Page 38 of His Son's Ex

I swallow hard.Focus.

I sit back, adjusting my blazer. “I know that. But now that I’m aware you’re the CEO, I’m not sure this is the right fit for me.”

Dante tilts his head. “Oh?”

“You and I both know the risks of working for a company like this. With your affiliations, I imagine your enemies wouldn’t hesitate to attack through cyberspace. That makes me a target.”

His jaw flexes slightly. “I would never let anything happen to you.”

The way he says it—firm and absolute—sends a strange warmth through my chest.

Still, I force myself to remain logical. “That’s a nice sentiment, but it doesn’t change the fact that my name will be tied to BK&C’s cybersecurity. If someone wants to make a statement, I’ll be the one in their crosshairs.”

Dante exhales, watching me for a long beat. Then, slowly, he stands. “How about this?” He rounds the desk and sits in the chair beside me. He smells like sandalwood.

“Before you say no, take a tour of the office. Meet the team. Then decide.”

I should refuse.

I should get up and walk out of here before I make the stupidest decision of my career.

But instead, I nod. “Fine. A tour.”

“Good.” His lips brush close to my ear. “Because I’m not ready to let you go just yet.”

Dante leads me through the sprawling offices. The atmosphere is thick with wealth and power, glass-walled conference rooms filled with men in sharp suits, women in crisp pencil skirts tapping away at high-end workstations. Everything radiates efficiency and control.

Dante moves with predatory confidence, his hand lightly resting at the small of my back as he introduces me to various executives.

It’s subtle—the possessiveness, the silent claim—but I can feel it. And I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make my pulse race.

My expression is neutral while shaking hands, smiling politely and offering crisp, professional answers when asked about my experience.

Dante slows near a corner where a group of executives are chatting, and just as I think I might get through this tour unscathed, the universe decides to screw me over.

“Eva?” The surprise on Luca’s face quickly shifts into something more like amusement.

Oh, for fuck’s sake.

Dante’s entire body shifts. His dominance sharpens, his posture becomes more territorial, his presence dark and commanding in a way that makes my stomach tighten.

“Luca.” His tone is cool and professional.

Luca folds his arms, grinning. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

My throat tightens. “Neither did I.”

Luca tilts his head, eyeing me like I’m an interesting puzzle. “You working here now? Or can you just not stay away from me?”

Dante responds before I have the chance to. “Ms. Smith is considering an offer.” His voice is clipped and businesslike, an underlying edge to it.

Luca blinks, then lets out a short laugh. “Never thought you’d go corporate.”

I narrow my eyes. “Why? Because I’m too smart for this place?”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “No, because you hate sitting still. I remember you complaining about how office jobs are just modern-day cages.”

Dante crosses his arms, his gaze locked on Luca. “Unlike you, Luca, Eva actually has marketable skills.”