She’d just come down from a taxi, stopping a few minutes away from her place of work, choosing to walk the remaining distance to still her nerves.

Finally, arriving at the towering office building, Olivia gaped at its imposing structure. The sleek glass exterior shimmered with the glare of the morning sunlight.

She waved her ID at the guard, who tipped his cap before letting her in with a smile.

Passing through the revolving doors, Olivia entered a sleek and modern lobby adorned with sports memorabilia. The company’s logo embellished the walls.

A receptionist greeted her with a warm smile, presenting her with a security pass and providing directions to the elevators.

“Lovely day, isn’t it?” She asked the man who occupied the elevator as she stepped in with a smile. But he didn’t look up from his phone and simply grunted. Not a friendly one, then.

Glancing at her reflection in the polished metal doors, she adjusted her blazer and smoothed down the hem of her dress, trying to project confidence.

But her attention traveled back to the stranger; he was dressed impeccably in an expensive suit that hugged his broad shoulders and tapered down to his lean frame. Her gaze instinctively traveled down his form, taking in the sleek lines and quality craftsmanship of his attire. Something about his silhouette, the way he carried himself, intrigued her. There was an air of danger surrounding him. His colognes’ subtle masculine scent was overpowering too. Was that cypress?

Though she couldn’t see his face, she caught a glimpse of his hands as he furiously typed away on his phone, completely absorbed in his world. The movement of his hand caused his suit sleeve to ride up slightly, revealing intricate dragon and tiny Chinese characters tattoos peeking out from under his sleeves. The tattoos contrasting against the sharp lines of his attire had her recoiling at the unexpected yet intriguing sight.

The elevator continued its ascent, and with each passing floor, she stole glances at him.

The elevator finally reached the top floor, and as the doors slid open, she reluctantly tore her gaze away from the enigmatic stranger. Stepping out into the bustling lobby of the office building, she didn’t have time to wonder who he was before Linda, the secretary who had briefed her before and discussed her schedule, appeared.

“I’ve been looking all over for you, I’d like to show you around the office now-” She stopped mid-sentence to look up, her expression changing suddenly. “Oh! Mr. Roman, I didn’t know you were here,” obviously flustered; she stepped out of the way, and he merely grunted a response, his eyes resting on Olivia, who turned around to see his face.

Olivia wobbled a bit on her heels, seeing him clearly for the first time: his face, chiseled and defined, exuded an air of confidence that seemed to radiate from within. Strong, angular features framed piercing blue eyes that were a mesmerizing shade of deep blues, like the calm ocean on a sunny day. Thick, dark lashes over those blue eyes, casting mysterious shadows whenever he blinked.

A well-groomed beard accentuated his jawline, adding a touch of rugged masculinity to his overall polished appearance. There was a hint of stubble, expertly maintained, that gave him an edginess amidst his refined exterior. His lips, perfectly curved and inviting, held a subtle hint of a wicked smile as if he knew a secret that the rest of the world had yet to discover.

His hair, a rich shade of jet black, was styled with precision, each strand in place. It was a testament to his attention to detail, mirroring the meticulousness that resonated in every aspect of his being. The way it framed his face only served to enhance his attractiveness, adding to the aura of sophistication that surrounded him.

His broad shoulders, visible even under the tailored suit, hinted at a sculpted and toned physique. The suit itself, now viewed from the front, accentuated his form in all the right places, showcasing his fit physique. The fabric seemed to cling to him as if it were designed solely for his body, tailored to perfection.

And those tattoos glimpsed earlier came into full view. Intricate designs adorned his exposed skin, telling a story of artistry and personal expression. They added an element of rawness and rebelliousness to his otherwise polished appearance, making him all the more captivating and enigmatic.

“I take it you’re Olivia Walker?” He asked as if she were no more than a passing fly.

“Um... Yes, yes, I am,” Olivia stammered, feeling foolish from the heat rising on her cheeks and spreading.

“You’re late,” he barked, putting a hand in his pocket.

“That’s strike one. Meet me in my office and tell the other intern the same.”

Chapter 2

“Thompson,I’vebeenreviewingthe financial reports, and I must say, I’m not pleased with the numbers. Our profits have been stagnant for the past quarter. We need to find ways to increase our revenue streams,” Roman took a seat in his swiveling leather seat, rolling up his sleeves.

Thompson just gave a tiny smile; when Roman was tense, he tended to roll up his sleeves, which he’d been doing a lot lately.

“So that’s why you requested I wait in your office? Your concern is that we’re not making profits?”

“2% down since last quarter, I’d say we’re hemorrhaging,” he stopped writing and tossed his pen.

“Look,” Thompson said, sighing and pulling his chair closer to Roman, who had a scowl on his face now.

“I understand your concern, but let’s not forget that sports are not just about the money. It’s about the passion, the love for the game. We need to focus on providing exceptional experiences for our fans and athletes.”

“Again with this sentimental crap? Passion and love won’t pay the bills, Thompson. We need to strike a balance between our love for the sport and generating revenue. How can we achieve that?”

Thompson put his feet up against the table, watching for the distaste on Roman’s face, but his face was expressionless. He enjoyed teasing his friend, whom he had known for more than 13 years now, but when it came to business, Roman was as serious as a nun.