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Chapter one
Chloe
Evenafteralltheseyears, I feel the same shock as I behold Stephen—his muscled arms covered in an array of intricate tattoos, his dazzling blue eyes, the glossy black hair greying ever so slightly at the temples—the man oozes sensuality even while slouching.
Forbidden fruit, Chloe, forbidden fruit, I chant to myself as I make my way through the bustling newsroom filled with reporters darting between desks and phones ringing off the hook, while the clatter of keyboards plays a powerful accompaniment.
This is it—my dreams fulfilled with a job at Eagle Eye, one of the most respected media houses in town. So why am I so afraid? I pause to take a few deep breaths before steeling my nerves for my entrance into Stephen Jameson’s office.
His reputation precedes him—fiercely decisive and accomplished in his field with work that has taken him around the globe. His shrewdness and sharp wit are renowned.
"Well, if it isn’t Chloe Bloom!" he says, his voice silken like the feel of velvet against my thigh… (Stop it, Chloe!). "We meet again. Can’t say I’m surprised you ended up here." He rises from his chair with the grace of a panther and sways closer, bringing with him an intoxicating blend of woodsmoke and muskiness that sends shivers through my body and makes me bite my lip in longing.
I can feel myself melting under his intense gaze, my heart racing erratically as I try to steady my breathing.
My eyes drop to his lips, full and inviting. I wish he knew the effect he’s had on me all these years.
“I've heard good things about you,” he says in a low whisper as his piercing blue eyes smolder as they wander over my body, lingering on the outline of my hips and the hollow at the base of my neck before slowly trailing back up to meet my gaze.
But I'm no simpering schoolgirl! I compose myself and reply, "Thank you, Mr. Jameson. I'm honored to be a part of the Eagle Eye team." His presence and words do not distract me from my professional goals.
“Hmm,” he almost purrs, and the sound seems to reverberate deep within me like a secret hum, igniting a familiar feeling between my legs that makes me blush.
No! I can't succumb to these old patterns! I scold myself for letting Stephen draw me in with his seductive charm.
“I don’t know what they taught you at journalism ‘school’”—he puts air quotes around the word “school” and I stiffen—“but in my newsroom, we do anything and everything to get to the truth. Even if it means risking our lives, Miss. Bloom.” He lets out an amused chuckle, which awakens something inside of me, something powerful and confident that enables me to respond without hesitation.
"I'm prepared to do whatever it takes," I answer in a silky voice that belies all my uncertainties about this new mission.
“Indeed,” Stephen drawls as he leans back against his table, his eyes twinkling in amusement as he gazes deeply into mine.
Stephen is not just the owner of Eagle Eye; he's also the older brother of my best friend, Tiffany. And that's where the conflict arises. Tiffany and I have shared everything since childhood—our secrets, our dreams, and our deepest fears. How can I work with her brother without it becoming personal?
But before I immerse myself in this new world, a flashback of a conversation with Tiffany fills my mind. We were sitting in our favorite café, her sipping a matcha latte and me drinking my affogato, as we discussed my new upcoming job.
"Can you believe it, Chloe?" Tiffany had said, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Working with my big brother. It must be a wet dream come true for you."
I choked on my coffee, coughing as I tried to regain my composure. "What? No way! That's not why I wanted this job. It's a purely career-driven decision. You know I’ve always wanted to work at Eagle Eye."
Tiffany raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. "Come on, Chloe. It’s me. I remember when we were teenagers, you used to have the biggest crush on Stephen. You even had that poster of him in your room."
I blushed, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. "Oh My Gosh. The Poster! That was ages ago! Besides, it was just a silly teenage infatuation. I've moved on, and I'm focused on my career now."
She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Sure, sure. Just don't let that old crush wreak havoc on your panties now that you'll be seeing him every day."
I playfully nudged her shoulder, trying to change the subject. "Oh, please! Stephen and I will be colleagues, that's it. I won't let any old feelings cloud my judgment or professionalism."
Tiffany laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "All right, all right. I believe you. Just remember, though, that working with family can be . . . interesting.”
Tiffany's expression turned serious, her voice tinged with concern. "Chloe, it's not just about Stephen. It's Jonathan too. You know, your sister Victoria's ex-boyfriend and my brother’s best friend."
I frowned, the mention of Jonathan putting me on edge. And not the good kind. "I know, that’s what worries me. I've heard stories about how Stephen was furious with our family when Victoria broke up with Jonathan. He blamed us, and I don't want that baggage affecting my working relationship with him."
Tiffany nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. "You're right to be cautious, Chloe. My brother does tend to hold grudges, and he's fiercely loyal to Jonathan. But remember, this job is about your own journey. Don't let their past affect your time at Eagle Eye."
Her words had warmed my heart that day. Tiffany has always been my biggest supporter, my confidante through thick and thin. And I was determined to make her proud, to prove that my passion for journalism ran deeper than any fleeting crush.
Yet, conflicted emotions swirl within me as I take a deep breath and continue my conversation with Stephen.
