Page 95 of The CEO

“Can’t tonight. Prior commitment.” I sling my bag over my shoulder, already mentally preparing for the evening ahead. “Rain check?”

“Sure thing.” She watches me for a moment longer before returning to her desk.

The drive to Eden gives me time to mentally prepare myself for the inquisition I’m about to face tonight during my first real meeting with The Shadows.

* * *

The underground chamber beneath Eden pulses with subdued energy as I push open the heavy doors. The room falls silent as I enter, seven pairs of eyes turning toward me.

“Eve,” The Vigilante acknowledges, her stern expression softening slightly. We’ve developed an unexpected mutual respect since our first meeting. “We were just reviewing the preliminary information you sent.”

“Good timing,” The Raven adds, nodding toward the empty seat to Damien’s right. “We have questions about this pharmaceutical connection you’ve identified.”

I take my place, feeling Damien’s hand brush mine beneath the table—a brief gesture of private acknowledgment before we continue with business. The screens at the far end of the room display information I compiled on our latest target, a network of corrupt officials protecting a pharmaceutical company’s deadly negligence.

“The connection runs through these offshore accounts,” I explain, using a tablet to highlight specific transactions. “The company diverted funds through this shell corporation, then into the personal accounts of these three officials.”

The Heiress leans forward, her gaze sharpening with interest. “The pattern matches what we’ve seen in Milwaukee. Same financial architecture, possibly the same facilitators.”

“Exactly,” I confirm. “I believe we’re looking at a regional network, not just isolated corruption.”

“Evidence quality?” The Skull asks.

“Substantial but not yet court-ready,” I admit. “The Raven’s team will need to access their internal communications to solidify the connection completely.”

“Already in progress,” The Raven confirms. “Preliminary findings support your theory. Their security is sophisticated but . . . inadequate.” The Raven’s technical expertise makes any digital barrier a temporary inconvenience.

Damien watches our exchange with quiet satisfaction as their initial skepticism slowly gives way to genuine collaboration.

“Your journalistic approach provides excellent cover for this investigation,” The Phantom observes. “TheTribune’sreputation lends legitimacy to your inquiries without raising suspicion.”

“And creates public pressure once we’re ready to act,” The Vigilante adds, already thinking ahead to execution. “A well-timed exposé followed by our intervention would achieve maximum impact.”

The discussion flows naturally as we refine our approach—identifying key targets, determining appropriate consequences, and establishing timelines for both public exposure and shadow justice.

“We’ll begin surveillance immediately,” The Vigilante concludes, making notes on her tablet. “Eve’s public investigation provides the perfect cover for our initial reconnaissance.”

“And The Heiress’ financial team can trace the offshore connections,” Damien adds.

As the meeting concludes and the council members file out, Damien approaches me, his eyes holding mine with an intensity that still makes my breath catch. But within a second, his expression changes as he moves toward me at the speed of light.

His hand closes around my throat as he presses me against the wall, eyes blazing with a fury I’ve never seen before.

“I watched you today, with your source.” His lips curl in a snarl. “You let him touch you,” Damien growls, his grip firm but controlled. “His hand on your lower back, his lips too close to your ear.”

“It was a business conversation,” I manage, pulse racing beneath his fingers. “Nothing more.”

“Nothing is ever just business,” he says, his face inches from mine. “The thought of another man even looking at you makes me want to peel his eyelids back so he can watch as I remove his hands that dared to touch what’s mine.”

The terrifying part isn’t the threat itself, but the absolute certainty that he means every word. I have zero doubts he would carry it out without hesitation or remorse.

“Damien—”

“Do you understand what you are to me, Eve?” His voice drops to a whisper, his body pressed against mine. “I would burn this city to ash if it meant keeping you safe. I would dismantle empires, destroy dynasties, create rivers of blood . . . and I would do it all without a moment’s hesitation.” His lips brush against mine. “There is nothing I wouldn’t sacrifice to protect what’s mine. Nothing and no one who could stand in my way.”

His possessiveness should terrify me. Instead, it ignites something dark and hungry inside me—the knowledge that I am singularly, obsessively wanted by the most dangerous man in Chicago.

“Show me,” I whisper.

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