Chapter 4 Cracks In The Ice

Chapter 4: Cracks in the Ice

Two weeks into the job, Aria had learned how to dodge Damian's moods like landmines. She arrived before him, stayed long after he left, and still, nothing she did seemed to impress him-at least not openly.

But there were moments. Fleeting, quiet ones. Like the time she caught him watching her as she worked, expression unreadable. Or when his hand brushed hers while passing a file, and he didn't pull away immediately.

Today was different.

She entered his office mid-afternoon with a progress report. He was pacing, sleeves rolled up, tie loosened. Frustration clung to him like a second skin.

"They pulled funding," he muttered.

"Who?"

"The Langford Group. Backing out at the last minute. Idiots."

She placed the report on his desk. "So? Find another investor."

He stopped mid-step, staring at her like she'd grown a second head. "You think it's that simple?"

"I think you're Damian Knight," she said calmly. "Since when do you take no for an answer?"

For a second, silence stretched between them like a taut string.

Then he exhaled, the tension in his shoulders softening. "I don't."

"There you go, then."

He walked back to his desk and looked at her, really looked. "Why are you here, Aria?"

She blinked. "Because you hired me?"

"No. Why this job? Why me?"

The air thickened.

She forced a shrug. "Maybe I like challenges."

His gaze lingered. "You should be careful with that."

Aria turned, ignoring the heat rising to her cheeks.

Too late.