𝐄𝐃𝐆𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐇 | 𝓙𝓪𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓻 𝓟𝓮𝓷𝓪 |

~ 7 ~

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:

How did I get here? I stared at the stack of documents on my desk, my thoughts in a whirlwind. Just days ago, Javier Peña had saved my life, and now I was about to sit in a meeting with him, discussing the possibility of taking on his multimillion-dollar company as a client. The turn of events felt surreal, like something out of a novel.

I glanced around my office. My boss, Mr. Baker, sat at the head of the round table, flipping through some documents. Two of my team coworkers, Sarah and Mark, were engaged in a quiet discussion, while Teresa, the receptionist, was arranging coffee cups and ensuring everything was in place. The tension in the room was palpable, a mix of anticipation and nervous energy.

Just as I was about to dive back into my thoughts, the door swung open. Everyone stood up as Javier Peña entered the office, flanked by two men. His presence commanded attention, and he carried himself with the same confident swagger that both infuriated and intrigued me. He made his way around the table, greeting everyone with a firm handshake and a charming smile. When he reached me, he took my hand, leaving a soft kiss on my palm, sending a jolt of electricity through me. I tried to maintain my composure as he sat in the chair next to mine.

The round table setting allowed everyone to see each other, fostering an air of collaboration. Javier wasted no time getting down to business, his demeanor shifting from casual charm to professional seriousness.

"Thank you all for meeting with me today," Javier began, addressing Mr. Baker. "My plan is to expand Sky Realtors to Europe. We've been extremely successful in the US, but the market overseas presents new opportunities and challenges that require top-notch legal expertise."

Mr. Baker nodded, his expression attentive. "We're honored that you're considering Baker Firm for such a significant undertaking, Mr. Peña. Could you elaborate on the specific services you require?"

Javier leaned forward, his gaze intense. "I need a team that can handle everything from property acquisitions and mergers to compliance with European regulations. My current legal team is competent, but I need excellence, and I believe Baker Firm can provide that."

Throughout the meeting, Javier kept stealing glances at me, his eyes lingering a moment too long. I avoided his gaze, focusing on my notepad and pretending to take notes, though my mind was elsewhere.

"As part of the expansion," Javier continued, "I'm also selling off a portion of my US real estate holdings. The proceeds will fund our European ventures, and I need a firm that can ensure these transactions go smoothly."

Mr. Baker nodded thoughtfully. "We have extensive experience in real estate transactions and international law. My team," he gestured towards Sarah, Mark, and me, "is more than capable of handling these matters. Madison, in particular, has a strong background in international property law."

I felt everyone's eyes on me, but I kept my focus on my notepad, trying to ignore the heat rising to my cheeks. Javier's intense gaze was the hardest to ignore.

"As part of our agreement, I'll need someone to work closely with me, to keep up with the fast-paced nature of my business," Javier added, his gaze flickering towards me.

Mr. Baker nodded in agreement. "Madison would be the perfect choice for that role. She's proven herself to be resourceful, dedicated, and highly capable."

Javier's eyes lingered on me for a moment longer, a silent acknowledgment passing between us. Despite the professional facade, there was an unspoken understanding that our relationship was evolving beyond just client and lawyer. It was a risky move, blurring the lines between business and personal, but I couldn't deny the thrill of excitement that coursed through me at the prospect of working closely with Javier Peña.

"Excellent," Javier said, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "I look forward to working closely with your team."

The meeting extended as Javier delved into the specifics of Sky Realtors' current operations and the strategic plans for expansion. He discussed market analysis, potential partnerships in Europe, and the logistical challenges we would face. His two associates occasionally chimed in with additional details, but it was clear Javier was the driving force behind the operation.

Despite my best efforts to stay professional, my mind kept wandering back to the unexpected connection between Javier and me. His flirtatious glances and the way he had kissed my hand were unprofessional and distracting, yet they stirred something within me I couldn't quite ignore.

As the meeting drew to a close, Mr. Baker stood up and extended his hand to Javier. "Welcome to the family, Mr. Peña. Baker Firm is now a part of Sky Realtors Agency."

Javier stood and shook Mr. Baker's hand firmly. "Thank you, Mr. Baker. I have high expectations, and I'm confident your team will exceed them."

As everyone began gathering their things, preparing to leave, Javier turned to me one last time, his eyes locking onto mine. "Would it be possible to start the business now? Could you come to my office this afternoon?," Javier asked me.

Before I could answer, my boss jumped into the conversation. "Of course Peña, Madison will be free for you."

My look of anger made Peña laugh slightly, I hated how he was constantly having fun with his game. "Great, I'll see you at four in the afternoon in my office."

As he exited the room with his associates, the tension in the air seemed to lift slightly, replaced by a buzzing excitement. The meeting had gone well, and securing Javier Peña as a client was a significant coup for Baker Firm. But as I gathered my notes and documents, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something much more complicated than a business arrangement.

I wanted to keep everything professional, as I only want to deal with work issues, and I knew this was a very important move for both his company and ours. But I knew full well that going to his office this afternoon was not going to be just a business talk, or maybe it was, but I was sure Javier would spend the afternoon focused on getting something from me, rather than his own business.

[To be continued...]