The city skyline stretched beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows of my office, a breathtaking view of power and ambition. Normally, I would have admired it—taken a brief moment to appreciate what I had built from the ground up. But today, the only thing I could focus on was the man sitting across from me.
Adrian Black.
His presence was unnerving. He sat with the kind of stillness that belonged to a predator, his black suit perfectly tailored, his brown eyes assessing me like a puzzle he intended to solve. He was broad-shouldered, tall, and utterly unreadable.
I wasn't easily intimidated. As CEO of Carter Enterprises, I had dealt with arrogant businessmen, ruthless competitors, and power-hungry investors. But something about Adrian Black made me feel like I was the one being sized up—as if he could see straight through me, peeling back every layer I had carefully constructed over the years.
I folded my hands on the polished glass desk in front of me, keeping my posture firm. "I assume my assistant briefed you on the situation?"
Adrian nodded. "She did."
"And?"
He leaned back slightly, fingers laced together as he studied me. "You're being targeted. The threats have escalated. Someone wants you out of the picture—whether that means ruining your career or something more permanent remains to be seen."
His voice was deep, steady, and devoid of any unnecessary emotion.
I hated how his words sent a chill down my spine.
Instead of letting it show, I forced a smirk. "You say that like you already know who it is."
"No." He tilted his head slightly. "But I know how people like this operate. Whoever is targeting you isn't just playing games anymore. They've tested the waters, and now, they're waiting for an opportunity to strike."
I clenched my jaw, gripping the armrests of my chair.
He wasn't wrong.
The threats had started two months ago. At first, it was small things—anonymous emails, unsettling phone calls. Then, it escalated. My car had been vandalized. Someone had broken into my office. Last week, I came home to find my apartment door unlocked, my belongings slightly out of place, as if someone had been inside.
That was my breaking point.
I had built this empire with my own two hands. I had clawed my way to the top in an industry that didn't welcome women like me. I refused to be intimidated out of my own life.
Which was why Adrian Black was sitting across from me now.
I straightened my posture, keeping my voice firm. "And you think you're the right person for the job?"
"I don't think," he said, his expression unreadable. "I know."
I narrowed my eyes. "Arrogant, aren't you?"
He didn't react. "Confidence is a byproduct of experience."
I tapped my nails against the desk. "Fine. Tell me, Mr. Black—why should I trust you with my life?"
Adrian didn't hesitate. "Because I don't fail."
His words sent another shiver down my spine.
I inhaled deeply, pushing the contract toward him. "The terms are simple. You'll be with me 24/7 until we identify the threat. You'll have full access to my security systems, my schedule, and my staff. In return, I expect absolute discretion and professionalism."
Adrian didn't even glance at the papers. "I don't need to read it."
I arched a brow. "You don't?"
"No." He leaned forward, his gaze locking onto mine. "I don't take jobs unless I already know every detail. I've done my research on you, Miss Carter. I know your company, your habits, and your enemies. I know the threats aren't just empty words. And I know that, whether you like it or not, you need me."
My heart thudded in my chest. Not because of fear—but because he was right.
I exhaled sharply. "Then sign it."
He picked up the pen, his movements controlled, precise. In a few short strokes, his name was on the dotted line.
And just like that, my life was no longer my own.
Adrian Black was now my shadow.
Later That Night
I tried to ignore the weight of his presence as we stepped into the private elevator of my office building. The doors slid shut with a soft hum, and the silence between us stretched.
I wasn't used to this. I had spent years building a life of independence—answering to no one, relying on no one. Now, I had a bodyguard who would be watching my every move.
It was suffocating.
I stole a glance at him. Adrian stood with his hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable. He was too calm. Too in control.
I exhaled, crossing my arms. "Do you ever talk?"
His lips twitched, but he didn't look at me. "When necessary."
I rolled my eyes. "Great. A man of mystery. Just what I needed."
This time, he turned his head slightly. "You don't like this arrangement."
I scoffed. "Understatement of the century."
His gaze held mine. "Good."
I frowned. "Good?"
"It means you won't get careless."
I pressed my lips together, refusing to acknowledge that he had a point.
The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open. Adrian stepped out first, scanning the area before nodding for me to follow. My driver was already waiting, the sleek black car idling at the curb.
As we approached, Adrian's hand lightly touched my lower back—a subtle, protective gesture. I ignored the way my skin tingled at the contact.
I slid into the back seat, and Adrian followed.
The car pulled away from the curb, and the city lights blurred past the tinted windows. I let out a breath, sinking into the leather seat.
I could handle this.
I had to handle this.
Because whoever was threatening me…
They weren't going to stop.
And for the first time since the threats began, I wasn't just fighting back.
I had a weapon of my own.
His name was Adrian Black.
And I had no idea just how dangerous he really was.