Chapter 5

The morning light filtering through Lem's study windows cast long shadows across his mahogany desk as I arranged the financial reports with practiced precision. Three days had passed since our encounter, and he'd been different—more attentive, more confiding. The predatory hunger in his eyes had been replaced by something far more dangerous: genuine affection.

"Melanie," his voice was softer than usual as he entered the room, carrying two cups of coffee. "I've been thinking about what we discussed."

I looked up from the ledgers, allowing just the right amount of warmth into my smile. "About expanding the shipping operations?"

"No."…