C18 Eighteen

~Damien's POV~

I pushed open the door to my office, the familiar scent of polished wood and leather greeting me like an old friend. Sunlight filtered through the tall windows, bathing long lines across the floor as I walked in, feeling... satisfied.

Bianca's plan was bold.

Using Elena to take down Nathan?

Not only was it clever, it was personal. And she'd meant every word. Even if it scorched her to say it. The flicker of jealousy in her eyes had been brief, but it was there. She didn't want to admit it, but I'd seen it.

Even better.

This was going better than I ever imagined.

I shrugged off my suit jacket and draped it neatly over the backrest before sinking into the seat behind my desk.

Almost instantly, a knock came at the door.

"Sir," my assistant's voice came through the door, soft and composed. "Mr. Nathan Hayes is here. He says he's here for your twelve."

Sighing, I rolled my shoulders back as I straightened in my seat.

"Send him in, Jade."

"Yes, sir."

Heels clicked away down the hall, and moments later, the door creaked open.

Nathan stepped inside, all confidence and charm, dressed to impress in a tailored navy suit. Clean-shaven. Expensive cologne. Trying way too hard.

I didn't bother standing.

"Damien," he greeted me with that easy, fake grin as he crossed the room. "Appreciate you taking the time. This partnership? It's gonna be something, man. Real power play."

I could barely keep a straight face.

The same jock who used to knock my books out of my hands in high school was now kissing my ass across a mahogany desk.

Life was funny like that.

He rambled for a minute—about opportunity, strategy, how lucky we both were—but I didn't say a word. Just leaned back in my chair and watched him talk himself breathless.

Eventually, I interrupted him. "Sit."

He did. Still smiling. Still trying.

"You've already signed the contract," I said in a calm voice. "So let's just get to the point."

Nodding quickly, he shifted in his seat. "Right, of course. So, next steps… how do we begin? My team's ready. We can set up onboarding with your people, sync the books, do a run-through of projected returns. Whatever you want."

"My assistant, Jade, will be coming over to your company tomorrow," I said. "She'll observe your setup, meet your core team, and begin integration. Keep your doors open."

"Absolutely." He grinned. "Full access. Anything you need."

I glanced at my watch, and a slow smile curled at my lips.

Almost time.

Outside, I heard it—raised voices. A protest. Then the unmistakable sound of heels striking floor with purpose.

Perfect.

The door flung open without warning.

"Elena?" Nathan stood up so fast his chair screeched.

She stormed in like a damn hurricane: black dress painted on, every curve exaggerated, her fake tits practically shoved up to her chin. Blonde hair pinned in that deliberately messy updo she wore like a threat. Lips glossy. Eyes blazing. Pure sex appeal, weaponized as always.

Behind her, Jade trailed in with flushed cheeks and wide eyes.

"I tried to stop her, sir," she said quickly. "She just… she wouldn't listen."

"She's fine, Jade," I said smoothly. "You're dismissed."

Nodding in relief, she slipped out, shutting the door behind her.

I turned back to the show.

Nathan looked like he'd just been sucker-punched.

Elena paused for one second—long enough to let Nathan's eyes crash into hers—but then she turned away like he was nothing but wall décor.

"Damien, baby," she purred, striding across the office.

She didn't hesitate.

Not even a beat.

She walked straight to me and slid into my lap.

Her lips found mine instantly. Bold. Wet. Showy.

I let it happen.

I didn't kiss her back, not really, but I didn't stop her either. Wrapping her arms around my neck, she ground against me just enough to make a point.

Nathan stood there, stiff, fists clenched at his sides.

Yeah, I'd called Elena earlier. Told her I couldn't stop thinking about her. Gave her the time. Teased her with possibilities.

"If you feel the same, nothing should stop you from walking into my office."

She didn't disappoint.

This wasn't part of the original plan. Bianca hadn't asked me to blow things up this fast. But hell, I was owed some fun.

Nathan Hayes made my life a living hell in high school.

The least I could do was return the favor.

Eventually, he cleared his throat.

I peeled Elena off gently and adjusted my tie. "Apologies for the interruption," I said to Nathan, though I didn't sound sorry. "This wasn't supposed to be... public."

Elena still clung to me, playing the part of the loyal plaything.

Typical Elena. A slut with a sixth sense for power. Always orbiting the man with the deepest pockets and the sharpest claws. Her loyalty was only ever for show—and whoever had the bigger empire.

Nathan tried to smile.

Tried.

I offered to send her out instead. Just to keep the game going.

But Nathan was already stepping back.

"No need," he said quickly. "We've finalized everything. I'll see Jade tomorrow."

I stood slowly. "Very well."

Nathan turned to Elena. "Elena."

She didn't even blink in his direction. She clung tighter to me, like she didn't even hear him.

Nathan stood there for another second, just long enough to be humiliated, and then walked out.

As the door shut behind him, a slow smirk tugged at my lips.

That face.

That pain.

It was everything I didn't know I needed.

I was still basking in it when I felt Elena shift. Before I could react, she was on her knees in front of me, hands already at my belt.

"Elena—" I began, but her fingers were quick, tugging down the zipper like a fucking professional.

Looking up at me with glossy eyes and a smug smile, she whispered, "I just want to show you how much I've been thinking about you."

And just like that, her mouth was dangerously close to giving me something I hadn't asked for.

Hell.

Now what?