Exiting Blue Whale, Janelle spotted Erik's eye-catching blue Cullinan.
She walked over and leaned against the car, lightly rapping on the window.
The window lowered, revealing Erik's deep, intense gaze.
His shirt was casually unbuttoned a few buttons, exposing a glimpse of his sculpted chest.
Impossibly long legs, encased in black suit trousers, seemed cramped even in the Cullinan's spacious interior.
A flawlessly handsome face, broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist, paired with those endless legs.
This man radiated potent allure from head to toe, inside and out.
"Don't you have anything better to do?" Janelle looked down at the man in the car, her tone cool.
Erik wasn't known for patience, yet with her, he possessed an abundance.
His captivating eyes seemed to peer into her soul.
"Busy or not depends on the person. For you, I always have time." His voice was a low, sensual rumble. "You want Blue Whale?"
Her beautiful fox eyes narrowed dangerously.
"You investigated me?"
How much does he know?
Her glare alone, though fierce, sent his pulse racing wildly.
"Erik, whoever you are, don't provoke me. Or else, don't blame me for the consequences." Janelle made no attempt to hide the predatory glint in her eyes.
"I'm not your enemy." He disliked the hostility in her gaze.
This girl was only soft when he had her pinned beneath him. Soft enough to drown in.
"If you're willing, I could even hand Blue Whale to you myself."
He would give her anything she wanted, as long as she stayed by his side.
Janelle suddenly laughed. A stunning twenty-year-old's laugh, naturally enchanting, capable of captivating nations.
She bent down, wrapping her arms around his neck, their breaths mingling.
In that instant, Erik felt his heartbeat spiral out of control again. The sensation was unfamiliar.
Janelle's lips brushed lightly against his ear as she whispered, "What? One time and you're addicted? Want to sleep together more?"
Men. Truly, not a single good one.
Erik frowned. What did she take him for? Offering Blue Whale was only meant to please her.
"Janelle, don't play with fire."
Wasn't she fanning the flames right now? And in such a public place!
"Can't handle it already?"
"Hmm, can't handle it." Erik was brutally honest. With her, even a glance could drive him wild.
Janelle released him.
"Erik, whatever you want, you won't get it from me. Don't waste your time."
"What if I insist?" A dangerous smile curved Erik's lips.
He was becoming increasingly fascinated by her. Letting her escape? Impossible.
"Casualties on your own head." Janelle stated coldly. "Also, I'm not interested in men."
"Oh? Doesn't seem like it!" Images of her yielding form beneath him flashed in his mind. His Adam's apple bobbed unconsciously.
Some people, once touched, became addictive like opium.
"Get in. I'll drive you. Relax, I won't eat you alive in the car!" Though he desperately wanted to. But only if she willingly offered herself.
Erik got out and opened the passenger door for her.
Spotting Westin and Amber approaching in her peripheral vision, Janelle slid into the car.
Erik closed her door and got back in. Just as Westin and Amber were a step away, the blue Cullinan roared past them, leaving them choking on exhaust fumes.
Westin, who had come to confront Janelle, could only curse impotently.
"Enough. She can't hear you," Amber snapped irritably. She'd warned him repeatedly during the meeting, but his intelligence seemed to have deserted him.
Seeing Amber's displeasure, Westin ignored the public setting, pulling her into an embrace and kissing the corner of her mouth.
"Don't be angry. Blue Whale is full of our people. I'll secure this project. Besides, I have you by my side."
"But she still holds 36% of Blue Whale's shares." This rankled Amber deeply. Securing those shares was crucial.
"Don't worry. I'll find a way to make her cough them up." Westin's eyes gleamed with malice. "And Lillie is a top-tier candidate at the M Research Institute! What prominent family in Graham City wouldn't give us face? Who would dare work with Janelle?"
"Hmm. Send some men to the border. Bring Madalyn back."
"Bring that madwoman back? Why?"
"Who does Janelle care about most? With Madalyn in our hands, she'll give us anything we want."
"I'll arrange it immediately."
He'd fought hard to become CEO of Blue Whale. No one was taking what was his. If they tried... he wouldn't hesitate to be ruthless.
"Where to?" Erik asked only when the nauseating couple vanished from the rearview mirror.
The girl rested her elbow on the car door and named an address.
Erik handed his phone to Janelle in the passenger seat.
She glanced sideways at him.
"First time in Graham City. Don't know the way."
"What a pain," Janelle muttered impatiently.
Erik smiled faintly. He considered himself impatient, but this little fox seemed even worse!
Janelle reached for the phone. Her cool fingertips brushed against his warm skin.
That fleeting touch sent an electric jolt through him.
Janelle entered the address into the navigation app and handed the phone back.
Then, she closed her eyes, feigning sleep.
She wanted no further entanglement with this man.
But she never expected her usually razor-sharp vigilance to fail her, lulling her into actual sleep beside this dangerous man.
The car reached its destination. Erik cut the engine.
His gaze remained fixed on her face.
Flawless skin. Long lashes veiling those captivating fox eyes.
In sleep, she resembled a soft, vulnerable Sleeping Beauty, inspiring a fierce urge to protect.
Suddenly, she frowned. Her breathing grew rapid and shallow, her expression twisting with pain.
"Mom... Mom..." The desperate whispers tore at his usually steel-hard heart.
Nightmare?
Unable to bear her distress, Erik gathered her into his arms, gently stroking her back.
"Don't be afraid. I'm here. No one can hurt you."
Erik held the fragile figure close, vowing to shield her like no other.
"Janelle, don't fear. I'm here. Don't fear." Erik was not a soft man. He didn't know how to soothe.
Yet, in this moment, he genuinely wanted to comfort her. To smooth the worry from her brow.