Adetoye_Eniola

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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.


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DOMINANCE &DESIRE

Chapter 23 – Lines We Can't Cross

The meeting ended on a tense note. Arthur Lancaster's associate left with a polite, practiced smile, but Zane had seen the flicker of unease in her eyes. Vincent's strategy had clearly rattled her. That was a win.

But even as the last person exited the conference room, Zane wasn't thinking about the deal anymore.

The way he had taken control of the conversation, shutting down Arthur's play before it could even begin. The way his voice had turned sharp—dangerous—when Arthur's associate had implied they weren't in sync.

The way Vincent had looked at him.

Like they weren't just business partners anymore.

Zane leaned back in his chair, watching as Vincent gathered his papers with methodical precision. The man was annoyingly efficient, as always, but something in his shoulders seemed tighter than usual.

"You were enjoying yourself in there," Zane mused, letting his voice dip just enough to test the waters.

Vincent didn't look up. "I enjoy efficiency."

Zane smirked. "Sure. And I enjoy accounting."

That earned him a glance, brief but sharp.

"Do you ever take anything seriously?" Vincent asked, his voice edged with something Zane couldn't quite place.

Zane shrugged. "Not everything needs to be a battle, Graves. Sometimes, it's about having fun."

Vincent exhaled through his nose, unimpressed. "Fun doesn't win wars."

Zane sat up, resting his elbows on the polished mahogany table. "Maybe not. But it makes surviving them a hell of a lot easier."

For a moment, something flickered in Vincent's expression—something almost too personal.

Zane caught it. He knew that look.

A man who had fought wars of his own.

But then, just as quickly, the mask was back in place.

"This deal isn't secured yet," Vincent said, standing. "We'll reconvene tomorrow."

Zane didn't move as Vincent gathered his things and walked to the door.

But something about this moment felt unfinished.

Vincent paused, one hand on the doorframe.

Zane stood slowly, closing the distance between them. He didn't touch him, but he stepped close enough that he could see the tension in Vincent's jaw, the way his fingers tightened against the file he was holding.

"Tell me something," Zane murmured. "Are we just business partners now?"

Vincent's jaw flexed. "This is a partnership. Nothing more."

Zane chuckled, low and knowing. "Liar."

Vincent's eyes darkened, but he didn't step back. If anything, he held his ground even more stubbornly.

Zane tilted his head, letting the weight of Vincent's words settle between them. The air was thick, charged with something neither of them wanted to name.

"That's the thing, Graves." Zane's voice dropped, teasing, testing. "You don't look like you'd mind being pushed."

Zane didn't miss the way Vincent's breath hitched—just for a second.

For the briefest moment, he swore Vincent was going to close the distance. That he was going to stop pretending.

His expression was unreadable, but the walls were back up, stronger than before.

"Get some rest," Vincent said, his voice cold and detached. "Tomorrow will be a long day."

Then he turned and walked out, leaving Zane standing there.

Zane exhaled, running a hand through his hair.

And he wasn't sure if he loved it or hated it.

Vincent Graves was a man who didn't lose control easily.

LINES WE CAN'T CROSS