Chapter 2: Sparks and Fire

Mia's first official meeting with Adrian was the very next morning. As she entered the sleek, modern conference room, she felt the weight of his gaze on her. The room was filled with top executives, all seated in their designated places, waiting for the CEO's arrival.

Adrian walked in with effortless authority, his presence commanding immediate attention. He took his seat at the head of the table and then fixed his cold gaze on Mia.

"Miss Donovan," he greeted, his voice smooth but laced with an undeniable edge. "I trust you'll be more careful with my time than you were with my suit."

A few executives in the room chuckled nervously. Mia, however, held her ground, meeting his gaze with unwavering confidence. "I'm always careful, Mr. Blackwood. It's just that some things—like unfortunate coffee accidents—are beyond my control."

His lips twitched, but he masked it quickly. "Let's see if your work speaks as boldly as you do."

The meeting continued, and despite his sharp tone and relentless questioning, Mia matched him at every turn. There was an undeniable tension in the air—one that neither of them could quite ignore.

Later that evening, Mia was working late in her small cubicle when she heard footsteps approaching. She turned to find Adrian standing there, his eyes studying her with an unreadable expression.

"Still here?" he asked.

"I don't like leaving things unfinished," she said, shutting her laptop.

He took a step closer, invading her space. "That's an admirable trait, Miss Donovan."

Mia stood, suddenly very aware of how close they were. "Is there something you need, Mr. Blackwood?"

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The tension between them was thick, crackling like electricity. Then, without warning, Adrian reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. His fingers brushed against her cheek, lingering just a second too long.

"I'm beginning to think you enjoy challenging me," he murmured.

Mia's heart pounded. She should have stepped back. She should have said something sharp and dismissive. But instead, she found herself tilting her head up slightly, her lips parting just as his gaze dropped to them.

And then, as if neither of them could resist the pull any longer, Adrian closed the distance between them and kissed her.

The kiss was unexpected, yet it was fire and intensity all at once. His lips were firm, demanding, and completely in control, but Mia met him with equal force. Her fingers clutched his shirt, pulling him closer, and for a brief moment, nothing else in the world mattered.

When they finally pulled apart, breathless, Adrian smirked. "That was… unexpected."

Mia swallowed, trying to regain her composure. "You think?"

He chuckled, low and husky. "I told you—you drive me insane."

Mia took a shaky breath. "Then maybe you should stay away from me."

Adrian's smirk deepened. "Not a chance.