Page 7

“Yes. Absolutely.” Anya nodded quickly. “Nothing at all. I have the memory of a fish. Seven seconds max. Especially the nak—”
She slapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes widening. She flipped her face away, horrified.
‘You want to get kicked out of this house too?!’ she cursed herself, cheeks burning red.
Dante clenched his jaw. Then he said in a deadly calm voice, “Since you’re coming to the office from today, don’t expect any special treatment.”
Anya looked up. His cold eyes met hers.
“Remember this. You’re just like any other employee. Don’t expect favors.”
“I know. Of course.” She nodded again, her tone more serious now.
Noticing her eyes fixed on him, Dante cleared his throat, an awkward expression briefly flickering in his gaze. He grabbed the plate of sandwiches from the table and shoved it in front of her.
“Eat this. I’m leaving. If you want to go with me, be outside in five.”
Anya grabbed a sandwich and shoved it into her mouth without hesitation, chewing as fast as she could. Dante pushed back his chair and stood, towering over the table as he turned and strode out of the room without another word.
Four quick bites later, she swallowed the last bit, grabbed her purse, and bolted after him.
Outside, a sleek white Rolls-Royce waited in the driveway, gleaming under the morning sun like a ghostly beast. Dantestood near the passenger side, talking on the phone, his back to her. She slowed her steps as she approached, nervous.
His green eyes flicked her way for a second, making her heart stutter in her chest.
She shuffled awkwardly in place, waiting for him to finish his call. He turned away again, murmuring into the phone.
Anya rocked nervously on her heels, fidgeting with the strap of her bag. She hated how just a look from him could make her stomach twist. He made her heart pound so hard, she feared he’d hear it.
After a few minutes, Dante ended the call and walked toward her. Without saying a word, he pulled open the car door.
“Thanks,” Anya said with a bright smile, climbing in quickly.
Seated, she beamed up at him. But Dante just stared at her with that same pissed-off expression.
“Th–thanks?” she repeated awkwardly, extending her hand toward the door as if to close it herself.
Dante growled something under his breath and slammed the door shut with force.
Anya jumped in her seat.
Anya flinched. “What’s wrong with this guy?” she whispered to herself, watching him stride around the car to the driver’s side.
Moments later, the engine roared to life, and the car sped down the streets of Manhattan.
***
Kingsley Corporation was one of the most powerful companies in the world, especially in tech and intelligence. It was one ofthe fastest-growing empires in the country, and with that kind of influence came tight security and a high-pressure environment, even though the office itself was filled with people.
Dante strode across the seventeenth floor, his steps swift and firm, the sound of his polished shoes echoing through the marble hallway. Towering at well over six feet, with broad shoulders, sharp features, and an aura that made people stand straighter when he passed, Dante was impossible to ignore. His dark, custom-fitted suit clung to his frame perfectly.
Anya walked beside him, though slightly behind—struggling to keep up with his long strides. Her eyes darted nervously to the people around them. All chatter in the hallway died as every pair of eyes landed on them.
“Is that... a woman with Mr. Kingsley?” one man whispered, inching closer to the group of coworkers who were also staring like they'd just seen a ghost.
“Ice King… with a woman? Am I dreaming?” another girl gasped. “He never even lets women be alone with him in public, let alone into his office! What’s going on?”
“Could she be his fiancée?”