CLAIMED BY THE BILLIONAIRE CEO MAN

Chapter 3

The private elevator opened directly into Alec’s split-level penthouse, where floor-to-ceiling glass wrapped around a panoramic view of the sparkling city skyline.

"Shower's down the hall on the left," Alec said, unbuttoning his dark coat and tossing it over a leather armchair. "My housekeeper keeps fresh robes in the closet. Take your time."

Thirty minutes later, Elena stepped out of the steam-filled bathroom, wrapped in an oversized, plush white robe that hit mid-calf. She felt human again. The cold shame of the evening had bled away, replaced by the humming warmth of the penthouse's floor heating—and a sharp, prickling anxiety about what came next.

She found Alec standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows, holding a glass of scotch. He had stripped off his suit jacket and tie, unbuttoning the top three buttons of his crisp white dress shirt and rolling the sleeves up his forearms.

As Elena walked in, he turned. His eyes darkened instantly, sweeping slowly over her damp hair, her bare neck, and the way the belt of the robe cinched tightly around her lush, defined waist.

"Better?" he asked, his voice low and smooth.

"Much," Elena said, stepping closer to the glass. "It’s a long way down."

"It’s the best view in the city," Alec murmured, stepping up right behind her. The heat of his body radiated against her back. He didn't touch her, but his closeness made her skin tingle. "And tomorrow, everyone down there will know your name."

He reached out, his long fingers picking up a sleek black tablet from the glass table beside them. He tapped the screen once and handed it to her.

Elena looked down. It was an official press release, embargoed for 8:00 AM.

MERCER ENTERPRISES LAUNCHES LUXURY DESIGN DIVISION, APPOINTS ELENA VANCE AS CCO.

Below the headline was a draft of a contract, detailing a seven-figure salary, stock options, and a dedicated executive team.

"You don't waste time," Elena whispered, her heart hammering against her ribs.

"Time is the only thing I don't compromise on," Alec said, taking a step closer until his chest lightly brushed her shoulder. "When I see something I want, I secure it."

Elena turned her head slightly to look at him. His icy blue eyes were fixed on her lips.

"Is this just business to you, Alec?" she asked softly.

Alec set the tablet down and leaned in, his thumb gently catching her chin and tilting her face up to his. His breath brushed her skin, warm and intoxicating.

"If it were just business, Elena, I would have offered you a standard contract at my corporate office tomorrow morning," he purred, his fingers sliding up her neck to cup the soft curve of her jaw. "This is personal. I want Julian Vance to watch you become untouchable. And I want to be the man who gives you the throne."

Before she could process his words, his mouth covered hers.

The kiss wasn't gentle; it was hungry, demanding, and possessive. Elena gasped into his mouth, her hands instinctively coming up to grip his broad shoulders, pulling herself flush against his towering frame. Alec let out a low growl, sliding his hands down her waist, gripping her full hips tightly as he pulled her impossibly closer.

Every insecurity Julian had drummed into her over three years vanished in an instant. Alec wasn't holding back. He was holding her like she was a prize, worshipping every curve with a dark, intense passion that left her weak at the knees.

When he finally broke the kiss, both of them were breathing heavily. His forehead rested against hers, his eyes dark with raw desire.

"Get some sleep tonight, Elena," Alec whispered against her lips, his hands still anchored firmly on her hips. "Because starting tomorrow, we tear his world down."