BOUND BY SHADOWS

CHAPTER TWO - THE DEVIL IN A SUIT

Amara’s throat tightened, her pulse hammering so hard she swore he could hear it.

Damien Cross leaned forward, every inch the predator disguised in tailored Armani. His eyes held hers, dark and unrelenting, as if stripping away every defense she’d carefully built.

“I… I think there’s been a mistake,” she managed, clutching the strap of her bag. “I was told I’d be working under the operations manager, not—”

“Me?” His smirk deepened, cutting like a blade. “You’ll find I like to handle certain matters personally.”

The way he said it wasn’t professional. It wasn’t even polite. It was a warning.

Amara’s legs screamed to run, but her pride kept her rooted. She wouldn’t let this man see fear in her eyes. Not after everything she’d already survived.

Damien rose from his chair, slow and deliberate, like a king who had all the time in the world. He walked around the desk and stopped just inches from her, his presence overwhelming. The faint scent of his cologne—rich, expensive, intoxicating—coiled around her senses.

“Tell me,” he murmured, tilting her chin up with a single finger, “why you thought you could hide from me in my city.”

Her breath hitched. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He studied her for a long, unbearable moment before chuckling under his breath. It wasn’t the sound of amusement. It was the sound of a man who knew he’d already won.

“You’re a terrible liar, little dove.” His voice was velvet wrapped around steel. “But don’t worry. I’ll teach you obedience soon enough.”

Her skin burned where his finger had touched, and she hated herself for the way her body trembled—not j noust in fear.

Damien stepped back, all business again. “You start tomorrow at nine. Don’t be late.” His gaze lingered on her like a caress. “I don’t like waiting for what belongs to me.”

Amara turned to leave, her heartbeat ragged. But as she gripped the doorknob, she saw something pinned to the back of the office door.

A note.

Her stomach dropped as she recognized the same handwriting from last night.

You can’t run. You’re already mine.

She staggered backward, nearly colliding with Damien. His smile was slow, dangerous, triumphant.

“Welcome to Cross Enterprises,” he whispered.

And for the first time, Amara realized this wasn’t a job offer.

It was a cage.