The glossy surfaces of Steele Enterprises' glass doors, which rose above the Manhattan skyline, reflected the city's restless pulse almost like a mirror. Like the guy who controlled from the top level, the foyer was a fortress of steel and glass, all sharp edges and monochromatic perfection.
As usual, Alexander Steele showed up there at exactly 7:00 a.m. Not even a minute early. Not even a moment late. Employees stiffened in his presence, nodding courteously and respectfully, but with a hint of terror that he hardly acknowledged, and his footfall reverberated on the marble flooring. Carved from the same unbreakable stone that had established his reign, his visage remained unreadable.
It ought to have been just another day.
Until she entered.
The cold from the rain-soaked streets followed her inside as the doors hissed open. She moved deliberately, the faded leather of her black jacket dripping water, her combat boots silent against the immaculate floor. Her powerful form was held together by dark denim, and her jawline was set sharply with a purpose that commanded attention.
Isabella Reyes, captain.
The army's strongest female soldier.
Additionally, Alexander Steele was unaware that the woman would contradict all of his preconceived notions about power.
She wasn't meant to be present.
As she made her way to the front desk, Alexander narrowed his eyes and stared from the mezzanine. She didn't flinch. didn't think twice. As though she ruled the world, her voice was composed and commanding.
"Mr. Steele is the reason I am here. It's urgent.
Glancing up at the glass-walled office where Alexander now stood like a statue, watching, the receptionist faltered. Nobody insisted on meeting with him. Appointments were earned rather than asked for.
However, something about her…
Her tight, uncompromising posture was too familiar. He was more intrigued by her lack of intimidation than he should have been.
His aide took her upstairs a short while later.
A single steel sculpture—a twisted knot of chilly metal that appeared more art than decoration—was the only personal item on display in the office, which was a minimalist study in grays and blacks.
When she walked in, Alexander remained motionless.
"Captain Reyes." He had a low baritone voice that was controlled and exact. "I wasn't expecting visitors from the military today."
Without flinching, she looked him in the eye. Her brown eyes were steady and serene, showing nothing.
"Mr. Steele, I'm not here on military business. This is a private matter.
His forehead raised a little. Individual? Alexander Steele was not contacted about personal issues.
"I don't do personal."
"Neither do I," she said, folding her arms. "But this involves your company, and I'm here to ensure it doesn't turn into a disaster."
He steepled his fingers and leaned back in his chair. "Clarify."
Isabella purposefully put a file on his desk after reaching into her jacket. Although it was wet from the rain, the pictures and security reports inside were in perfect condition.
"Your contracts for international security have been broken. Shipments of weapons. Inventory is missing. Information is being leaked by someone in your chain. It was my responsibility to locate the source.
Although Alexander's jaw tensed, his face was still unreadable. "And why, exactly, would the military be concerned with a private corporation's affairs?"
She pursed her lips. because it was intended that some of the shipments would contain secret joint-operations equipment. Additionally, because the last mission compromised by this leak resulted in the deaths of individuals I taught."
Quiet.
Something changed behind his steel-gray eyes for the first time in years. Feeling guilty? No. He had never experienced guilt. But accountability was something else.
Her voice fell to a measured steeliness as she leaned closer. "So, you can work with me to quietly fix this. We could also let things grow nasty. It's your call.
A problem.
He observed her closely, fascinated by the way she resisted his advances and refused to compromise. No one who has ever entered this office was like her. unreservedly powerful. Inflexible.
But he was, too.
At last he said something.
"All right. You've got three days. Collaborate with my security chief. You're out if you can't demonstrate a breach by then.
"Two days," was her response.
A corner of his mouth twitched, almost.
"Two days," he said, getting up from his seat and holding out his hand.
She held on tightly. Uncompromisin
g,
similar to his.
And something changed as Steele's and Steele's eyes locked.