Sinful Flames

Chapter 7

As I sit in my office, the weight of the day pressing down, I think back to the interview with Chiara. It had taken a turn I didn’t expect. She was sharp, too sharp, probing into areas she had no business touching. Afterward, things went south between her and her chief editor, Andrew. He’d misbehaved, pushing her beyond professional limits. Naturally, I knew all about it. I have eyes and ears everywhere.

Andrew thought he could get away with it, but no one crosses me or mistreats what’s mine without consequences. I bought Insight City the moment I learned about the incident. It was a strategic acquisition, eliminating a nuisance and gaining a tool. Firing Andrew was the easy part. Ensuring he pays the price? That’s more my style. Men like him need to learn that crossing Gabriel Romano has severe repercussions.

As for Chiara, I proposed an offer she couldn’t refuse. She’d be working directly under me, tasked with dispelling the rumors about Romano SecurTech. It’s a calculated move. Having her close means I can control her, guide her narrative, and ensure she doesn’t step out of line again. She’ll be under my watchful eye, every word she writes scrutinized.

I lean back in my chair, the city lights flickering through the window. Chiara doesn’t know it yet, but her role has changed. She’s not just a journalist anymore; she’s my pawn. Her integrity and defiance will be shaped to fit my needs. There’s a part of me that almost admires her tenacity, but admiration is overshadowed by the necessity of control.

Antonio steps in, his presence a silent confirmation that my orders are being executed. "Andrew has been dealt with," he says simply.

I nod, my thoughts still on Chiara. "Good. Make sure he understands that leaving wasn’t his choice. It was mine."

Antonio leaves, and I return my gaze to the city. Chiara will be a challenge, but one I’m more than ready to face. Her fiery spirit, her relentless pursuit of the truth—it’s almost admirable, but it’s also dangerous. I’ll mold that fire, direct it where I need it. She will write what I want, say what I need, and in time, she’ll understand her place.

Hatred bubbles up as I think of her defiance during the interview. She dared to question me, to push boundaries. That fire will be extinguished, replaced by compliance. She’ll learn that her new position comes with strings, and those strings lead back to me.

“Game on, tuono,” I whisper, the nickname laced with irony now. She may think she’s bringing the storm, but I am the one who commands the lightning. She’ll see soon enough that in my world, every move is calculated, and every player controlled. And as she works to clear the shadows around Romano SecurTech, she’ll find herself ensnared in a web she can’t escape.

                         ††††††††††††

As I sit at my desk, Evangeline interrupts my thoughts with a soft knock on the door. "Mr. Romano, Chiara is here for the meeting," she says, her voice barely audible over the hum of the city outside.

"Send her in," I reply, straightening my tie and preparing myself for the encounter.

Chiara enters, and for a moment, I'm taken aback by the sight of her in her red office formal wear. It's a bold choice, one that accentuates her curves and commands attention. I mutter in Italian, "Odio quando ti vesti così" (I hate when you dress like that).

Chiara's lips curve into a knowing smile as she replies in Italian, "Mi dispiace, ma non posso accontentarti sempre" (I'm sorry, but I can't always please you).

I smirk at her response, the tension between us palpable. "And here I thought you were here to make amends," I retort in English.

Chiara's smile widens, and she switches back to English. "Perhaps I'm here to keep you on your toes, Mr. Romano."

I chuckle, admiring her spirit even as I feel a surge of irritation. This woman has a way of getting under my skin like no one else. "How do you speak Italian?" I ask, genuinely curious.

She shrugs nonchalantly. "My father is Italian. I picked up a few things along the way."

I nod, filing away the information for later. "Well, let's get down to business," I say, gesturing for her to take a seat. "We have a lot to discuss."

Chiara settles into the chair opposite me, her posture confident and unyielding. "Indeed we do," she agrees, her gaze meeting mine without hesitation.

I lean forward, outlining the plan I have in mind for our collaboration. Despite my reservations about her, I can't deny that she's intelligent and resourceful. Working together could be mutually beneficial, even if it means keeping a close eye on her.

As we discuss the details of our collaboration, Chiara surprises me by suggesting a photoshoot to accompany the article. "It'll add a personal touch," she explains, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Readers want to see the face behind the name, the man behind the empire."

I consider her proposal for a moment, weighing the potential risks and benefits. "Very well," I concede, unable to deny the logic in her argument. "But it will be on my terms."

Chiara nods, her smile widening. "Of course," she agrees, her gaze unwavering. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

She then requests that I clear my schedule for 5 o'clock, presumably for the photoshoot. Without missing a beat, I turn to Evangeline and instruct her to make it happen. "Clear my schedule for 5 o'clock," I tell her, my tone firm but not unkind.

Evangeline nods, already reaching for her tablet to make the necessary arrangements. "Consider it done, sir," she replies with a hint of efficiency.

As Chiara prepares to leave, she turns to me with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh, and Mr. Romano, may I have your contact number? Just in case we need to discuss any last-minute details."

I pause for a moment, considering her request. Giving her my personal contact information is a risk, but one I'm willing to take. After all, communication is key to a successful partnership. "Very well," I say, reaching for my phone and entering my number. "But use it sparingly."

Chiara takes the phone with a grateful smile, her fingers brushing mine briefly as she enters her own contact information. "Thank you, Mr. Romano," she says, her voice soft but confident. "I'll be in touch."

As she turns to leave, I can't help but feel a flicker of something unfamiliar stirring within me. Chemistry, perhaps, or simply the thrill of the unknown. Whatever it is, I know one thing for certain: working with Chiara will be anything but boring. And as much as I hate to admit it, I'm looking forward to seeing where this partnership will lead us.