Bella couldn’t believe the audacity of Marcus Kane. His smile was smooth, practiced, the kind that made every nerve in her body alert. She had expected charm, maybe a professional attempt at negotiation—but what she didn’t expect was the palpable, magnetic pull he exuded, the way his gaze seemed to trace her body under the guise of casual conversation.
“You’re far too exquisite for someone like Damien,” Marcus murmured, his voice low, deliberate, sliding across the space between them like silk. He reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, and the touch was electric, sending shivers down her spine. She recoiled slightly, reminding herself he was dangerous, a predator in a different suit.
“I’m here for business,” Bella replied, her voice firmer than she felt. Her pulse pounded
