The headlines didn't mention her name but Passion Coleman's fingerprints were all over the scandal. A niche European logistics company affiliated with the Bishops and long used to smuggle illicit products under the guise of medical supplies had just been exposed. An anonymous source had sent internal emails, falsified customs records, and offshore transaction trails to a top-tier journalist known for taking down corporate frauds. By morning, the exposé was everywhere.
Mr. Bishop's fury was volcanic.
"This is surgical!" he barked into the speakerphone in his office. "Someone knew exactly what to leak. They didn't just stumble across this!"
Scott stood opposite the desk, hands in his pockets, face unreadable.
"We've got PR spinning it as an internal error. A rogue manager."
"Not good enough. The investors are sniffing around already." Charles Bishop's voice dipped with menace. "We need to plug the leak. Find who's behind this!!! I'll handle the journalist." He paused as though in thought, "The gala to celebrate our deal with Coleman is tonight. Use the publicity to push for a positive light. I want our name spotless."
Scott gave a slight nod. "We could get Passion give a seal of approval, she's clean and respected."
His father's eyes narrowed. "Then use her, charm her, intimidate her. Hell, bed her if that's what it takes."
Scott's jaw ticked. "The deal's already signed. We could get her to talk us up at the gala as business partners without playing games with her person."
Charles went still. "Are you growing soft on me boy, or is she getting under your skin?"
Scott didn't answer. He turned and walked out.
---
The gala was a storm of lights, gowns, champagne flutes, and camera flashes. Passion arrived late, by design, dressed in black satin with a plunging back and a slit that traveled dangerously high up her thigh. Her hair was swept up, exposing the elegant line of her neck and diamond-studded ears. She was a vision. And she knew it.
The room shifted when she entered, some out of admiration, some in envy. But Scott Bishop's reaction was entirely physical. His gaze trailed her like smoke.
She spotted him near the champagne tower, intently watching her throughout the night as she greeted and interacted with the guests and even when she gave her speech.
"You were late," he said, finally appearing at her side like a shadow. He wore a midnight blue tuxedo that made him look less like a businessman and more like a predator in disguise.
"I like to make an entrance," she replied, accepting a glass from a passing waiter.
"I noticed."
He leaned in slightly, his hand grazing her lower back as he guided her to the terrace, away from the buzz. She allowed it, barely.
"Beautiful night," he said, loosening his collar as they stepped into the cool air. "Almost as beautiful as you."
Passion turned to him, one eyebrow raised. "Do lines like that usually work on your acquisition targets?"
"Only when I mean them."
She laughed lightly. "Our companies are already in business Scott, you don't need to charm me anymore ."
His expression faltered for a fraction of a second.
"Where's your dad? I thought he would be here tonight"
"Dealing with some other business"
"It wouldn't have anything to do with the recent news on illegal dealings, would it?"
Scott looked at her, surprise visible on his face.
"Oh don't look so shocked." Passion said as she drew closer. "I haven't gained my reputation as a successful businesswoman without having my ears to the ground. But don't worry, this doesn't affect our deal."
Scott tilted his head, a frown forming. "I don't think my father would be too happy with what you know."
Passion closed the distance, their faces mere inches apart, they could breathe each other's air. "Then he doesn't have to know." She whispered.
His hand brushed the edge of her waist, heat flaring from his touch. Her breath hitched, and she hated herself for it.
He reached up slowly, letting his fingers drift along the exposed skin of her back, then lower to the edge of the slit in her dress. Her lashes fluttered.
"I see you're a very dangerous woman. I'll bear in mind not to underestimate you."
"And I see a man who thinks seduction is power," she whispered, "but doesn't realize he's already losing control."
His hand tightened slightly, breath brushing her cheek. "And what about you? Still in control?"
She didn't answer. Not with words. She let her eyes linger, let her breath mix with his, let the tension coil like a live wire between them. Then, just when the space between them felt unbearably electric, she leaned forward and brushed her lips against his cheek.
Not a kiss. A promise.
Then she pulled back with a slow, deliberate smile. "You'll never see me coming, Scott."
She walked away, the night air clinging to her like perfume.
Scott stood on the terrace, aroused, irritated, and utterly intrigued. He found her a challenge but he knew his father hated challenges. Charles would see her as an obstacle and that wasn't good news.
Inside the limo later, Passion finally exhaled. Her reflection in the tinted glass looked perfect. Poised. Powerful even but she could still feel his touch like a brand. She needed to move fast before he got under her skin.