Bound To Him

The traffic had been a nightmare. Aria Collins had said that exact sentence in her head at least five times already, like repetition could somehow erase the fact that she was now late—very late—for the most important meeting of her month. Cars had barely moved for almost an hour on the main road into the business district. Horns, heat, frustration everywhere. By the time she finally got down from the taxi, she was already calculating damage in her mind. Missed appointment. Wasted opportunity. Probably a closed door she wouldn’t get back open. And now she was standing in front of Vale Tower. Tall. Glass. Intimidating. The kind of building that didn’t forgive mistakes. “I said I have an appointment,” she repeated firmly at reception, trying not to let her breathing show how rushed she was. Acquisitions department. Aria Collins.” The security guard didn’t even look convinced. “No record.” “That’s impossible.” “Miss—” “I’m late because of traffic, not because I don’t belong here,” she snapped, sharper than intended. That made a few people glance over. Great. Exactly what she needed. The guard stepped slightly in front of her again. “You’ll need to reschedule.” Aria opened her mouth— And the temperature of the room changed. Not literally. But it felt like it. A presence had entered the space without announcing itself. She turned. And saw him. Dominic Vale. He wasn’t rushing. He didn’t need to. He walked like the building already knew to make space for him. Tailored suit. Calm expression. Eyes that didn’t waste time on anything that didn’t matter. Until they landed on her. And stayed. Aria didn’t look away. That was important. Most people did. “Is there a problem?” he asked. His voice was even. Controlled. Quiet enough that it made everyone else listen harder. The guard straightened immediately. “Sir, she doesn’t have clearance—” “I have an appointment,” Aria cut in quickly. I was delayed by traffic and now they’re saying I should reschedule, but I can’t reschedule because— Because? Dominic interrupted softly. That stopped her. Not rudely. Just enough. Aria held his gaze again, forcing herself not to shrink under it. Because I didn’t come all this way for nothing. A pause. Something flickered in his expression. Not emotion exactly. Interest, maybe. Or calculation. He turned slightly to the guard. Let her in. The guard blinked. Sir? I heard you, Dominic said calmly. No raised voice. No explanation. Just authority. The kind that didn’t ask for agreement. Aria frowned. I don’t need special treatment. Dominic looked back at her. “You’re late because of traffic. Not because you’re careless.” That landed strangely. Like he had already decided that part of her story mattered. She didn’t like that he had noticed. And she liked even less that it made her feel seen. “I still don’t understand why you’re letting me in,” she said. A faint pause. Then Dominic answered simply. “Because I want to hear what you have to say.” And just like that, he turned away. Leaving her standing there. Letting her into a world she was already one second too late for… and somehow still being the reason she got in at all. The guard's hand trembled slightly as he pressed the button that let her through the turnstile. Aria didn't wait for his apology. She stepped into the lobby's inner sanctum, heels clicking against polished marble, her eyes fixed on the broad back of Dominic Vale as he walked toward the elevators without looking back. She caught up just as he pressed the call button. The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime. He stepped inside, holding the door with one hand, and nodded once. Her pulse hammered. Don't think about it. You're here for a meeting. That's all. But as she stepped into the elevator beside him, the space shrank. The air thickened. She caught the scent of his cologne—something dark and woody, with a hint of leather. Clean. Expensive. The kind of scent that lingered on skin long after he'd left a room. The doors closed. They were alone. Dominic pressed the button for the 34th floor. The elevator hummed as it rose. He didn't look at her. Instead, he stood facing forward, hands clasped loosely behind his back, perfectly still. Aria's breath came shallow. She could feel the heat radiating off his body even from a foot away. Or maybe that was just her own flushed skin. I appreciate this,she said, forcing her voice to stay steady. But I'm capable of handling my own meetings. I don't need you to escort me. A faint smile touched his lips. Not quite amusement. Something else. I'm not escorting you,he said quietly. "I'm curious. She stared at his profile. The sharp jaw. The slight hint of stubble just starting to shadow his skin. The way his tie sat perfectly knotted, counting every inch of his throat. Curious about what? He turned his head then. Slowly. Green eyes met hers, and she felt pinned in place. About a woman who doesn't flinch when she's told no. His gaze trailed down her body—not crude, but deliberate. It lingered at her lips, her collarbone, the curve of her waist beneath her blazer. She felt it like a touch, hot and invasive, and her thighs pressed together involuntarily. That's rare, he added, his voice a low rumble.Especially here. Aria's mouth went dry. She should have said something professional. Redirected. Kept distance. Instead, she held his gaze and felt her n*****s harden against the silk of her blouse. I don't know if that's a compliment,she said, "or a test." It's both, Dominic said. The elevator dinged. The doors slid open to the 34th floor. But neither of them moved. His hand reached out—slowly, deliberately—and pressed the button to close the doors again. They slid shut with a soft click. Aria's breath caught. You're not going to your meeting, he said softly. She should have argued. Should have demanded an explanation. Instead, she asked, What am I doing, then? His eyes darkened. Standing here. With me. Letting me decide. He stepped closer. Just one step. But it brought him inside her space, his chest inches from hers, his breath warm against her forehead. She could see the faint pulse in his throat. Could see the way his hands curled at his sides, restrained, like he was holding himself back. You feel it too, he murmured, not a question. The tension. The weight in this room. Aria's throat tightened. Her voice came out raw. Yes. His hand lifted, fingertips grazing the side of her neck. Featherlight. But it sent a shock down her spine that made her gasp. I want to hear what you have to say, he said again, voice barely a whisper, his thumb stroking the edge of her jaw. But first, I want to hear you breathe for me. She swallowed hard. Her chest rose and fell faster. Dominic— That's right.His lips brushed her ear. Say my name again. She did. His response was a low groan, barely audible, but it vibrated through her skin. His hand slid down her shoulder, her arm, to her wrist. He lifted her hand, turned it over, and pressed his lips to the inside of her palm. Aria's knees nearly buckled. He held her steady, one hand at her back, pulling her flush against him. The hardness in his trousers pressed unmistakably against her hip. You have no idea,he whispered against her palm, how long it's been since someone didn't look away from me. She tilted her chin up. Maybe you need to be looked at. Something broke in his control. He kissed her. Not soft. Not gentle. A claiming kiss, mouth hot and demanding, tongue sliding against hers as he pushed her back against the elevator wall. His hand cupped her ass, squeezing, lifting her slightly so her legs parted and his thigh pressed between them. Aria moaned into his mouth. She felt his c**k strain against his pants, felt the slick heat building between her thighs. She wanted him there. Wanted his hands everywhere. Wanted his mouth on her skin. He pulled back just enough to breathe, forehead pressed to hers. I have a meeting in ten minutes, he said hoarsely. But I don't want to go. Then don't. His laugh was rough. You're dangerous. So are you. He kissed her again, slower this time, tasting her. His hand slid between their bodies, palm flat against her stomach, then lower, to the waistband of her skirt. I want you in my office, he murmured against her lips. Now. Aria didn't hesitate. Then take me there.