, or perhaps a verdict. His gaze dropped to m

and warning. I felt like I was standi

Maddox," I

said, his face an unreadable mask of st

n a speck of dust in his kingdom. I stood up on shaky legs and walked out, unaware