Adetoye_Eniola

---

Dominance & Desire

In the cutthroat world of business, Vincent Graves is known for his ruthless precision. Cold, calculating, and always in control, he’s built an empire through sheer dominance. Zane Harrington, on the other hand, is everything Vincent despises—reckless, unpredictable, and far too tempting for his own good.

When a multi-million-dollar inheritance forces them into an uneasy partnership, their long-standing rivalry ignites into something even more dangerous. Every meeting is a battlefield, every conversation a game of power. But beneath the sharp words and heated stares, desire simmers—dark, undeniable, and impossible to ignore.

As past traumas resurface and buried emotions claw their way to the surface, Vincent and Zane are left with a choice: fight until they destroy each other… or surrender to the fire that threatens to consume them both.

Enemies by fate. Bound by power. Seduced by something neither of them is ready to admit.


---

DOMINANCE &DESIRE

Chapter 3: Cracks Beneath the Surface

Zane stared at the city skyline through the glass walls of his office, a tumbler of whiskey in his hand. The world outside looked so steady, so predictable—the exact opposite of his life right now.

He downed the drink, letting the burn distract him.

Partnering with Vincent Graves was like willingly stepping into a lion's den. The man was unshakable, unreadable, and infuriatingly perfect. Everything Zane wasn't. And that pissed him off.

The door to his office swung open without a knock. Only one person had the audacity to do that.

"I don't remember inviting you in, Graves."

Vincent stepped inside, his tailored suit crisp as ever, his silver watch gleaming under the lights. His presence carried an air of absolute control, as if the whole world moved at his pace.

"You're late on your part of the contract," Vincent said coolly, placing a file on Zane's desk. "I don't tolerate delays."

Zane smirked, leaning back against his desk. "And I don't tolerate assholes barging into my office unannounced."

Vincent remained unfazed. "You're playing games."

Zane chuckled darkly. He always played games. It was easier than facing reality. "What can I say? I like to have fun."

Vincent's gaze sharpened. "That's your problem. You treat business—and people—like they're disposable."

The words hit harder than Zane expected. Disposable. He'd heard that before. Too many times. From people who left. From people who used him.

Something flickered in Vincent's expression, almost as if he regretted saying it. But Vincent Graves wasn't the type to regret anything.

Zane's smirk wavered, but he forced it back. "What's wrong, Graves? You sound almost… emotional."

Vincent's jaw tightened. "I don't let emotions interfere with business."

Of course he didn't. Vincent was the type to lock everything away, to never let anyone in. And maybe that was the biggest difference between them—Zane felt too much, while Vincent refused to feel at all.

A tense silence stretched between them.

Then, Zane did something reckless. He stepped closer, invading Vincent's space. Just to see if he'd flinch.

"You really don't feel anything, huh?" Zane murmured, tilting his head. "No anger, no frustration? Not even when I do… this?"

He reached out, brushing his fingers against Vincent's tie. A teasing move. A challenge.

For the first time, Vincent hesitated. Just for a second.

Zane saw it—the brief crack in Vincent's perfect armor.

And suddenly, this game wasn't so fun anymore.

CRACKS BENEATH THE SURFACE