Page 13 of Lord of the Dark

I forced a saccharine smile.

"Ah, I see. So I should call my boyfriend right now and break up, then? Free myself for you? After all, we’ve known each other a whole meeting." Sarcasm dripped from every word, but I held his gaze. "We’re supposedly working on a fifty-million-dollar deal, but hey, why not fuck by afternoon?" I leaned forward. "Is that roughly how you see this playing out, Mr. Russo?"

His amused smile deepened. "Afternoon fucking has its appeal," he rumbled, his voice rough and dark with promise.

A statement as provocative as his entire demeanor. He let the words hang in the air, almost relishing it, as if he knew they sent tremors through me. For a moment, he breached the boundary between professional and personal, letting me feel what simmered beneath the surface. But before I could respond,his posture shifted—like someone deciding to escalate the game.

"But," he added with a deceptively soft smile, "I'm not that superficial." He leaned forward, elbows resting on the table, making me briefly believe he might close the distance between us. "What fascinates me is how you challenge me," he said, but this time less demanding, more like an invitation to dive deeper into this game. "Your strength. Your intelligence.

The way you analyze everything yet refuse to make mistakes. But believe me," his gaze locked onto mine, "this isn't a negotiation you can simply win."

His words resonated through me, speaking to something deeper than the deal we were discussing. This wasn’t just business anymore. It was about how far I was willing to let him in. The danger was real. And it was intoxicating.

"What exactly do you think I could win?" I asked quietly, almost a whisper, as if afraid to hear the answer.

He paused, weighing my question before responding. "The chance to exist in a world as ruthless and unrestrained as your own hidden desires. A relationship defined not by conventions, but by the intensity of your own nature."

His words ignited a fire in me, spreading like wildfire through my veins. My gaze sharpened, and I seized the moment to test him.

"Interesting that a man of your caliber seems to be searching for a partner, Mr. Russo. Though I wonder how I could possibly assist you with that." My tone was lightly mocking as I continued. "Perhaps you should try a dating service. I’m sure you’d find plenty willing to play your... game." I watched his reaction closely, ready to decipher every flicker in his expression.

It was a bold move, challenging him so directly, but I wanted to see how he’d respond.

A flash of surprise crossed his face, quickly replaced by amusedamusement. Russo leaned back, his eyes gleaming with dark amusement. "Ms. Robertson, you underestimate me. I’m not looking for a partner in the conventional sense. What I seek isn’t found in... ordinary registers." His voice lowered, softer now, but beneath the smooth surface was steel. "And as for you," he continued, his gaze intensifying, "perhaps it’s the forbidden that makes this so compelling."

His words were a clear invitation to step beyond familiar ground and into dangerous territory. Despite my initial resistance, a part of me was drawn to the idea of exploring the unknown with him.

But I wouldn’t make it easy for him.

"I believe, Mr. Russo," I finally said, drawing a steady breath without breaking eye contact, "you're far too certain of how this game will end."

His smile deepened as he reclined with effortless ease, as if he already knew I was on the verge of accepting his challenge—even if I wasn't ready to admit it yet.

"And I believe, Ms. Robertson," he replied smoothly, "you have no idea just how well I intend to play it."

With every word, his presence grew more suffocating, leaving no space between us, as if he deliberately refused to give me room to breathe. I felt trapped—cornered by the intensity of his gaze and the weight of his words. "I still have work to attend to today, Mr. Russo," I said, my voice firm as I fought to escape the confines of his attention.

He noticed my attempt to retreat, amusement flickering at the corners of his lips. "Of course, Ms. Robertson. Business calls." A brief pause, his gaze sharp and probing. "But do remember what we discussed here. We'll see each other again soon."

I gave a curt, professional nod, signaling for the check. As the waitress brought the bill, I gathered my things, ready to leave.

Outside, I inhaled the crisp air deeply, trying to shake off thelingering tension.

Russo stepped beside me. "Until next time, Ms. Robertson."

When our hands brushed, an electric current shot through me. His piercing stare held me captive, weakening my knees with its force. I hated how easily he unsettled me, how effortlessly he dismantled my composure.

I watched as he walked away, my pulse still racing. What kind of lawyer had a chauffeur waiting to open his door?

For a moment, I stood frozen, struggling to rein in my thoughts. What had just happened? A coffee, yes—but nothing about this meeting had been harmless. Deep down, I could feel Russo chipping away at the carefully constructed walls I’d spent years maintaining. He had seen through me in mere hours. That was what terrified me. And, against my will, what fascinated me. I exhaled sharply, turning away as the cool air soothed my flushed skin. This was the beginning of something—I just didn’t know what yet.

Five

Alexander Russo

As we said our goodbyes, I felt her eyes burning into me. The message I'd received during my meeting with Fiona had changed everything. Giovanni had found something.

My chauffeur stepped out of the car and opened the door for me. I pulled out my phone and cast a quick glance at the screen. The message was simple but telling: Vaughn has problems. Big problems.

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