The event was not in Mara’s contract. She learned about it late in the afternoon when Cassian appeared beside her desk without a sound, his presence hitting her body before she even looked up. He placed a small black box in front of her. No explanation. No question. Only his quiet command.
“Wear this tonight.”
Mara opened it slowly. Inside lay a dress unlike anything she had ever touched. Midnight silk. Thin straps. A neckline that dipped low enough to steal her breath. Soft fabric that whispered of danger and attention. She looked from the dress to Cassian, unsure.
“I cannot wear this to a work event,” she said.
“Yes, you can,” he answered. “You are with me.”
The words landed deep. Heavy. Certain.
He touched her chin, tilting her face until their eyes locked. “This is not about work
