Bella hesitated at the entrance of Marcus Kane’s private dining room. The air inside was thick with expensive wine, the faint scent of orchids, and something far more dangerous—seduction. Marcus lounged at the head of the table, a glass of red wine cradled in his hand, eyes glinting with mischief and intent.
“Bella,” he said smoothly, standing just enough to offer her a chair. “I’m glad you could join me. Just a casual dinner—business, of course.” His lips curved into a knowing smile, one that made her stomach twist with both anticipation and alarm.
Bella forced a polite smile and took her seat, aware of the tension coiling in her chest. She had no intention of giving Marcus any reason to think she could be swayed. But something was intoxicating about the way he looked at her, the way he
