Page 1 of Entangled with the Enemy

Chapter 1

Imogen

The traffic is relentless, and my grip tightens on the steering wheel as I glance anxiously at the clock on the dashboard—8:15 pm.

I’m late.

This blind date is supposed to be a new start, a step forward from the wreckage of my past relationship, but everything seems to be going wrong today.

“Sarah, I know Mr. Anderson is upset about the delayed quarterly report, but we need to assure him that we’re on top of it,” I try to keep my tone calm and reassuring over the speakerphone to my assistant. “Tell him I’ll personally oversee the final review and get it to him first thing Monday morning.”

Why did this crisis have to flare up tonight of all nights? I’m already running late for this date arranged by my friend, Lilith, over at Love Lines Matchmaking Agency. After my messy breakup six months ago, I finally worked up the courage to sign up for her services and let her set me up with someone else. This is meant to help me move on and open my heart, not add more stress to my overloaded plate.

As I end the call and pull into the restaurant’s valet parking, I can’t help but reflect on how my dedication to work was the fatal flaw in my last relationship.

“You’re too focused on your career,” he’d always say. “I need a partner who can always be there for me, not just when it’s convenient between business meetings and corporate acquisitions.”

But my new company, Lynch Consultants, is my dream—the one thing that’s truly mine after the corporate raider Holden Bowers ruthlessly bought out my family’s technology company, Archer Systems, in a hostile takeover ten years ago.

I shake my head, pushing aside the bitter memories. My parents had built Archer from the ground up, and seeing their life’s work ripped away so callously by Bowers nearly destroyed them. Unlike me, my parents took the money and ran, retiring to Florida and leaving me to deal with the aftermath alone. They moved on, but I had to find my new place in the world all on my own.

My ex just couldn’t understand the depth of my commitment. I needed to build something for myself, something that couldn’t be taken away, and that’s what Lynch Consultants represents. It’s about creating a future and proving that I can succeed on my own terms.

Inside the posh restaurant, I hurry toward the hostess stand and give the composed, smiling woman there my name.

“Your party is already seated and waiting for you,” she says. “Right this way, please.”

I smooth down my fitted crimson dress, trying to ignore the pang of insecurity I always feel meeting someone for the first time. Dating as a curvy woman is never easy, and blind dates are always a gamble. But Lilith reassured me that this guy appreciates women with curves and is looking for something real.

With a deep, steadying breath, I follow the hostess, my heels clicking softly on the polished wood floors. As I weave between the tables, I spot the back of my date’s head. He has thick, dark hair that’s slightly tousled. My eyes trail down to his broad shoulders, encased in a well-tailored suit that highlights a muscular build. Even from behind, he exudes a confident, commanding presence.

My nerves kick up a notch as I get closer, my heart pounding. He’s cute, and I can already feel a flicker of anticipation. Maybe this won’t be so bad after all.

As the hostess and I approach the table, he realizes we’re coming. He stands up and turns to face us, and my breath catches in my throat.

Oh shit. It’s him.

Holden Bowers.

For a moment, the world tilts. His piercing blue eyes lock onto mine, widening with recognition. For a heartbeat, we just stare at each other, frozen in the unexpected reunion.

My fight-or-flight instincts kick in, and I can already feel my body preparing to bolt. I take a step back, my mind made up to leave, but in my haste, my heel catches on a woman’s purse dangling off the back of a chair.

Everything happens in a split second. I start to fall, my arms flailing as I try to catch myself, but gravity has other plans. Just as I brace for impact, strong hands catch me, pulling me up against a solid chest.

Against Holden’s solid chest.

His grip is firm yet gentle, and for a moment, I’m acutely aware of the warmth of his hands and the steady rise and fall of his chest. His piercing blue eyes are locked onto mine, and I can see a mixture of concern and something else flickering in their depths.

We remain frozen, caught in an unexpected and electrifying embrace. The restaurant’s ambient noise fades away, leaving just the two of us in a moment suspended in time.

My heart races, my breath hitches, and I can’t help but ask myself...

What the hell did I do to deserve a day like today?

Chapter 2

Holden

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