Tangled in Temptation

Fingers trembling nervously on the edge of her computer, Amelia Green sat behind her desk, but her gaze was set on the wall-to-ceiling windows across the other side. New York's skyline stretched out ahead of her, a vast vista of glass and steel—an empire of distant aspirations. Having worked as the personal secretary to one of the most powerful CEOs in the globe—Sebastian Hawke—for years in the shadows of that empire, she knew it well. Her surroundings were sophisticated and contemporary but still completely undetailed, as was everything else about Hawke Industries. Before the walls of the office became covered with the polished sheen of aspiration, riches, and success, Amelia scarcely recalled their appearance. Her task was quite simple: answer calls, schedule appointments, and maintain Sebastian's daily life. Though it was crucial, it wasn't elegant. Still, nevertheless, it was not enough. She looked at the collection of papers on her desk—proposals, reports, and never-ending assignments to help the business run smoothly. Though every one of them was valuable, all of them felt... minuscule in the grand scheme of her life. She yearned for more. Not only more money, although this was attractive. She desired something more, something that would help her to feel she was not only a small cog among many. She desired control. Power to direct her path. The sound of a door opening behind her broke her concentration. She knew who it was without having to turn around. The invisible authority permeating the air shifted. Sebastian Hawke felt the ground under her feet shake when he entered the chamber. He had a commanding presence. Sebastian Hawke knew what he wanted and never hesitated to grab it, dressed in a suit tailored exactly right, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to cut across her. His conduct demanded respect, and his reputation went before him. Cold, analytical and merciless—Sebastian was all that Amelia had not been. "Amelia," he said softly, his tone reflective of the daring she had grown to know him for. It was not a welcome; it was a recognition of her position in the space. “Yes, Mr. Hawke?” She replied in her usual calm and businesslike way when addressing him. His tone allowing little debate, he said, "I need you in my office for a moment." He turned and started walking toward the glass-walled office at the far end of the hall without waiting for a reply. Amelia's heart missed a stroke. She usually didn't get called for his office; when she did, it usually meant something significant was going on. She paused for a moment, then grabbed her papers and hurried behind him. Naturally, she was composed, but her thoughts raced inside even as she was outside. Regarding what could this be? The office door of Sebastian clicked silently shut behind them. Just like everything in this organization, the room was big and spotless. High-quality art bookshelves covered the walls; the floors glittered with waxed wood. A sleek desk sat at the center, its top bare except for a few necessities: a glass of water, a laptop, and a single, elegant pen. Amelia stayed on her feet; Sebastian sat behind the desk. She always does it when they are alone. She was on guard about his presence, about something in it. Though she was always cool, always collected, he had an intensity about him that made her feel small, like she was just an object in his life. He told her, "Sit," his gaze steady on hers. Amelia dropped herself into the seat across from him with only a second's worth of hesitation. Her pulse raced, but she held her sight level. This was nothing new; it was merely another work to organize, another meeting. She could manage it. Sebastian studied her, his eyes narrowing slightly as he steepled his hands. "I have a proposition for you, Amelia. The word "proposition" caused her stomach to flutter nervously, and the air in the room grew thick, electric with expectation. Though she had no clue what he was about to say, she understood that it would be a game changer. I have been thinking of your future at Hawke Industries," he went on, his tone calm and even. "You have been a loyal employee for years now, and your performance has been outstanding." He paused as if choosing his next words cautiously. "But you are...underused." Underused. That phrase struck her much more than she thought. It was accurate in a way. For years, Amelia had been doing the same work, always behind the scenes, always helping others, but never really progressing. "You want more," he said as if he was able to read her thoughts. "I can sense it. You are capable of much more than only answering calls and taking notes. She got hold of her stomach in the air. She could not tell whether this was an insult or a praise, but it was pointless. He was right in his determination. She did wish more. Sebastian bent forward, fixing her eyes. "I have something I can give you... that would alter everything for you. A contract marriage is my recommendation. Unsure of whether she had heard him accurately, Amelia blinked. Marriage? To him? Though the thought felt ridiculous, his eyes' strength suggested he wasn’t kidding. "A contract marriage?" she said, her voice unsteady. "What are you—" "It’s simple," he said abruptly. You will get a promotion—one that will bring you to the apex of this business—in exchange for agreeing to wed me. You will get the executive director's title. You will have all you ever wanted—money, authority, and sway. Just sign the contract and act the role. Public marriage but nothing private. Her head spinning, Amelia gazed at him. This was beyond everything she would have imagined. A marriage, a company transaction, or a large made offer that would alter her life permanently. There was a snag, however. Sebastian Hawke was always a catch. "And what's the catch?" she asked, her trembling voice still under control. He smiled slightly knowingly. Nothing is caught here. Straightforward agreement. Still, Amelia knew better. His ideas always included more than appeared obvious. This was not only a matter of business. Sebastian never was with the other two. "Consider it, Amelia," he answered, his voice low and seductive. “You’ll have everything you’ve ever wanted. Merely acceptance is required. Amelia's heart raced; the weight of the choice suffocated her. Potential. Financial assets. Impact. She had everything she had ever dreamt of here. But for how much? Unanswered, the question floated between them as Amelia made her most challenging choice ever.