Los Angeles, California.
Ivana Smith, 24, exited her sleek black Mercedes, the California sun warming her skin through her tailored suit. sun-kissed pavement. A playful breeze lifted strands of her raven-black hair as her gaze traveled up the Vanderbilt Industries tower. It's sharp angles and imposing height mirrored the enigmatic CEO within, Keal Vanderbilt, man spoken of in hushed, reverent tones in the city's business cycles.
The click of Ivana's stilettos echoed across the polished marble of the lobby. The receptionist's smile faltered for a moment as she took in Ivana's poised confidence.
Good morning, Ms. Smith. Mr Vanderbilt is expected you, the receptionist said, her voice tinged with a hint of curiosity.
Ivana's piercing green eyes sparkled as she approached the elevator. The doors slid open, revealing a chiseled, mysterious figure – Keal Vanderbilt.
Good morning, Ms. Smith, Keal's voice resonated, a low timbre that seemed to vibrate in the air between them. His blue eyes, the colour of a stormy sea, swept over her, lingering on the curve of her waist, the line of her throat. A subtle heat bloomed in Ivana's cheek, but she met his gaze steadily. Mr Vanderbilt.
The air in the elevator thinkened with unspoken possibilities. Whisper of Keal's ruthless business acumen and the trail of broken hearts left in the awake of his scandalous affairs were well known. A primal instinct within Ivana sounded a note of caution, and she intend to listen to it.
Just as the door began to close, the tinny sound of Sofia's voice emanated from the phone pressed to Keal's ear. Darling, where are you?
Ivana's eyes narrowed almost imperceptible. Sofia, Keal's fiercely possessive girlfriend and a renowned actress, was as famous for her dramatic flair off-screen as on.
Business meeting, Sofia, Keal replied, his voice clipped and devoid of warmth. I'll call you later. He ended the call with a decisive click.
The elevator doors sealed them in a shared intimacy. Keal's gaze returned to Ivana, a flicker of something intense and assessing in there depth. You look.... exceptionally sharp today, Ms. Smith.
A slow knowing smile curves in Ivana's lip. Thanks you Mr Vanderbilt, you look quite formidable yourself.
Their brief exchange was cut short by the smooth arrival of the elevator at the Fifth floor. The doors parted, revealing a sleek minimalist office space that spoke of power and efficiency.
"Shall we discuss business, Ms. Smith?" Keal asked, his eyes never leaving hers, a subtle undercurrent of something more personal in his tone.
Ivana nodded, her mind already racing, not just with details of her proposal, but with the intriguing dynamic unfolding between them. Little did she know, their meeting would ignite a connection far more volatile than any business negotiation.
Ivana followed Keal into the modern conference room, the panoramic city skyline a glittering backdrop through the expansive windows.
Please, have a seat, Ivana," Keal gestured towards the supple leather chair, the use of her first name a sudden shift in formality that didn't go unnoticed.
As she settled down, her gaze reminded locked with Keal's as he took his place opposite her.
Your proposal impressed me, his professional demeanor firmly in place. Smith Enterprises innovative approach to sustainable energy aligns with Vanderbilt Industries long- term vision.
Beneath the measured words, Ivana sensed a subtle tension. His professional tone was impeccable, yet the intensity of his gaze held a different kind of hunger, one that made the fine hair on her that made her arms stand on end.
Suddenly, the door swung open, and Sofia strode in, her dramatic entrance punctuated by the swish of her silk dress and the cascade of her raven hair. Her dark eyes, sharp and assessing immediately spotted Ivana.
Keal, darling, Sofia purred, her voice laced with theatrical sweetness as she glided towards him, her hands possessively finding his arm. I wasn't aware you had a... guest.
Keal's expression tightened, a muscle twitching in his jaw. Sofia, this's Ivana Smith. We're in the middle of a crucial discussion regarding a potential partnership.
Sofia's gaze lingered on Ivana, a barely perceptable flicker of something akin to disdain in her eyes before she turned back to Keal, her smile brittle. How... unexpectedly fascinating.
Ivana detected venom beneath Sofia's sugary tone, a territorial warning.
Sofia, I thought we discussed this, Keal said, his voice low and even.
Sofia's smile wavered for a fraction of second before she regained her composure, her hand tightened on Keal's arm. Of course, darling. Forgive my interruption. I'll let you finish your... meeting. As Sofia exited, a final, lingering glances was directed at Ivana, a silent promise of future conflict.
A shiver traced down Ivana's spine. The raw possessiveness radiating from Sofia was palpable.
Apologies for the interruption, Ms. Smith, Keal said, his gaze returning to Ivana.
A wry smile touched on Ivana's lip. It's okay, Mr. Vanderbilt.
Keal's gaze deepenings, a spark of attraction flickering within the blue depth.
Ivana's words hung in the air like a challenge. Keal's eyes seemed to bore into her soul, searching for something beyond the professional facade.
Perhaps we should refocus focus on the proposal, Mr Vanderbilt, Ivans said, her voice dripping with professionalism.
Keal nodded, his mind analyzing the implications of Sofia's interruption.
As they delved into the specifics of the proposal, Ivana sensed Keal's distraction. His eyes would occasionally drift toward the closed door, as if anticipating Sofia's return.
Sofia seem... quite protective, and Ivana ventured, carefully choosing her words.
Keal's expression became guarded, a wall momentarily rising in his eyes. "Sofia is... passionate.
Ivana raised an eyebrow, in amusement. Indeed?
Keal's gaze locked onto hers, a flicker of intensity dancing in his eyes. About everything she considers hers.
The tension between them thickened, heavy with unspoken meaning.
Suddenly, Keal's phone buzzed. Sofia's name flashed across the screen.
Excuse me for one moment, Keal said, rising from his seat.
Ivana watched as he stepped outside, his voice low murmuring. Even through the partially closed door, Sofia's sharp, agitated tone was discernible. You're still with her, aren't you, Keal?
Ivana's curiosity piqued, her senses on high alert. Keal's responses were muffled, but the undercurrent of frustration in his tone was evident.
As Keal re-entered the conference room, his expression was composed, but Ivana detected a hint of annoyance in his eyes.
Apologies, Ms. Smith, Keal said, once more, his voice even. "Where were we?
Ivana smiled sweetly. Discussing the proposal's financial projections.
Keal nodded, redirecting his attention to the documents.
As they worked, Ivana stole glances at Keal, noticing a vulnerability beneath his polished facade. His eyes seemed to hold a deep sadness, a pain he kept hidden.
Keal's gaze met hers, and for a moment, a connected on sparked between them, acknowledgment of the complex situation.
Ivana, Keal said, his softer almost a caress. May I call you that?
Ivana's heart skipped a beat, betraying her composure. Of course.
The air thickened with tension as Keal's eyes lingered on hers.
Just then, the intercom buzzed, breaking the spell.
Mr. Vanderbilt, your lunch meeting awaits, his assistant announced.
Keal rose, his expression returning to its usual composure. I'll walk you out, Ivana.
As they strolled through the lobby, Ivana felt a pang of disappointment. The fleeting connection was lost, leaving her wondering if she'd imagined it.
Stepped into the warm California sunlight, her mind replaying the meeting with Keal. The contrast between his polished facade and vulnerability intrigued her.
Ivana slid into her Mercedes.
As she drove away, Ivana's mind whirled with questions. What secrets lay hidden beneath Keal's construct exterior?
Back at Smith Enterprises, Ivana's assistant, Rachel, greeted her with a curious expression. You received a rather impressive bouquet of white orchids flowers, Ivana.
Ivana's curious, she approached the elegant arrangement on her desk. Tusk among the delicate bloom was a small embossed card.
How about a dinner at my villa, looking forward to our next meeting. -K
A flutter in her chest surprised Ivana. She hadn't expected such a personal gesture.
Just then, her phone buzzed with a call from Beatrice, her best friend.
Hey, girl! Spill. Every. Single. Detail about the Vanderbilt meeting, Beatrice demanded.
Ivana laughed, sharing the details.
As Ivana wrapped up the call, Keal's enigmatic smile and piercing gaze, replayed in her mind. Their connection was undeniable, but Ivana's heart warned her to tread carefully.
Next day evening. Ivana arrived at Keal's estate for dinner, nervous excitement fluttering in her stomach. The grandeur of the mansion, bathed in the soft glow of twilight, was both breathtaking and slightly intimidated her. She took a steady breath reminding herself of her own accomplishment, and step out of the car.
Over dinner, conversation flowed smoothly, with discussions centered around business and innovation. Ivana could see Keal's genuine interest in her ideas.
As the evening wore on, Ivana caught glimpses of Keal's vulnerability. His words hinted at a complex past, but the details remained elusive.
As dinner concluded, Keal suggested to stroll around the garden. The night air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers.
Ivana and Keal walked along the winding path, the soft moonlight casting long shadows through the gardens. The earlier ease conversation has shifted replaced by the awards of each other. Their discussion danced around the edges of business and something more personal.
Rounding a msnicured hedge, Sofia materializesd from the darkness, her eyes blazing with a fierce, almost predatory possessiveness.
Keal, darling, she purred, her voice a silken threat that sent a chill down Ivana's spine. I didn't know you had... company this evening.
Ivana's brain screamed warning. I should leave, Ivana said, her voice calm, despite the sudden spike of unease.
Keal's expression turned tightened. Sofia, this isn't-
I'll handle this, Keal, Sofia interrupted, her gaze never leaving Ivana. You must be exhausted, Ms. Smith. It's time for you to leave.
Ivana nodded, knowing she shouldn't be there right now. Goodnight, Keal. As she turned to leave, Sofia's smile grew sinister.
Shall we take this inside, Keal? Sofia whispered, her fingers tracing his chest.
Keal's jaw clenched, his gaze lingering on Ivana's retreating figure, before he reluctantly followed Sofia to his bedroom.
Sofia's hands roamed Keal's body, her touch igniting a primal response. He grasped her waist, pulling her close.
Their lips clashed in a fierce, possessive kiss. Sofia's tongue danced with Keal's, her moans echoing through the room.
As they broke apart, Sofia's eyes flashed with determination. "You're mine, Keal. Remember that. No one else's.
Keal's gaze darkened. "Prove it," he growled, his voice rough.
Sofia's dress slid to the floor, revealing her curves beneath. Sofia took his hand placing it on her breast, and the other between her legs, Keal's hands explored her body, his fingers teasing her.
Ah, yes.
Her hands hold his head firm, placing a kiss on his lips.
Sofia's legs wrapped around Keal, pulling him deeper.
Keal pull her by her hair revealing her nake to his lips.
Tell me. Why did you come to the office today? Keal asked, as he throw Sofia on the bed roughly.
You know I can't stay a day without seeing you, and then that... Girl
Keal pined her to the bed, pressing her head against the pillow. Did I not tell you not to come except I call for you? Thrusting without even caring to prepare her.
Wait.. that hurt, I was ready.
You are this wet, and you are not yet ready? Is this not what you wanted? To be fucked like a slut.
Wait, why are you being too rough.
Keep quiet, and get fucked like the whore you are.
Ahhh... shit, it feels sooo.. good.
Each thrust causing Sofia's cry to filled the room, Keal's growls answering hers.
In the heat of their lovemaking, s fleeting image of Ivana's green eyes flashed through Keal's mind, a pang of guilt momentarily piecing the haze of lust. But Sofia's grip tightened, her possessive whisper drowning the unwelcome intrusion.
"You.. are. Mine," Sofia whispered, unable to speak properly.
As they reached the peak, Keal's mind wrestled with conflicting desires. Sofia's hold was suffocating, yet Ivana's presence beckoned.
Their bodies shuddered, releasing the built-up tension. Sofia's eyes gleamed with triumphant satisfaction.
Keal's expression remained stoic, but his heart rebelled.
*************************
As Sofia drifted to sleep, Keal's thoughts betrayed him. Ivana's smile haunted his mind.
He knew he couldn't continue this charade. Sofia's grip was suffocating.