The penthouse felt charged with possibility the following afternoon. Elara had timed the meeting perfectly—Kai was supposed to be tied up until evening with Damien and Maha reviewing final integration details for the Thaifeng coastal properties. She wore a tailored cream dress that hugged her figure, the zipper strategically easy to access. Beneath it, sheer black lace lingerie and the Ice & Eternity bracelet that now felt like a secret token. Her hair fell in loose waves, makeup flawless.
Malik arrived at 2:15 p.m., looking devastating in dark jeans and a fitted black button-up that accentuated his athletic build and the tattoos snaking along his forearms. His green eyes held a storm when they met hers.
“Elara,” he said, voice low as the elevator doors closed behind him. “We really shou
