Billionaire's Hidden Desire**

Chapter 7: Business and Pleasure

The afternoon sun hung low over the Parisian skyline as Ivy and Lucien entered the high-end co-working space with a view of the Seine. The place buzzed with energy, a mix of ambitious entrepreneurs and seasoned business professionals who moved with purpose. Ivy was riding high from the morning’s negotiations, their project gaining momentum with each successful meeting. Still, beneath her poised exterior, the simmering tension between her and Lucien was impossible to ignore.

Since their kiss on the rooftop, everything felt different. The stolen glances, the subtle touches that lingered a moment too long—they were on a precipice, balancing their professional partnership with a personal connection that was growing too strong to deny. But today was about business, and Ivy was determined to keep it that way.

Lucien led them to a private conference room, where their next potential partners were already seated. He greeted everyone with his usual effortless charm, introducing Ivy as the strategic genius behind their recent successes. Ivy took her place beside him, her confidence unwavering as she launched into their pitch.

The meeting was intense, with questions volleying back and forth as they discussed the details of the partnership. Ivy was in her element, handling every query with precision and authority. Lucien watched her, his admiration clear as he chimed in to back her up. They worked together seamlessly, their synergy leaving the clients visibly impressed.

As the meeting wrapped up, the partners expressed excitement about moving forward. Ivy felt a wave of satisfaction; they were one step closer to their goal. As they left the room, Lucien turned to her, his gaze lingering with a mix of pride and something deeper.

“You were incredible in there,” Lucien said softly, his voice carrying the weight of his admiration. “I couldn’t ask for a better partner.”

Ivy smiled, her pulse quickening under his gaze. “Thank you. We make a good team.”

Lucien stepped closer, the air between them thickening with an unspoken tension. “Tonight,” he murmured, his voice low and intimate, “let’s celebrate. Just the two of us.”

Ivy hesitated, her professional instincts warning her to keep the lines clear, but the promise in Lucien’s eyes was too enticing to resist. His gaze was magnetic, drawing her in with a silent invitation that made her heart race. The rational part of her mind was quickly drowned out by the memory of his lips on hers, the thrill of his touch still fresh in her thoughts.

“Okay,” Ivy agreed, her voice barely above a whisper. “Tonight.”

Lucien’s smile was slow, a mix of relief and anticipation. “I’ll take care of everything. Meet me in the lobby at eight.”

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Ivy tried to focus on the mountain of tasks still ahead, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Lucien. The way he looked at her, like she was the only person in the room. The way his voice softened when he spoke to her. The promise of tonight hung over her like a thrilling secret, one she was both eager and nervous to unwrap.

At exactly eight o’clock, Ivy stepped out of the elevator and into the hotel lobby, her heart fluttering in her chest. She spotted Lucien immediately. He stood by the entrance, dressed in a sharp black suit that fit him like a glove. His eyes found hers, darkening with something unmistakable as they swept over her form-fitting dress. The thin straps and the way the fabric clung to her curves made Ivy feel both powerful and vulnerable under his intense gaze.

“You look breathtaking,” Lucien said, his voice thick with appreciation.

Ivy felt the heat rise to her cheeks. “Thank you. You clean up well yourself.”