Falling for the Enemy

Ch.6

Eros Pov

It might be a little early, but I send Althea a text at five-thirty AM asking her to meet me at seven at Consent Cafe. She responds with a terse "fine" that somehow manages to convey both irritation and resignation even in text form.

Getting ready in my hotel suite, I find myself spending more time than usual selecting a tie. The navy silk one? Too formal. The striped one? Too casual. Finally, I settle on a deep burgundy that complements my charcoal suit.

"It's just a business meeting," I mutter to my reflection as I adjust the knot. But it's not just business, and I know it. It's Althea. The woman who once knew me better than anyone. The woman who turned me down all those years ago, shattering something inside me that I've never quite managed to repair, despite all my successes and the women I’ve dated since her.

I arrive at the coffee shop fifteen minutes early, choosing a corner table with a view of the door. The morning light casts a golden glow over the street, highlighting the cars and foot traffic. After ordering a double espresso I sit and wait, scrolling through emails on my phone while trying not to glance at the door every thirty seconds. At exactly seven on the dot, Althea walks in. She's wearing a navy pantsuit with a cream blouse underneath, her brown hair falling in loose waves around her shoulders.

Even dressed for a stuffy office, there's something soft about her that catches my breath. A barista greets her by name, and she smiles — that genuine smile that made a lasting impression on my heart, the one that crinkles the corners of her eyes and makes her whole face light up. But that smile isn't for me anymore, a thought that stings more than it should. She orders before approaching my table, her expression shifting to something more guarded as she gets closer.

"Good morning," I say, standing as she reaches the table.

"Morning," she replies, setting her bag down and taking a seat across from me.

"I hope this is important enough to justify the early hour."

"I'm a firm believer in discussing important matters when minds are fresh," I reply, trying to keep my tone light.

She raises an eyebrow. "And what exactly constitutes an 'important matter' in this case?" Before I can answer, a barista calls her name. She excuses herself to collect her drink — some complicated concoction with oat milk that sounds familiar. Some things never change.

"You're a regular," I comment as she returns to our table.

"Five days a week for the past six years," she confirms, taking a careful sip. "Some of us don't flit around from city to city, accomplishments to accomplishments."

There's a bite to her words that I choose to ignore. "Consistency has its merits."

"As does loyalty," she counters, her brown eyes meeting mine with challenge. The air between us crackles with unspoken accusations. I take a breath, reminding myself that I called this meeting to smooth things over, not reignite old flames — of either the passionate or hostile variety.

"Althea, I want to talk about your position at Valenti Corporations." Her spine straightens, body tensing like she's preparing for a blow.

"What about my position?"

"I want you to have real input in the company's future direction."

Surprise flickers across her face. "Why? You've never needed anyone else's input before. Your companies are run with military precision, all decisions flowing from the top down. Don’t tell me you aren’t going to run the same techniques here.”

She holds up a hand. “I know."

I'm still taken aback by how much she knows about my business practices. Maybe she hasn't been as disinterested in my career as I imagined. She bites her bottom lip, not wanting to answer. "You've been keeping tabs on me?" I ask, shifting gears, unable to hide a small smile.

Her cheeks flushin slightly. "No. I looked into your business yesterday. It's called research, Eros. Know your competition."

"We’re not competitors – we work together now," I point out.

"Everyone in this company is competition on some level," she replies smoothly, though the pink in her cheeks deepens. I lean back in my chair, studying her. Even flustered, she's magnificent — all fierce intelligence and unwavering conviction. I've dated supermodels and executives, heirs and artists, but none of them had this effect on me. None of them made my heart race with a single glance.

"Valenti corporation is different from my other acquisitions," I admit. "It has… heart."

"And you're worried you'll kill that if you start implementing your usual efficiency measures," she finishes for me. I nod, impressed by her perceptiveness. "Exactly. The company's soul is what makes it valuable. And you, Althea, are going to be a big part of that soul."

She takes another sip of her coffee, studying me over the rim. I find myself distracted by the way her lips press against the ceramic, leaving a faint impression of pink lipstick.

"You're willing to give me that much autonomy." Disbelief colors her tone.

"Yes," I say simply. " I trust your judgement."

Her eyes widen slightly, and for a moment I glimpse vulnerability there." After twelve years of silence, you're finally trusting me with your company? You don't even know who I am now."

I can argue the last part....A woman like Althea makes it well known who she is.She broadcasts through both action and words.

"Our history is......... complicated?" I acknowledge, choosing my words carefully."But your track record will speak for itself.Valenti Corporation's growth under your leadership will be impressive."

She tilts her head, studying me with those perspective brown eyes."This doesn't sound like the Eros Valenti on business magazines profile."

I wince. "Don't believe everything you read."

"Then who should I believe? The boy I knew in college or the businessman sitting across from me now?"

The question hangs between us, loaded with history and hurt and things we never said.I open my mou th to respond when a voice interrupts.

"oh my GOD, Eros? Althea? is that really you guys?"

We both turn to see a woman with blonde hair and oversized glasses standing beside our table, beaming at us.It takes me a moment to place her- Dorcas Asiedu.Who lived in Althea's building and took several business classes with us.

"Dorcas," Althea says, her surprise evident."Hi."

"I knew it was you!" Dorcas exclaims."Wow you both look amazing!" She glances between us, her smile growing impossibly wider."" I always knew, you two would end up together."

I choke on my coffee.

Althea's face flames red." Oh, we're not-"

"We're just-" I start simultaneously.

"Business," Althea finishes." We're working together."

Dorcas looks confused."Oh I just assumed....... I mean you guys were inseparable in college.Everyone thought it was Ju st a Matter of time."

I feel a rush of head up my neck and pray it doesn't show.Did every one really thinks that? Was I that obvious about my feelings?

"Eros company recently hired me to work for him,"Althea explains, her voice unnaturally high.

"Wow!" She looks impressed."That's amazing.I've read about you online, Eros, but I had no idea you and Althea were still...... connected."

"We weren't," Althea says quickly."Until yesterday"

An awkward silence falls.I clear my throat."How about you, Dorcas?What are you up to these days?"

Thankfully, she launches into a detailed account of her life since graduation,

her marketing career, two kids giving me a moment to regain my composure. Out of the corner of my eye,I see Althea fidgeting with her coffee cup, clearly uncomfortable as I am.

After minutes of catching up, Dorcas checks her watch."Oh shoot, I'm going to be late for a client meeting." She puts a hand on each of our shoulders."It was great seeing you Don't be strangers, okay."

With a final wave, she hurries out of the coffee shop, leaving me and Althea in awkward silence.

"Well," I finally say."Uh..did ..."

"Yep." Althea supplies.

Despite everything, I laugh and after a mome nt, she joins me , the tension between us easing slightly.

"Was it really that obvious?" I ask before I can stop myself."How I felt about you back then?"

The question slips out dangerous and exposed.i regret it i mmediately, but it's too late to take it back.

Althea's laughter fades, and she looks down at her coffee."I don't know," she says softly." Maybe to everyone else."

But not to her, is the implication.Not to the one person who I wanted to notice the most. The only person I really cared about......

I clear my throat, desperate to get back to safer ground." As I was saying about your role at Valenti Corporation-"

"You're serious about this." she interrupts, looking up at me with renewed focus." About giving me that autonomy?"

"Yes," I confirm. "I am."

She studies me for a long moment, and I find myself holding my breath, drinking in the details of her face.

"I will pour my heart and soul into Valenti Corporation," she says finally, her voice quite but intense." I will not stand aside and watch you turn it into a soulless brand in your empire."

Her passion is captivating, and I find myself leaning towards her, drawn by the force of her conviction.

"I respect that," I tell her Something in my tone or expression must convince her because she gives a small nod." Okay."

"Okay?" I repeat, surprised by her capitulation.

"I'm not saying I trust you," she clarifies quickly." I'm willing to try this arrangement. For the company's sake,"

Relief washes through me."That's all I'm asking for."

She narrows her eyes at me." For now."

I can't help but smile.Even suspicious, even angry, she's magnificent."For now." I agree.

"Anything else?" she checks her phone." I should head to the office soon."

"You're right about the time." I stand."We should get to work."

We head to the door at the same time and nearly end up b umping in to each other. Her natural scent invades my space, and I go weak in the knees.

"Sorry," she says, at the same time I say."Excuse me."

"You go-"

"No, you first." I gesure towards the exit.She gives me a strained smile and scurries for the door. With her back to me, I sigh. Nope, us working together won't be awkward at all.

Not...one....bit.