Page 34 of Titus

“Helicopter, really?” I said, tilting my head just enough to acknowledge the obvious without giving it weight. “How very subtle of you.”

His steady gaze held mine, still assessing, and with a new expression I’d never seen on the man… he was amused.

“It got you here,” he replied smoothly.

And there it was again… that quiet, underlying confidence, as if he didn’t need to prove anything because he already knew exactly where he stood.

I stopped a few feet in front of him, letting the silence stretch just long enough to feel intentional. Then I let my eyes flick over him once more—slower this time, unapologetic.

Because if he was going to make a statement, I was going to evaluate it. This wasn’t just about him hiring me anymore; it was now about whether I would work exclusively for him.

“I trust the trip here was uneventful,” he said with a smirk that could unravel a woman who wasn’t mentally armored against men like him.

“Mm,” I hummed softly. “I’m still deciding whether I’m impressed or concerned.”

A faint smile touched his mouth, “Why concerned?”

I met his gaze fully now, no shields, no distractions. “Because men who go to this level of effort usually want something very specific,” I said lightly. “And I like knowing exactly what I’m walking into, especially with a man like you.”

His eyes remained locked on mine. “Good,” he answered. “That makes two of us.”

Something in my chest tightened—just slightly. Annoyingly. It was an odd sensation, and I honestly couldn’t label it. I exhaled slowly, forcing my attention back into place, back into control where it belonged.

Because attraction? Attraction was easy, predictable, and manageable. However, this was something else. And I wasn’t entirely sure yet whether that worked in my favor or his.

I smiled as I brushed past him. “I’m starving,” I said over my shoulder. “I hope dinner’s ready.”

“I hope you enjoy lamb?”

“Excellent choice,” I said as he walked up to my side and offered his arm.

I took it and didn’t miss the fact that he seemed lighter, more amused, and dare I say friendlier. However, his choice of meal, which I’d compared myself to just moments before the helicopter landed, made me truly wonder whether he was the lion and I was the precious little lamb he was about to devour.

I knew I needed to get out of my head, but nothing about this meeting was normal. Hell, I usually didn’t even meet with the billionaires whose events I planned—I was typically hired through their finance departments, and once everything was set, I’d have brief meetings to ensure their needs were met.

But this? Especially from a man who seemed to think I’d ripped off his company to save his event in Monaco…well, it only fed the predatory comparison. I just couldn’t fully comprehend why he’d had a sudden change of heart. Although I was sure I’d find out soon enough.

Regardless of the reason, I wasn’t leaving this dinner desperate for his business. It would be the other way around.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Everything down to the last detail had been planned with precision—from the moment I told Cat I’d send a car to bring her to my helicopter, to ensuring she arrived at the exact minute I intended for it to land.

Everyone who worked for me knew they had to follow my plans exactly, down to the very minute, or they could find another job. I never missed or failed at anything. Everything in my life and world was always executed perfectly, without any flaws.

That same control was why Cat was here—at my home, the one place I never allowed anyone. I’d hosted small gatherings before, but they were always at my hotels or lounges. This space, my home? It had always been my personal, private space, and nobody had access to me here unless I allowed it.

Bringing Cat here was strategic, another way to control the narrative I intended to create. I was not about to allow anything to slip through any cracks in my business, if there were any. From here on out, until I learned what Christian Jameston was truly up to, I would be on offense, ensuring the man had no access to fuck with what I had spent my entire life building and perfecting.

All this because the stupid fucker had some made-up vendetta against me.

Using a relationship with Cat seemed the best way to get into that man’s head. I was hopeful she would host events for him, possibly gain his trust, and hopefully learn what the hell this man’s plans were for me.

If it was nothing, then no harm done. I wasn’t trying to hurt the woman; I only needed her to be my eyes and ears inside that man’s world. I was determined to get that. My personal rules now included avoiding any sexual intimacy. However, watching her step out of my helicopter and the way she held herself so confidently against me... I realized I had to prove I could control this emerging relationship with her.

For the first time in years, I suspected winning a woman over might actually require patience.

I had to admit, I was impressed by her choice of outfit. Her navy cashmere sweater was understated yet chic. Instead of wearing an evening dress, she opted for the sweater and tailored slacks, clean and efficient. She wasn’t here to flirt or be flattered. She was here because she expected me to hire her. I appreciated that.