Crimson Devotion

Chapter 5 : The Deal

The morning light did nothing to soften Damian Voss.

He sat behind a desk of black glass, a cup of untouched coffee steaming beside him. No tie. Sleeves rolled up. Like he’d slept in that suit and decided it didn’t matter.

Like he owned every room he walked into.

Mira hated that her pulse reacted.

“Close the door,” he said without looking up.

She did. The click echoed.

“Miss Castellano.” Finally, his eyes lifted. Dark. Sharp. Like he was photographing her now, cataloging every flaw. “We need to discuss terms.”

“Terms?” Mira kept her camera strap gripped in her hand. Armor. “I was hired to take photos. That’s the term.”

Damian leaned back. “You were hired by Vogue. I own Vogue.”

A beat.

“And I know why you’re really here.”

Mira’s stomach dropped. Six years of planning. Gone in one sentence.

“I don’t—”

“Don’t.” He cut her off. “Your father worked for my rival. He stole from me. And he paid for it.” His voice didn’t rise. It didn’t have to. “You think I don’t recognize his daughter?”

The air left her lungs.

So he knew. All this time, he knew.

“Then why am I still breathing?” she whispered.

“Because killing you would be boring.” Damian stood. He circled the desk slowly, stopping a foot from her. He smelled like cedar and danger. “Here’s my deal, Mira. You finish the 3-day shoot. You play the perfect professional. And in return…”

He reached out. Tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered half a second too long.

“I don’t tell anyone who you are. And I let you live long enough to regret coming for me.”

Mira met his eyes. Fear. Rage. And something worse — recognition.

Because the man who ruined her life was also the most dangerous man she’d ever wanted.

“Deal,” she said.

His mouth curved. Not a smile. A promise.

“Good girl.”