Chapter 2: A Dangerous Game
1272 Words
*** ENZO’S POV
Nathan was right. Celeste Devereaux was the key.
I had spent the last few days studying everything there was to know about her—her habits, her preferences, the kind of men she found attractive. Nathan had provided all the details: her pictures, her schedule, even the places she frequented.
And today, I was putting that knowledge to use.
Celeste had an afternoon habit—every Thursday, she visited Elysian, an upscale boutique known for its exclusive fashion collections. The boutique had a VIP lounge where she often spent hours sipping champagne and chatting with designers. That was where I would make my move.
But not as Enzo Davis, the business man trying to win a deal.
No, I needed her attention as a man.
The moment she stepped out of the boutique, designer bags in hand, I made my move.
I was walking in her direction, eyes focused ahead, when she suddenly turned—her heels clicking against the pavement. It happened fast—just as planned.
I bumped into her, not hard enough to make her stumble, but enough for the shopping bags to slip from her grip.
“Shít—” she muttered, her sunglasses slipping down her nose.
I reacted instantly, catching her by the waist before she could fully lose her balance. One of her bags dropped, a sleek black box spilling out onto the sidewalk.
Celeste’s startled gaze met mine.
For a second, neither of us moved.
Then I smirked, steadying her before stepping back. “Apologies. I should’ve been paying more attention.”
She adjusted her sunglasses, studying me. “You certainly have good reflexes.”
I knelt to pick up her bag, dusting off the box before handing it back. “And good manners.” I met her gaze again, this time more deliberate. “You okay?”
She tilted her head slightly, a slow smile forming. “I am now.”
Bingo.
I didn’t fawn over her. Didn’t apologize a hundred times or act overly eager. I had read enough about Celeste to know she didn’t fall for desperate men. She liked confidence. She liked a man who was direct.
But for a split second, there was something in her eyes—hesitation. A brief flicker of wariness before she masked it with an amused smile.
Interesting.
I held her gaze, letting the silence stretch for just a beat longer before offering my hand. “Enzo.”
She took it, her grip delicate yet firm. “Celeste.”
“As if I didn’t already know,” I murmured, smirking.
She arched a brow. “So, you do know who I am?”
I shrugged. “Hard not to. You tend to make an impression.”
That pleased her. She didn’t hide it.
“I don’t recognize you, though,” she said, crossing her arms, her gaze trailing over me with slow interest. “Are you someone I should know?”
I chuckled, slipping my hands into my pockets. “Depends. Do you prefer men who introduce themselves with titles and business cards?”
Her smile widened. “No.”
“Then I guess we’re off to a good start.”
She liked that. I could tell by the way she shifted slightly closer, the way she played with the strap of her bag.
This was too easy.
And just as I was about to push further, to suggest a drink, my phone vibrated in my pocket. A message from Eryn.
I ignored it. Celeste was my priority right now.
“I was just about to grab a coffee,” I said casually. “You’re welcome to join me.”
She tapped her chin as if considering, but her eyes were already gleaming with amusement. “You don’t waste time, do you?”
“I don’t believe in wasting opportunities.”
She let out a soft laugh. “Alright, Mr. Enzo. Let’s see if you’re as interesting as you seem.”
Hook. Line. Sinker.
But as I led her toward the café down the street, a nagging thought lingered at the back of my mind.
If this was so easy… why did I feel like I had overlooked something?
*** ERYN’S POV
I took a slow breath as I stepped into the grand lobby of Devereaux Industries.
This wasn’t just about Enzo. It was about proving something—to him, to myself. I wasn’t just his wife. I was a damn good lawyer, and I knew how to negotiate.
A year ago, I had helped Richard Devereaux out of a legal mess that could’ve cost his company millions. It had been a high-stakes corporate lawsuit, and I had worked tirelessly on his case. We had won.
Before we parted ways, he had told me something I never forgot.
"Eryn, if there’s ever something you need—anything at all—consider it yours."
And now, I was here to collect on that promise.
I approached the receptionist. “Eryn Davis. I have a meeting with Mr. Devereaux.”
She checked her screen, then nodded. “Mr. Devereaux is expecting you. Right this way, ma’am.”
As I followed her through the sleek glass hallways, I reminded myself to stay composed. I needed to handle this delicately—without making it seem like I was interfering in Enzo’s business.
I didn’t want Mr. Devereaux to approve the project just because I asked. I wanted him to see why Enzo deserved it.
Mr. Devereaux was waiting in his private lounge, a glass of whiskey in hand. His sharp blue eyes lit up when he saw me.
“Eryn,” he greeted warmly. “It’s been too long.”
I smiled, shaking his hand. “It has. Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.”
“Nonsense. You know I’d make time for you.” He gestured for me to sit. “So, tell me—what is it you need?”
I didn’t waste time.
“I want to talk to you about the Westmont project.”
His brows lifted slightly, intrigued. “Ah. That project. Your husband’s firm is one of the contenders, if I’m not mistaken.”
I nodded. “Yes, and I truly believe Enzo’s firm is the best choice. I know you’re considering other companies, but if you’re looking for a team that prioritizes quality, integrity, and long-term innovation—Enzo is your guy.”
Mr. Devereaux studied me for a moment before letting out a low chuckle. “You’re negotiating with me.”
I smiled. “I am a lawyer.”
He took a slow sip of his whiskey. “You know, I was already considering Enzo’s firm. But hearing this from you…” He set his glass down, meeting my gaze. “It seals the deal. And not just because of my promise to you. Enzo’s firm truly deserves it.”
I let out a quiet breath of relief. “Then you’ll approve the project?”
He grinned. “I’ll announce it at the gala next week. And I expect you to be there when I do.”
I hesitated. “Oh, I don’t—”
“No arguments,” he cut in. “You played a role in this, and I want people to know it.”
I exhaled, nodding. “Alright. I’ll be there.”
As I left his office, satisfaction settled deep in my chest.
Enzo thought he had to play the game his way.
But what he didn’t know was that I had already changed the rules.
And at the gala, he was about to find out.
- Writer
