Page 116 of Cursed

A bottle of Château Margaux 2009 breathes on the counter, worth half what most people make in a month. Not that I care about the price. Tonight isn’t about wealth—it’s about shaping a life I never imagined wanting.

Home.

I move to the windows, looking out at the glittering cityscape spread below like a carpet of stars. My reflection stares back at me—a man I barely recognize anymore. Softer around the edges. Dangerous still, but with purpose.

“Something smells amazing.”

I turn to find Sadie standing in the doorway, wearing one of my shirts and nothing else. Her hair is damp from the shower, curling around her shoulders. The sight of my initials peeking from beneath the collar sends a possessive thrill through me.

“Lamb osso buco,” I answer, crossing to her. “With risotto and roasted vegetables.”

Her eyebrows rise. “You cooked all this?”

“Don’t sound so surprised.” I pull her against me, breathing in the scent of soap on her skin. “I have many talents you haven’t discovered yet.”

“Clearly.” She smiles at me.

I guide her to the table and then pour deep red wine into crystal glasses. The domesticity of this moment would have disgusted me months ago. Now, watching Sadie take her first sip of wine, her eyes closing in appreciation as the flavor hits her palate, I can’t imagine wanting anything else.

“To unexpected developments,” I say, raising my glass.

She touches her glass to mine. “To unexpected developments.”

“So,” I say, cutting into the tender meat on my plate, “how’s the security overhaul coming along?”

Sadie takes another sip of wine before answering. “I’ve identified seven more vulnerabilities in your network infrastructure that Hollins either missed or deliberately left open.”

“Seven?” The number surprises me.

“Your internal firewall is solid, but your remote access protocols are...” She pauses, searching for a diplomatic word.

“Shit?” I offer.

A smile tugs at her lips. “I was going to sayantiquated, but yes, they’re shit.” She lifts a forkful of rice to her mouth. “Anyone with decent skills could exploit the VPN tunnels. I’ve already patched three of them, but the others require hardware upgrades.”

I watch her as she explains the technical details, her eyes bright. The way her mind works—systematic yet creative—continues to fascinate me.

“Would you be interested in taking this on permanently?” I ask.

Her fork pauses halfway to her mouth. “What do you mean?”

“Head of Cybersecurity for Blackwood Group. Your own department, team, budget.” I keep my tone casual, though the idea has been consuming my thoughts for days. “You’d report directly to me.”

“Are you asking me or telling me?”

“Asking,” I clarify. “Your choice entirely.”

Sadie sets down her fork. “And if I say no?”

In the past, I would have ensured compliance through force or manipulation. Now, I simply shrug. “Then you say no. Though I’d be an idiot to let talent like yours walk away.”

“You’re not known for being an idiot,” she points out, a smirk playing on her lips.

“High praise from you.” I refill her wine glass. “Think about it. No pressure.”

She laughs at that—a genuine sound that still catches me off guard. “Landon Blackwood, not applying pressure? That might be a first.”

I smile back at her. “What can I say? You’re changing all my firsts.”