Untamed Friction

Maya Lin did not spend six years working eighty hour weeks at Sterling & Cross to share a floor with anyone, let alone a Vance ​Standing before the floor to ceiling glass paneling of her newly assigned corner office on the forty second floor, she smoothed the lapel of her tailored charcoal blazer The Manhattan skyline below was bathed in the pale gold light of an eight o'clock morning Quiet Controlled Hers. ​Until the heavy oak doors at the end of the corridor swung open ​The rhythmic, deliberate tread of Italian leather shoes echoed against the marble floor Maya didn't need to turn around to know who it was The subtle scent of cedarwood and faint, high end cologne preceded him a signature as unmistakable as his family’s corporate empire ​Julian Vance walked in carrying a single leather portfolio, his dark hair immaculate, his tailored navy suit fitted with the casual perfection of someone born into money He stopped at the adjacent office doorway, turning just enough to catch her gaze through the glass wall ​"Lin," he said, his voice smooth, carrying just enough low warmth to be infuriating "I see you made it up from the thirty-fifth floor." ​"Vance," Maya replied, turning slowly, resting one hand on her hip "I see your father’s board seat finally bought you an elevator pass ​A faint, maddening smirk touched the corner of Julian's mouth He took a slow step toward her doorway, leaning against the frame with practiced ease "It was actually my Q3 revenue report that bought it But if it makes you feel better to attribute my numbers to nepotism, go right ahead ​"Numbers lie when you inflate the acquisitions pipeline," Maya said, her eyes locked onto his, unyielding I read your report You took credit for the Apex closing when everyone in executive suite knows the strategy was mine ​"Strategy is just paper, Maya," Julian murmured, stepping into her office space just enough to break the threshold The air between them instantly tightened, thick with years of sharp rivalry and unspoken heat "Execution is what closes the deal And I execute." ​Maya stepped closer, closing the distance until barely two feet separated them She had to look up slightly to meet his eyes, but she didn't give an inch ​"Let's get one thing clear, Julian," she said, her voice dropping to a cool, lethal whisper. "This firm is announcing the single Lead Partner for the global merger by the end of the quarter Only one name goes on that door. And it won't be Vance ​Julian tilted his head, his dark eyes searching hers, a spark of genuine amusement and something far more dangerous glinting in his expression. ​"I do love a challenge, Lin," he whispered back "Let's see if your strategy holds up when the pressure gets real.