CHAPTER TWO
Aria's fingers shook as she stared at the message blinking on her phone:
"Meet me at the rooftop at midnight. Don't be late. "Jayson"
Her first instinct was to laugh it off. Who was this billionaire sending mysterious messages? But there was a strange flutter in her chest, an excitement mixed with fear she couldn't ignore. Jayden Kane the name itself seemed to hum in her mind, commanding attention even when it wasn't spoken aloud. The gala had ended hours ago, but the memory of his stormy eyes, the way his presence seemed to bend the world around him, refused to leave her.
By the time Aria left the gala, the city outside had fallen into a quiet shimmer. She tucked the phone in her clutch, wrapped her black coat tightly around her, and hailed a taxi. The wind tugged at her hair, carrying with it the faint smell of rain and the metallic tang of the city. Every step closer to Jayden's skyscraper made her pulse quicken, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension knotting in her stomach.
When the elevator opened, she stepped onto the rooftop and froze. The scene was breathtaking. Soft golden lights traced the edges of the terrace, illuminating the sleek glass walls and casting the city skyline in a magical glow. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of jasmine from strategically placed planters. And there he was.... Jayden Kane
leaning casually against the railing, looking out at the sprawling metropolis as if he owned every inch of it.
He didn't turn immediately. Aria felt the pull of his presence before she saw the subtle movement of his shoulders. Something about him made the air feel charged, almost tangible. She swallowed hard and took a careful step forward.
"You came," he said, his voice calm but carrying a quiet authority.
" I said I would," Aria replied, trying to steady her racing heart. "But I don't even know why you… sent me this message."
Jayden finally turned, and Aria felt her breath hitch. His gaze was sharp, assessing, almost predatory, yet there was an undercurrent of something she couldn't name interest? amusement? Both? "Do you really think I send messages without a reason?" His lips quirked in a faint, enigmatic smile. "Aria, I want to propose something. Something… unusual."
Her pulse quickened. "A… proposal?" she repeated cautiously.
"Yes." He took a measured step closer, and the wind tousled his dark hair. "I'm investing in a new luxury hotel project. I need someone with vision, taste, and creativity to lead the interior design. Naturally, you came to mind."
Her mind spun. A project with Jayden Kane? The thought was exhilarating, terrifying, and completely overwhelming. She had worked hard to earn her reputation in interior design circles, but nothing she had done compared to this. "You're… offering me a job?" she asked, trying to mask the flutter in her chest.
"Not just a job," he said, his gaze locking on hers with a heat that made her pulse spike. "A partnership. You'll have creative freedom, but you'll also be representing my vision. My standards are… high." He paused, then added softly, "And so are my expectations."
Aria swallowed. The thrill of fear and excitement mingled in her chest. High stakes, yes, but something in Jayden's eyes made her feel as though she could meet them—if only she trusted herself.
"You think I can… do this?" she asked, her voice a whisper.
"I know you can," he replied, softer now. "I don't pick people by chance, Aria. I pick people I trust. And I trust you."
Her chest tightened. Trust? From a man she'd just met? Yet the pull between them was undeniable. Her mind screamed caution, but her heart, for reasons she couldn't explain, said yes.
"Think about it," he said, stepping back slightly, giving her a moment to breathe. "We start tomorrow morning. You can come to my office, or… we can meet here again at midnight if you need time to decide."
Aria hesitated. Midnight? It was reckless, but the thrill coursing through her veins made it irresistible. "I'll think about it," she finally said, her voice firmer than she felt.
"I expect an answer by tomorrow," he said, voice low, almost commanding, "and don't disappoint me."
He turned, walking to the edge of the rooftop, gazing at the city lights shimmering below. Aria watched him, mesmerized by the angular perfection of his features, the ease with which he seemed to control the space around him. There was something magnetic about him, something dangerous and exhilarating all at once.
Reluctantly, she left the rooftop. The taxi ride home was a blur of streetlights and reflections in the wet asphalt. Every passing moment replayed Jayden's words, his gaze, the weight of the unspoken tension that hung between them. Her mind raced with questions: Why me? Why this project? And what exactly did he mean by trust?
Sleep eluded her that night. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw the rooftop, the city lights, and Jayden's stormy eyes. Finally, as dawn crept across the skyline, she made her decision. She would go. She would meet him. She would see this through, no matter how unpredictable it might be.
The next day, Aria arrived at Jayden's office in the heart of the city. The building itself was imposing—glass, steel, and marble but walking through the doors, she was struck by the calm, controlled atmosphere inside. Minimalist elegance dominated the space, every surface spotless, every item in its place. The receptionist gave her a polite nod.
"Mr. Kane is expecting you," she said.
Aria's heart raced. She took a deep breath and stepped into the office. Jayden was standing behind his massive desk, dark eyes scanning her with the same intensity as the night before. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, every inch the image of a man used to having control over everything in his world.
"Good morning, Aria," he said smoothly. "I'm glad you decided to come."
"I…" Aria hesitated, trying to steady her nerves. "I'm ready to hear your proposal."
He circled the desk, slow and deliberate, until he stood close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating from him. "The project will require dedication, creativity, and discretion. Are you prepared for that?"
"I am," she said, her voice firmer now, though her pulse thudded in her chest.
He smiled faintly, approvingly. "Good. We'll start immediately. I've arranged a tour of the property tonight."
Aria felt a thrill of anticipation and a spark of apprehension, That was fast. But part of her was desperate to see the hotel, to imagine herself transforming it under his guidance.
She turned to leave the office for a moment, needing to gather her thoughts, and her phone buzzed in her hand. She froze. A message flashed on the screen:
"Aria… about tonight… there's something you should know before you see the property. Come alone. "Jayson"
Her pulse leapt. The thrill of working with a billionaire had just become tinged with unease. She stared at the message, the city lights through the office window reflecting in her eyes. What could he possibly mean?
She knew one thing for certain: tonight would change everything.