Chapter 2 Skylar

As Skylar slipped into her haven, she unwound with a soothing shower, the warm water enveloped her, calming her triumphant spirit, before reclining to her bed. She gazed upward as reflections of the day's event flooded her mind, how she transcended from a shy, quiet and introverted young lady with promising potentials to a bold outspoken market specialist. She was unable to shake off the memories of her interaction with Mr. Blackwood's assistant.

"Midnight wrapped around Skylar like a soft velvet cloak as sleep enveloped her like a warm embrace."

Skylar's eyes quivered open, illuminated by the soft golden light of the sun radiated across the room as the cool air conditioner caressed her skin.

"She stepped outside for a quick glance at the morning sun in order to get soaked by its warmth, soft hum wrapped her, as she sipped her coffee gently.

"Good day Miss martins, congratulations on an exceptional performance.

Your outstanding achievement has secured our partnership with the famous Blackwood tech ventures surpassing our competitors and setting a significant milestone for not just yourself but for the agency as well."

"I appreciate your congratulations Mr. Robert, this achievement is as a result of our team's collaborative effort, I must say that I am thrilled to contribute to the agency's success.

"I look forward to reviewing the meeting's report in my office shortly.

"Mr. Robert enunciated as he entered his opulent office where his gigantic portrait dominated the right corner.

Skylar walked into her office, proceeded to collect her coffee and swiftly arranged her files. She tucked her hand into her bag to retrieve her flash but mistakenly pulled out Mr. Austin's invitation card.

Skylar stared at the invitation card, her fingers trembling slightly as she reread the elegant script. A dinner with a prominent CEO? For her? She was only twenty-four.

Upon completing her task, she checked into a hotel room to chill while waiting for Austin's chauffeur to arrive for the trip to Mr. Blackwood's apartment.

"She felt a thrill of excitement tempered by a hint of nervousness as she prepared to meet Mr. Blackwood."

After sharing her location, a sleek white limousine pulled up, promptly viewing the scenes from her room's balcony, where she stood, admiring the surroundings, elegantly dressed in a pink striped gown that accentuated her curves.

'Shortly afterwards, the room's phone rang alerting her that her attention was needed.' After a swift self-check on the mirror, she proceeded downstairs to the awaiting limousine.

They arrived at an opulent apartment exemplifying luxury and sophistication.

She was escorted into a stunning glass walled living room to await Mr. Blackwood's arrival.

Thereafter Mr. Blackwood's assistant ushered her to a dimly lit room to meet Mr. Blackwood."

"Miss martins, would you kindly take a seat?

Skylar stole a glance at the dining hall, and she noticed the dining room's Golden interior.

Skylar experienced a little bit of unease, though Austin's Aura was calm and professional.

He presented a business agreement requiring my signature to formalize our company's partnership.

"Mr. Blackwood leaned at the edge of the were Skylar sat" Miss martins.

After a brief hesitation Mr. Blackwood asked "do you understand what I meant by I don't just hire people based on their company's reputation. I hire people I can trust."

"I need someone who can handle this project with discretion and dedication- someone I can trust implicitly."

He took a step closer, his gaze never leaving hers. "

I need someone who can navigate my world, someone who understands that business, for me, is never just business.' He said as he handed over a glass of champagne to her.

Mr. Austin's words had a way of resonating authority.

For a moment, silence hung between them, and Skylar resisted the urge to fidget under his intense stare.

Skylar's mind raced, trying to process what he was saying. Was he suggesting...? She tried to keep her voice steady. "What exactly are you proposing, Mr. Austin."

He smiled then, slow and deliberate, like a predator who had just caught the scent of its prey. "I don't mix business with pleasure unless there is something to gain from both.

I'll give you time to think, "he uttered as he refilled his glass with wine.

But you have just thirty minutes to do that.

"He sank back into his plush, sipping his champagne."

He tilted his head, studying her for a moment.

The room seemed to close in around her, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air.

She told herself "He was harmless, and this was just business."

Silence stretched between them, but it wasn't uncomfortable.

Her heart pounded as she looked up at him, lights reflected in his deep blue eyes. And in that moment, she made her choice.

He smiled again, but this time it was different- more serious, as if he had been waiting for this moment.

But as the night descended, the lines blurred. The tension that had been simmering beneath the surface began to rise. Mr. Blackwood moved closer, his hand brushing hers as he handed her another glass of champagne, a mixture of uncertainty and undeniable attraction stirring inside her. She had never intended for the evening to go beyond business.

The conversation grew more personal, drifting from business to their personal life, the atmosphere thickened as they talked, the space between them closing in as the energy shifted.

Their conversation had shifted to soft whispers, the professional guise long gone.

As tension culminated, Austin's bold, gentle lip caught Skylar.

Skylar hesitated, then kissed him back letting go of her doubts.

Despite their deepening connection they navigated the intimate space of his bedroom.

The boundary between reason and passion dissolved, marking an irreversible cross to her carefully constructed professional boundaries dissolving in the heat of the moment. It wasn't until much later, lying beside Austin in the dim light of the apartment, that the reality of what had happened began to sink in.

Skylar lay awake, her mind spinning. She had come to Austin's apartment for a business deal and had left with far more than she had bargained for. The weight of what had happened pressed heavily on her, the consequences still uncertain.

Skylar slipped out of the bed and dressed quietly as dawn broke, not to disturb Austin. The agreement was sealed yet the price of its attainment remained uncertain. The boundaries between business and personal life had been blurred beyond recognition.

The city's awaking sound, bird chirpings, car humming contracted with her inner silence.

Skylar stuck around for Austin to wake, dressed and ready to go as if nothing had happened.

His personal chef walked in with two cups of freshly brewed coffee.

Skylar struggles with her emotions, questioning her judgment as she sips her coffee.