It was a quiet night, with only the sound of the engine and silent chatter of people passing through the streets. As Elena Carter steps into her favorite bookshop, the world fades, with all the fuzzy noises in the background. At once, she pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose, her fingers grazing the spines of the books like they were old friends. This was her haven,a calm escape from the noise and chaos she hated.
But tonight was going to interrupt that peace.
The bell above the door jingled, making her jump. She looked up from the book she was skimming with her eyes meeting a pair of piercing ones which were cold and calculating and impossibly intense. That guy walking in isn't a local. The suit he wore hugged his body like a second skin, and the sharpness of his jaw showcased the power and control he exuded. Damian Steele definitely did not seem like a book reader. No, this man doesn't look like he read books; he looks like he ate them.
"Are you the owner?The man's voice was low and gruff. It gave Elena shivers down her spine. Clearing her throat, she hugged the book tighter against her chest. "N-No. I only have a job here."He drew near her, looming over her menacingly. "Good," he said, smirking.
I don't need you to sell me on it. "I'm purchasing the whole store." "Her jaw dropped." "You can't just—what? This store is not for sale. "It was never for sale," he said arrogantly. "Now it is." Elena's heart raced. What did he think he was? "Look, Mr…?""Steele," he supplied smoothly. "Damian Steele.""Mr. "Steele," she continued, her voice now steady. You can't walk in here and take over.
This isn't a bad business takeover!His smirk became stronger and for a second, she thought she saw amusement in those icy eyes. "You'd be surprised, Miss…""Carter. "I'm Elena Carter," she replied, irritated at his boldness."Well, Miss Carter," Damian whispered in an ever-more-dangerous voice, "when I want something, I don't ask. I take."Her breath hitched. He was scary magnetic, a man who can own the room with a mere glance.
Elena fiercely answered, "You can't take everything," even though her legs were shaking. She wasn't the type to go down easily. As Damian's gaze darkened at her defiance, he took yet another step forward, towering over her. She felt the heat coming from him, his expensive cologne scent also wafting to her.
He tilted his head as he appraised her as if she were a riddle he was trying to solve. "You're not completely wrong," he said. There's one thing I can't take…unless you give it willingly."Her heart skipped a beat, the weight of his words sinking in. Before she could say anything, the doorbell jingled once more and another customer came in. Damian stepped back, his smirk gone and replaced with a blank mask. "I will be seeing you again, Miss Carter," he said. "Very soon." He turned and walked out, leaving Elena stunned and silent.
Elena held onto the book tighter, as she wondered who Damian Steele was and why it felt like he had just messed up her life.