Tangled in Desire

Zara's day had been progressing smoothly until the notification from Xavier's office had disrupted her peace. She was reading through the project briefs, mentally listing the materials they'd need for the upcoming site inspection, when her phone pinged with a message. She expected it to be something about logistics—maybe a confirmation on the flights for the business trip scheduled in two weeks. But when she opened it, her calm expression shifted.

The message was from Xavier himself, and it read more like a command than a request: "We're attending the Steinfield Charity Ball together. My assistant will brief you on the details."

Zara stared at her phone in disbelief. Attend a ball together? The nerve! She read it twice, then again, her irritation growing. He hadn't even bothered to ask if she was available or interested. The entire tone was curt, final. No room for her to even respond. Without thinking, she pressed his number, the phone ringing in her ear as she prepared herself to lay into him.

The call rang out once, twice, three times, and just as she expected to hear his voice, it cut off—Xavier had ignored her call. She felt a twinge of disbelief, followed by a flash of anger. She hit dial again, ready to hold the phone to her ear until he picked up.

But he ignored her again.

Her jaw clenched as she hit redial for a third time, and this time it went straight to voicemail. He'd turned off his phone. Zara stared at her phone screen, the irritation in her chest transforming into an indignant fury. Xavier Steele clearly thought he could treat her like an accessory in his plans—a pawn he could move as he pleased.

Her mind made up, she grabbed her keys, took one last sip of the latte she'd been drinking at her desk, and left her office, still dressed in her cozy slouchy sweater and high-waisted shorts. She looked far from the professional CEO she often had to be, and she didn't care. If anything, she hoped her appearance would send the message that she hadn't planned on wasting her time with this nonsense. She wasn't about to drop everything and dress up for him.

The drive to his office was spent mentally scripting what she'd say to him. She could already picture his indifferent expression, the calm, dismissive tone he'd likely use as he brushed off her frustration. But that was fine. If he thought she'd be easy to handle, he was about to learn otherwise.

Arriving at the towering building where Steele Enterprises operated, she wasted no time navigating the vast lobby. The polished marble floors gleamed under the lighting, and the massive, modern sculptures dotted around gave the space an imposing feel. But Zara didn't take in any of it. Her sights were set on one place only—Xavier's office on the top floor.

The receptionist barely had time to say a word before Zara was already striding toward the elevators. By the time she reached the executive floor, she was more than ready for this confrontation.

Xavier's assistant, a young man who looked like he'd had a dozen cups of coffee to keep up with the demands of his role, stood up from his desk, attempting to intercept her as she marched towards the office door.

"Miss Winters, I'm afraid Mr. Steele is in meetings today, and he typically only sees people by appointment. If you don't have an appointment, I'll need to—"

Zara didn't stop walking. She glanced over at him, her gaze sharp, and with a small, unimpressed smile, she raised her brow as if daring him to say another word.

One look was all it took. The assistant's expression wavered, and he quickly moved out of her path, muttering a quiet, "Of course, Miss Winters," as she reached for the office door.

Inside, Xavier sat at his desk, typing away on his laptop, seemingly unfazed by her abrupt arrival. He didn't even look up immediately. When he did, his gaze was as cool and detached as ever, his expression unreadable.

"Zara," he greeted, leaning back in his chair. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

She didn't waste a moment. "A pleasure? You send me a message ordering me to attend a charity ball with you like I'm a trophy on display, then ignore my calls. I'm not sure where the 'pleasure' part comes in, Mr. Steele." Her tone was dry, dripping with sarcasm.

Xavier's gaze didn't waver. "I didn't realize I was obligated to answer your calls. I assumed the message was clear enough."

"It was clear, alright," she replied, folding her arms across her chest. "But in case you didn't notice, I have my own schedule and my own commitments. I don't make a habit of dropping everything because someone barks a command my way. Not even if that someone is Xavier Steele."

A flicker of amusement crossed his face, barely noticeable but there nonetheless. "Is that so?"

"Yes, that's so," she shot back. "I don't appreciate being treated as an afterthought. And I certainly don't need to play dress-up just to reassure your investors."

He raised an eyebrow. "It's not about playing dress-up, Miss Winters. It's about projecting a united front. It's essential to ensure the success of the project."

Zara bit back a retort, realizing she'd have to choose her words carefully. If she outright refused, he'd likely use it against her, claiming she wasn't invested in the project. Fine. If he wanted her to attend, she'd go—but on her terms.

"Fine," she said coolly. "I'll attend the charity ball. But I expect proper notice next time."

"Glad to hear we're in agreement," he replied, his tone frustratingly smooth.

She narrowed her eyes at him one last time before turning on her heel. "See you at the ball, Steele," she said, her voice laced with mock sweetness. With that, she strode out of his office, her head held high, leaving him watching her retreating figure with a flicker of something that might have been intrigue—or perhaps amusement.

As she passed his assistant, she noted the poor man's bewildered expression as he sat, wide-eyed at his desk. She gave him a nod, her earlier irritation dissipating as she imagined how baffled he must have been, witnessing her confrontation with his boss.

Back in the elevator, Zara let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding, a small, triumphant smile tugging at her lips. If Xavier Steele thought he could control her, he was in for a rude awakening. She might play along for the sake of the project, but she would do it on her own terms.