Chapter 3

That evening, back in her Brooklyn apartment, Sophia collapsed onto her couch, kicking off her heels. The day had been relentless. Liam Carter's intensity lingered in her mind, replaying in snippets like an unwelcome melody. She hated how aware of him she had been during their walkthrough-the way his deep voice resonated through the penthouse rooms, the heat of his gaze whenever he looked at her.

Shaking her head, she pushed the thoughts aside and grabbed her laptop. There was no time to dwell on Liam Carter's presence. She had deadlines to meet and a reputation to maintain.

As she opened her design software to sketch out her updated concepts for the hotel, her phone buzzed on the coffee table. Without glancing at the screen, she grabbed it.

"Hello?"

"Miss Dark."

She froze. That voice was unmistakable.

"Mr. Carter," she said, a bit too quickly. "I didn't expect to hear from you again today."

"You'll find I'm not one to adhere to expectations," Liam replied smoothly. "Have I caught you at a bad time?"

Sophia glanced at the clock. It was nearly 9 PM. Most clients would consider this an inappropriate hour for a business call, but she doubted Liam Carter cared much for social norms.

"Not at all," she replied, forcing calm into her voice. "What can I do for you?"

There was a pause on the other end, just long enough to make her shift uncomfortably in her seat.

"I was reviewing our walkthrough notes," he said, his tone measured. "I'd like to discuss a few adjustments to the overall concept."

Sophia leaned forward, opening her notebook. "Of course. What adjustments do you have in mind?"

"I prefer discussing things in person," Liam said, his voice dipping slightly, the faintest edge of command in his tone. "Tomorrow evening. My office. Eight o'clock."

Sophia blinked. "That's... rather late for a meeting, don't you think?"

"You said you believed in being prepared," he countered, a smirk evident even through the phone. "Or is this inconvenient for you?"

His challenge prickled at her pride. "Not at all. I'll be there."

"Good." His voice softened, almost teasing. "I'll see you then, Miss Dark."

The line went dead before she could respond.

Sophia let out a breath, her fingers tightening around her phone. Liam Carter wasn't just intense-he was maddening. And yet, beneath her irritation, there was a flicker of something she couldn't name. Curiosity, maybe. Or a dangerous kind of fascination.

The next evening, Sophia arrived at Carter Enterprises just before eight. The building was quieter than during the day, the usual bustle replaced by an eerie stillness. She rode the elevator to the top floor, her nerves humming despite her best efforts to stay composed.

When the elevator doors opened, Liam's assistant was nowhere to be seen. Instead, the massive oak doors to his office were slightly ajar, warm light spilling out into the hallway.

Sophia knocked lightly before stepping inside.

Liam was seated at his desk, his jacket draped over the back of his chair and his tie slightly loosened. He looked up as she entered, his gaze sweeping over her before settling on her face.

"Miss Dark," he said, leaning back in his chair. "Punctual as always."

Sophia forced a polite smile. "You said eight o'clock. I wouldn't dream of being late."

He gestured to the chair across from him. "Sit."

She did, setting her bag down beside her. "What adjustments did you want to discuss?"

Liam didn't answer immediately. Instead, he studied her, his sharp eyes assessing. It wasn't the first time he'd looked at her this way, but tonight, in the quiet intimacy of his office, it felt different. More intense.

"Your vision for the penthouse," he said finally, his voice low. "You described it as sophisticated yet inviting. I want you to push it further. Make it unforgettable."

Sophia frowned slightly. "Unforgettable how?"

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "I want the people who stay there to remember it for the rest of their lives. The kind of space that lingers in their minds long after they leave."

Sophia tilted her head, considering his words. "That's a tall order."

"You're capable of delivering it," he said, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

Their eyes locked, the air between them thickening. For a moment, the professional veneer of their conversation slipped, replaced by something deeper, more personal.

Sophia cleared her throat, breaking the tension. "I'll see what I can do."

Liam smirked, leaning back in his chair. "I'm sure you will."

The meeting lasted over an hour, their discussion stretching into unexpected tangents about art, architecture, and the psychology of design. Sophia found herself surprised by Liam's insights and the occasional flashes of humor beneath his polished exterior.

By the time she left his office, it was nearly ten o'clock. As she stepped into the elevator, she caught one last glimpse of Liam standing by his desk, his hands in his pockets, watching her leave.

Sophia's pulse quickened as the elevator doors closed. She told herself it was just adrenaline, the lingering high of a productive meeting.

But deep down, she knew better.

Liam Carter wasn't just her client. He was a storm waiting to happen. And somehow, she was standing right in its path.