Page 14 of Fated By Fire

“The big boss? Caleb Craven?”

“One and the same. Nearly got bust in the basement.” I pull a face.

“That’s what happens when you live on the edge, babe.”

“Sometimes a bit too close,” I admit.

“Well, drinks will fix that,” she says, nudging my shoulder and pushing me toward the entrance. “Let’s get you something strong.”

We’re about to step inside when the door swings open, and I nearly walk straight into a wall of solid muscle. My hands instinctively brace against a broad chest, and I look up to meet Caleb Craven’s piercing amber eyes.

For a moment, time stops. His gaze locks onto mine, and I feel a jolt shoot through me, setting every nerve on fire. His scent—crisp, clean, and faintly smoky—fills my lungs, and I can’t breathe.

“Ms. Mercer,” he says, his voice low and smooth, though there’s a hint of surprise in his tone.

I’m too stunned to speak for a moment. “Mr. Craven,” I finally manage, then pretty much run out of words.

Mara breaks the tension, her eyes darting between us. “Well, aren’t you tall, dark, and brooding,” she says, her voice dripping with amusement.

Holy fuck! Did she just say that?

I elbow her, but Caleb doesn’t seem fazed. He glances at her, his expression unreadable, before returning his gaze to me.

Mara refuses to be ignored. “I’m Mara,” she says, extending a hand. He takes it, shakes once, and lets go. “Would you believe Jessica here was just talking about you?”

“Is that so?” His gaze locks on mine, and I swear I can feel it like a physical touch.

“Sure is,” she emphasizes. “And I can see why.” She runs an eye over him shamelessly. Caleb doesn’t respond to Mara’s comment. Instead, he steps aside, letting us pass, but his eyes linger on me a beat too long, sending a fresh wave of heat through my body. I’m about to awkwardly shuffle past him when Mara, ever the instigator, speaks up.

“You’re not leaving, are you?” she asks, grinning. “You look like you could use another drink.”

Caleb raises an eyebrow, his expression a mix of amusement and mild curiosity. “I’m not sure I’m invited.”

“Oh, you’re definitely invited,” Mara says, nudging me with her elbow. “Isn’t he, Jess?”

I’m mortified but manage to stammer, “Uh, yeah. Sure.”

“Come on,” Mara presses. “It’s not every day you get to hang out with the CEO of a billion-dollar company.”

To my surprise, Caleb hesitates, then nods. “Alright. One drink.”

Shit. What if he wants to interrogate me some more?

He leads us back inside, and I feel like I’ve just stepped into a trap of my own making. The bar is softly illuminated, with a low hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. Dorian Craven is perched on a stool at the far end of the bar, flanked by two women who look like they’ve stepped out of a fashion magazine. Seems we walked in on their night out on the town.

“Didn’t think you’d be back, brother,” Dorian says, raising a glass in greeting. “I see you’ve brought reinforcements.”

Caleb pulls up a chair for me, his hand brushing my shoulder as he does. My skin tingles where he touched me, and I have to force myself to focus.

This is freaking surreal!

Mara immediately takes the lead. “Hey!” She smiles at the blonde who’s hanging on Dorian. “I’m Mara.” She leans in for a hug, surprising the woman.

“I’m Brandi?” The woman says it like it’s a question.

“Of course you are,” says Mara. “And you?” She turns to the other.

“Tawny,” says the brunette.

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