Page 10 of Reckless Temptation

I turn to face him, unable to keep the frustration out of my voice. "How nice of you to show up.”

He chuckles, leaning against the polished mahogany desk behind him. "Missed me, did you?"

I cross my arms over my chest, narrowing my gaze. "We were supposed to discuss the charity event. How exactly do you expect us to plan anything with an entire party happening out there?"

He raises an eyebrow, the ever-present air of dominance around him palpable. "Isabelle, I thought you'd appreciate some... ambiance. A relaxed setting to discuss our venture."

My frustration mounts. "This isn't just 'ambiance,' Xavier. This is one of the most high-profile gatherings I've seen in a while. What are you really playing at?"

“Fine.” He leans in, his proximity making my heart race. "I wanted to see if you could handle a curveball. This world is full of them. Consider it a test."

I step back, defiant. "I'm not here to be tested. If this is some kind of game to you, know that I won't be anyone's pawn."

A predatory gleam appears in his eyes. “That’s exactly what I like about you.”

He doesn't give me a chance to respond, closing the distance between us with one sure stride and capturing my lips with his.

My body instantly responds to his touch, my frustration and anger melting away into a fierce desire. His lips move against mine with a hunger that ignites a fire deep within me. I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer as the kiss deepens.

Xavier's hands roam down to my hips, gripping them tightly as he lifts me and places me on the desk. His hands trail up my legs, pushing my skirt up and gripping my thighs. Every nerve in my body is on edge, electrified by the intensity of his touch.

I’m momentarily swept up in the storm of it, the sensation overpowering my resistance. But as the seconds tick by, clarity returns. With a surge of determination, I place my hands on his chest, pushing him back gently but firmly. He breaks away, his breath ragged, eyes dark with desire but also a hint of surprise.

For a few silent moments, we simply stand there, locked in a heated stare, the charged atmosphere almost palpable.

Taking a deep breath, I slide off the desk and straighten my skirt, striving for composure. "We have a charity event to plan. Let's keep it professional."

He gives a slight nod, but his gaze lingers, the promise of more challenges, and perhaps more stolen moments, hanging between us.

Torn between caution and curiosity, I find myself inexplicably drawn to Xavier. As the preparations for the charity event intensify, so does my internal tug-of-war. In the end, it all seems to boil down to this: Can I trust the enigmatic man whose true intentions remain shrouded?

Chapter 5

Xavier

SteppingintotheEmpowerHerFoundation, the atmosphere hits me instantly—this place vibrates with life and ambition, a stark contrast to the rigid corporate arenas I dominate. Bold statements like “Empower the Woman, Empower the World” glare down from the walls, challenging, asserting. The setup is strategic, mirroring a business model I'm familiar with: MentorHer, SkillHer, FundHer. Each area functions with precision, teeming with women immersed in discussions, negotiations, and learning.

But why am I here? Truth be told, it's a blend of calculated curiosity and Isabelle's last offhand invite when we discussed the charity event.

"You should see where the funds are going," she had remarked.

Well, I'm here now, unannounced, not just to observe but to gauge this part of her world, to find an angle, a strategy.

And yet, amidst these strategic calculations, there's a nagging pull, a genuine interest in understanding what drives her passion, what makes her different. Even in unfamiliar territory, I find myself analyzing, plotting, but for the first time, maybe hoping to be a bit more involved than just a spectator.

Navigating through the humming energy of EmpowerHer, my focus sharpens. It doesn’t take long before I spot Isabelle. In the midst of a group, she’s in her element—engaging, guiding, mentoring. The poised VP facade I've come to know is still there, but it's softer here, more genuine.

I’m ready to approach, to insert myself strategically into this equation. But as I inch closer, I'm momentarily paralyzed by the scene before me. A young woman is talking, her voice quivering but determined, and Isabelle, ever the listener, gently places a comforting hand on her arm. Their bond, clear as daylight, shows a mutual trust and respect.

Observing her now, the realization hits hard—this isn’t a mere diversion or a public relations stint for her. This is personal. The lines of my plan blur momentarily as I'm caught off-guard by the depth of her authenticity.

Steeling myself, I stride forward, clearing my throat to get her attention. As she turns, the surprise in her eyes is unmistakable.

"Xavier? What are you doing here?" Her tone, usually so controlled, wavers slightly.

"I've been learning more about EmpowerHer," I reply smoothly, "and I wanted to offer some assistance, share my expertise where it could be valuable."

She raises an eyebrow, skeptical but curious. "Really? Just out of the blue?"