Devil's Bargain

Milan, Italy – Ferrara Estate

The meeting with Luca Ferrara had gone better than expected.

By the time Evangeline left his estate, she had secured an exclusive partnership, effectively bypassing Killian's blockade. The ink wasn't dry yet, but it would be soon.

For the first time in weeks, she had the upper hand.

And then she saw him.

Standing by a sleek black car, watching her with the patience of a predator.

Killian Thorne.

Evangeline's pulse jumped, but she forced herself to walk past him, toward her own waiting car.

"That was quite a move," he murmured, falling into step beside her.

She didn't stop. "I thought so."

Killian chuckled. "Luca Ferrara? Bold. He likes dangerous women."

She slid him a glance. "Then we'll get along just fine."

He reached out, catching her wrist before she could step inside her car.

A shiver shot through her.

"Have dinner with me."

She laughed, trying to pull free, but his grip was gentle, unyielding. "You must be joking."

Killian leaned in slightly, his voice lowering. "One dinner, Evangeline. No games. Just business."

She hesitated.

She should say no.

She should walk away.

And yet…

This wasn't just about dinner.

It was a challenge. A test. And she had never been the kind of woman to back down from one.

Her lips curled into a slow smirk. "Fine. But if this is a trap, Killian, you'll regret it."

His gaze darkened with something wicked. "Darling, I never set traps I don't want to be caught in."

---

Chapter 12 - The Proposal

Lake Como – Private Villa

Dinner wasn't in a restaurant.

No, this was Killian Thorne—he had rented out a private villa overlooking Lake Como, where the water shimmered beneath the moonlight.

Evangeline stepped onto the terrace, unsurprised by the candlelit table set for two.

"You always did have a flair for theatrics," she mused, taking her seat.

Killian poured her wine, watching her over the rim of his glass. "And you always liked pretending you weren't impressed."

She smirked but said nothing.

They made it through dinner without disaster. No fights. No veiled threats. Just sharp conversation, laced with dangerous nostalgia.

Then, just as she was finishing her wine, Killian leaned forward.

"I have an offer for you."

Evangeline tilted her head. "I already made my move, Killian. You lost this round."

He smirked. "Did I?"

He set a document on the table. A contract.

Evangeline picked it up, scanning the first few lines. Then she froze.

This wasn't a business deal.

It was a merger.

A proposal to combine their companies—to become partners.

She looked up sharply. "You can't be serious."

Killian's expression was unreadable. "Think about it, Evangeline. You and I, together. Unstoppable. No one could touch us."

Her heart pounded. This was insane.

"You expect me to trust you?" she asked.

Killian leaned closer, his voice a dark promise.

"I expect you to be smart enough to know that you don't have a choice."

---

What This Adds:

More Mind Games: Killian isn't just attacking—he's offering an alliance, one that could change everything.

Emotional & Power Tension: Evangeline's biggest weakness isn't Killian's business strategies—it's the way he still gets under her skin.

A Dangerous Offer: If she says yes, she gains power but loses control. If she says no… Killian won't make it easy for her.