DAMIEN'S POV
My hands moved faster than my mind. One second she was about to fall, the next she was right there, soft, trembling, and in my arms.
I steadied her gently, my fingers brushing against her arms, feeling the rush of her heartbeat echoing through my own chest.
Green eyes.
Not just green. They were something else. Deep, alive, uncertain. She blinked up at me, stunned like a deer caught in headlights.
"I-I'm sorry," she stammered, voice small, like she wasn't used to being heard.
Amused, I smirked and released her slowly, watching the way she straightened her blouse and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
She tried to compose herself, but her flushed cheeks betrayed her.
"Thank you... for not letting me fall," she mumbled without meeting my eyes.
I folded my arms behind my back, rocking on my heels as she sidestepped, clearly planning her escape.
Not happening.
I shifted, casually blocking her path. She stumbled to a stop, looking up at me with a mixture of irritation and something else... intrigue, maybe?
"You were in the presentation. What's your name again?" I asked, tilting my head slightly, feigning innocence.
She hesitated, lips parting like she was debating whether to answer or just bolt. Finally, she gave in with a heavy sigh.
"Anna," she said quietly.
Anna. The name settled on my tongue, tasting sweeter than it should have.
"Anna," I repeated slowly, savoring it. "Pretty name for a pretty girl."
She flushed deeper, scowled, and tried to step around me again.
Persistent little thing.
I moved with her, blocking her effortlessly. She glared up at me, hands clenching into tiny fists at her sides.
"Does he do that all the time?" I asked bluntly.
She blinked. "Do what?"
"You know what I'm talking about," I said, arching an eyebrow. "Your boss. That crap he pulled earlier. Does he always treat you like that?"
Anna shifted uncomfortably, glancing around as if hoping someone would swoop in and save her from this conversation.
"I don't know what you're talking about," she said stiffly.
Cute. She was lying, but cute.
I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice. "Don't play dumb. It's insulting to both of us."
Her throat bobbed as she swallowed hard, avoiding my gaze like it burned her.
Footsteps echoed down the hallway. A few employees walked past, their chatter dying the moment they saw us. They greeted me with quick, nervous smiles and scurried away. Anna shrank into herself, clearly uncomfortable being seen with me.
She tried again to leave, and this time I let her go, but only after sliding something from my pocket.
As she reached the entrance to the conference room, I stretched my hand out and offered her my business card.
She glanced down at it like it might bite her.
No thanks. No words. Just a curt shake of her head before she turned and disappeared inside.
I stood there for a moment, staring at the door she'd vanished behind, the card still between my fingers.
She didn't even take it.
Interesting.
Inside, I could hear raised voices. Joseph, her boss, was livid, clenching his jaw so tightly it looked like it might crack. His glare shot daggers at Anna the moment she approached.
"Where the hell did you disappear to?" he barked.
"I went to the restroom," she answered in a small voice.
"Lies," he spat. "You lost focus. You distracted him, you idiot. The deal's not sure anymore because of you!"
I tensed, my fists curling. It took every ounce of restraint not to storm in and knock that smug look off his face.
Joseph sneered and started packing his things. "We're heading back to LA. Thanks to your incompetence."
Pathetic.
I pushed the door open, stepping inside with a deliberate, slow stride. Every head turned toward me.
Joseph's face morphed instantly into a fake smile. He all but groveled, rushing forward to shake my hand.
"Mr. Domingo," he said, voice syrupy. "Thank you again for your time. I'll be in touch—"
I smiled coldly. "We'll see."
He took the hint. Bowing his head slightly, Joseph turned and stormed toward the door. Anna scrambled to gather her things, head down, trying to be invisible.
Not so fast.
I moved quicker than her, blocking her path once more. She nearly crashed into me again but stopped short, glaring up at me.
I reached into my pocket, pulled out the card again, and held it out to her.
"If he ever lays a finger on you," I said lowly, "call me."
Anna stared at the card like it was a live grenade.
"I..." She fumbled for words, clearly not expecting this.
I winked at her, slow and deliberate, as she finally took the card.
Her mouth dropped open, stunned silent.
Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked away, my heart pounding in a rhythm I hadn't felt in years.
There was something about her.
Something wild.
Something mine.