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She was wrong to have thought that I was going to take no for an answer after asking her out to dinner. I always got what I wanted—one way or another. Although her rejection was admirable, it was the driving force that led me to press on. My curiosity wouldn’t let me respect her decision.

I just couldn’t ignore the fact that she’d been bold enough to turn me down. Her spunk, courage, and defiance had me hooked. She did what no girl or woman had ever done, and I couldn’t think of anything more fascinating than that.

Usually, girls her age would do anything just to get my attention, anything at all. But not her. She was different, and that alone was why I was curious to find out more about her.

Perhaps her rejection had bruised my manly pride, but that wasn’t the reason I insisted on going out with her. Yes, it pricked my ego, but it also piqued my interest more. I needed to know her beyond just the confines of her office. I had to.

Dressed in my impeccably tailored black suit, I stood in front of the full-length mirror, my fingers adjusting my tie. I glanced at my watch, hoping that she was actually going to be ready by nine. She was a stubborn woman and just might turn down my invitation. Again. However, a part of me believed that it was going to be different this time.

The sound of my phone vibrating on the bedside table punctured through my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. Taking one last look at my reflection in the mirror, I adjusted my cufflinks and strolled over to the buzzing phone.

The incoming call was from my lieutenant, Alex, and my brows knitted together for a minute before I lifted the device to my ear. “Yes?”

“Boss,” his deep voice came through the phone’s speaker. “I’ve got some news about Damon Barlow…and it’s not good.”

My eyes narrowed, and my jaw tightened ever so slightly at the mention of that bastard’s name. “What about him?” I asked, my voice low and laced with disdain.

“He’s been hospitalized, sir,” Alex’s sharp tone cut through the air. “It appears the injuries he sustained from your…altercation have worsened.”

Unmoved by the recent development, I stood in the silence of my room, the phone to my ear. Deep down, I knew this was trouble, and chaos was not too far behind, but I couldn’t care less.

Alex went ahead to further explain the gravity of the situation. “Damon’s had a heart attack, sir, and my sources tell me that the man’s in critical condition. It’s not looking good, sir.”

Unfazed by the news, I looked at the wall clock, more concerned about my date tonight than about Barlow’s well-being. He could kick the bucket for all I cared.

Alex, noticing my silence and nonchalance, asked, “Are you still there?”

“I am,” I replied, my voice cold and devoid of emotion. “Anything else?” My dismissive tone silenced him for a moment.

He knew that I didn’t give two shits, and although he wasn’t in support of my nonchalance, he knew better than to protest.

“No, sir. That’s all for now,” he said, low and even.

“Good,” came my reply, and the line went dead as I ended the call with an unchanging expression.

I had more important things to worry about, and Barlow’s health wasn't one of them.

With a fluid motion, I tucked the phone in my pocket and glided out of the room.

While driving to Clarice’s house, my heart wouldn’t stop racing with anticipation. I hated the feeling, but at the same time, I couldn’t help it. Was I nervous? I couldn’t be, could I? How was she able to stir up such an emotion within me? I never second-guessed my charms, but now I was. I didn’t know for sure what would greet me at her place.

Would she honor my invitation or decline it?

I struggled with these thoughts all through the drive until I reached her place and pulled up by the sidewalk. My eyes darted toward her window, where the faint outline of her silhouette danced behind the closed curtains. The gentle movement was mesmerizing, a quiet intimacy that felt almost invasive.

Suddenly, the lights inside flickered out, plunging the room into darkness. My eyes narrowed, and I grabbed the door handle, opened it, and then stepped outside. The evening air was cool against my face as I shut the door shut, buttoning up my blazer.

My shoes, polished to a shine, clicked against the pavement as I walked to the other side of the sleek black SUV. I leaned against the surface, eyes fixed on her door, waiting.

I shot a quick glance at my watch; it was already a few minutes past nine o’clock. Looking around discreetly, I peered at the surroundings in an attempt to keep my mind distracted. Beneath my calm and composed exterior, anticipation shimmered—a strange emotion that had me bewildered.

Her front door opened, and my eyes darted toward her—an epitome of elegance. My brows arched slightly, and I felt a flutter in my chest when our eyes met. My heart stopped for a minute as I drank in the beauty of this goddess approaching me.

She was dressed to perfection, with her hazelnut-brown hair styled in a neat bun on top of her head. The red gown I got her hugged her body like a second skin, accentuating her curves. Her makeup was light, blending seamlessly with her completion, and her eyes sparkled like diamonds. She appeared taller tonight thanks to the black heels that raised her height by a couple of inches.

The daring slit on the side of the dress flashed glimpses of her alluring thighs as she moved gracefully. Her full lips were painted a shade of red, and when they curled into a faint smile, her eyes crinkled at the corners.

I felt my composure falter slightly as I watched her approach me.

Clarice exuded confidence and elegance, her skin simmering in the moon’s ethereal glow. She was gorgeous in every way—simple but classy—and I couldn't help the smirk that played on my lips.

Tonight, Clarice was mine, whether she realized it or not.