Chapter Two

Abigail

"I believe you heard me the first time, Miss Winston," Cade Kings says in that detached way of his that suggests he's accustomed to being obeyed without question.

I stare blankly at him, unable to fathom the meaning behind his words. Several contradictory emotions whirl in my chest, struggling for expression.

Still, I can't deny the fact that Cade Kings is a handsome man, devilishly so. With his sharp jawline, tousled dark hair, and impeccably-tailored suit, he exudes an aura of confidence and allure that's difficult to ignore. Even at this moment, I find myself fighting not to get distracted by his stormy eyes and those firm, sensual lips that are currently tilting upward in an arrogant smirk.

"I did hear your words, Mr. Kings," I reply, keeping my voice calm despite the knots in my stomach. "I just don't understand what they mean."

"Spend the weekend in my home," he says in a conversational tone, as if he's not being totally absurd. "Ask questions for your article while I try to figure out why you intrigue me so much. Tit for tat."

"I'm not sleeping with you for a story," I say through clenched teeth, not bothering to hide the venom in my voice.

"You don't have to," he replies, looking straight into my eyes in that disconcerting way that makes me want to squirm. "Well, unless you really want to," he adds, his smirk widening. "Do you want to sleep with me, Miss Winston?"

"My God, no!" I reply with an incredulous scoff, but I instantly regret reacting so strongly. My cheeks grow hot with mortification as his brow arches knowingly.

"Well, that's new," he says in a carefree tone that contradicts the intensity in his piercing black eyes. "No woman has ever rejected me so strongly. Makes me even more curious about you, Abbie…"

I close my eyes, tamping down the urge to storm out of his company and never look back. More than his infuriating arrogance, there's something about him that unsettles me in a way I can't quite comprehend. He disconcerts me, and that alone is a clear sign that Cade Kings isn't one to be underestimated.

He's dangerous. In more ways than one.

Despite knowing that, leaving isn't an option. Getting the ever-evasive CEO of Kings Corporation to agree to a profile story is the only prerequisite for my promotion to the position of Editor-in-Chief. Many have walked this path and failed woefully, but I've come too far to back down now. I want my promotion badly, yet it seems so absurd that I have to spend the weekend bending to Cade's whims for it. I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place, torn between taking my losses or kissing up to the devil.

Biting back the string of curse words that rise in my throat, I take in a deep breath and take a hesitant step forward.

"What do I have to do?" I ask, hating the little tremor in my voice. I straighten my spine and hold his gaze, refusing to let him sense my nervousness. I know very well how men like Cade Kings like to prey on their opponents' weaknesses. He already sees me as a challenge; I can't let myself be conquered.

I will not be a pawn in his game of power, and I intend to let him know just that.

"Mr. Kings, I…"

"Call me Cade, Abbie," he says, throwing me off with his casual interruption. "We're getting to know each other, aren't we?"

My heart skips at his words. Again, he manages to throw me off guard, and I'm not sure how to feel about that. I glare at him, refusing to give in to the deceptive casualness of his tone.

"I'm not going to be a part of whatever game you're playing, Mr. Kings," I reply pointedly.

He smiles, a simple yet genuinely amused tilt of his sensual lips. My chest tightens as I watch the smile transform his features, softening the sharp angles of his face. He has the most beautiful smile I've ever seen on any man.

Focus, Abbie. The devil is always beautiful.

"What games, Abbie?" he asks quietly, calling my name with such familiarity that one would think we've known each other for ages.

Ignoring my racing heart, I fold my arms over my chest and level my gaze with his. "You're going to try to get me in your bed, but I'll have you know that it's never going to happen."

"Why not?" he counters, then cocks his head sideways, his face inscrutable as he searches mine. "What does it take to get you in my bed, Abbie?

"What?"

"Are you always so uptight, Miss Winston?" he asks, leaning back in his seat with a soft chuckle.

"Are you always so condescending, Mr. Kings?" I shoot back, glaring at him. I knew that it'd be difficult dealing with the infamous CEO of Kings Corporations, but I never imagined our meeting taking such a ridiculous turn. In just a few minutes, he has managed to ruffle my feathers in ways that make me want to drop my professionalism. I've met a few arrogant jerks along the way in my four years as a journalist, but none have made me want to lose control like Cade Kings. And even though right now I want nothing more than to wipe that smug smirk off his handsome face, I can't deny the electrifying tension hanging in the air between us.

"I like you, Abbie," he says, his expression deadpan.

My heart stops beating for a second and picks up again at an impossibly fast pace. I gape at him, unable to form a rational thought. Amusement flickers in his mysterious, dark eyes as they roam my body in a way that sends an exhilarating chill down my spine. He rises from his seat and, for the first time, I realize how imposing his height is. Even in a suit, I can see the outline of his broad shoulders and lean muscles, and I'm suddenly overwhelmed by the urge to run my hands over them.

Cade stops directly in front of me, close enough for his masculine, woodsy scent to tease my nose. He locks his gaze on mine, his eyes filled with an arresting intensity.

"For some reason, you intrigue me, Abbie," he says quietly. "I'm attracted to you, but I'm not going to jump you because of that. I just want to know you better without the paparazzi shoving cameras in our faces. In return, you get two full days to ask me all the questions in the world for your story. It's a fair trade and the only offer I'm willing to make."

"I should warn you that I have a black belt in taekwondo and jiu-jitsu," I say coolly, glad my voice doesn't reflect my nervousness. "I'm going to kick your ass if you so much as lay a finger on me."

"Fair warning," he says, his lips tilting upward in an amused smile. "So, do we have a deal?"

As if I have a choice.

"I suppose so," I reply grudgingly, and his smile widens.

"Great. I'll pick you up tonight at 8."

I nod, biting down on my lower lip to contain the growing anxiety in the pit of my stomach. It suddenly feels like I've signed a contract with the devil and there's no turning back.

What the heck are you doing, Abbie?