er like a bolt

the elusive billionaire, the ruthless CEO whose empire spanned industries. He wasn't just rich; he was powerful-un

voice barely above a whisper, clutc

ion a mix of frustration and curiosity. "You barged into my suite, clearly out of your mi

rching for explanations, for any way to convince herself this wasn't real. "I didn't... I didn't mean t

rugged. By Lia

ngs have spiraled so far out of control? How could Liam have done thi

cut through her spiraling thoughts, "but you don't n

, and an unreadable expression. His detachment stung. "I didn't come here on purpose," she said, her voice shaking

oice flat. "I'm not interested in your e

raighter, her hands gripping the sheets. "I didn't

s voice was low, dangerous. He rose from the bed, his towering presence filling the room as

"You don't know me! You don't k

Ms. Hart. The fact is, you came into my life last night, and now we're in this mess. So here's what's going

to lash out, to defend herself, but the cold, calculating look in Damian's eyes told her i

on her, watching, assessing, as if she were nothing more than a complication he needed to get

tered, "You don't know anything about m

shirt without sparing her another glance. "This is

ow deeply his words cut. She slipped into her heels, head held high, despite th

with humiliation. She could feel Damian's presence behind her, an imposing force s

thing, M

around. Her pulse raced

a whisper of what happened last night in the media, or any

le. She turned her head slightly, just enough to give him a defiant

ce cold as ice. "Then we

the hotel corridor. Her hands shook as she pressed the elevator button, and when the doors slid op

nally fell, hot and silent against her cheeks. She had been use

ving on, people rushing to work, cars honking, the city alive with its usual chaos.

ashing on the screen. For a moment, she considered ignoring it-letting him stew in whatever pit of

voice was sharp, cutting thr

e didn't know how to begin. "I wanted to m

rs. "You wanted to make sure I'm okay? After you drug

nd. "I didn't drug you. I just gave yo

ger's room, sleep with a man I don't even know? That's what you wanted, is

down. You're

ople passing by, but she didn't care. "You tried to ruin my

ow who you're messing with, Bella. You think you

her voice steady despite the turmoil in h

x of satisfaction and dread wash over her. Liam was no longer her problem,

or sure: Damian Blackwood had just become part of her lif