Mills & Boon Stars Collection: Seductive Nights: A Deal with Alejandro

She blinked rapidly when she realised tears were forming. Dashing her hand across her face, she forwarded the contract to her mother.

Powering down her laptop, she slid properly into bed and pulled up the sheets to her chin, firmly refusing to dwell on the past.

Instead, she analysed her day.

In some ways, today could’ve gone better. She could’ve summoned more control over her errant emotions around Alejandro, for instance. Been less absorbed by his raw magnetism, that hint of bleakness that echoed the knot trapped inside her.

But she’d secured and held on to the SNV commission.

Tomorrow would be better.

* * *

She groaned out loud when her alarm sounded at six. Rolling over, she debated the wisdom of making middle-of-the-night decisions like running to SNV’s offices as a perfect start to the new day.

Eyeing the backpack she’d readied with her work clothes and everything she needed for the day, Elise groaned again, wondering what she’d been thinking.

You need a clear head to deal with Alejandro Aguilar. Running does that for you.

Grudgingly accepting the voice of reason, she rose and donned her running gear. Tying her hair into a ponytail, she caught up the backpack and headed out.

Twenty-five sweaty minutes later, she arrived at SNV. She was gulping thirstily from the water fountain when she sensed she was being watched. Her heart leapt into her throat, but when she raised her head it wasn’t Alejandro, but a sandy-haired man who approached with a smile and an outstretched hand.

‘I’m Wendell Grant. I’m with the strategy team on the Japanese merger. Alejandro mentioned he’d gone with my recommendation and hired you.’

Wondering when Alejandro would’ve had a chance to do that since it was only six thirty, she plastered a smile on her face. ‘Oh, I see. I guess I owe you big for that.’

His smile widened. ‘I accept payment in caffeine-related beverages.’ He fell into step beside her and held the lift door for her. ‘Good thing is, in this place, it’s free,’ he whispered conspiratorially.

Elise laughed. ‘Noted.’

He pressed the button for the same floor Alejandro’s office was located, then sent a swift glance over her body. ‘You better hustle. Alejandro might want a meeting. In my experience it’s better to make yourself available and not be needed, than the other way around.’

She nodded brisk thanks, although her body developed a curious thrum at the mention of Alejandro’s name as they exited the lift. Wendell turned right and she headed for the women’s bathroom that held fully stocked shower cubicles.

‘Oh, by the way...’

She paused and turned.

‘I take my coffee black with two sugars,’ Wendell said.

Acknowledging him with a quick wave, she darted into the bathroom.

She arrived at Margo’s desk one minute before seven. The middle-aged PA looked up and rolled her eyes.

‘Be warned. He’s in a mood. There’s a briefing in the conference room. You better head there, too. He’ll join you when he’s done with his phone call.’

Elise eyed the door, heard the growled imprecation from within, and exchanged a nervous smile with Margo before heading the other way.

She entered the conference room and greeted the three men and three women comprising the strategy team. After Wendell made introductions, Elise went to the coffee cart and prepared two coffees, and held one out to him.

‘Black, two sugars.’

He took the coffee from her and took a sip. ‘Perfect. You can stay.’

Exaggerated groans and ribbing sounded around the table.

Smiling, Elise started to raise her cup, and froze at the sight of Alejandro, silently observing her from the doorway.

She locked her knees, the bolt to her stomach just from the sight of him enough to knock the breath from her lungs. Tension emanated from him. The team lapsed into silence, furtive glances passing between them.

Alejandro prowled forward and stopped at the head of the table. ‘You’ve all met my new PR guru. Good. This will be a short meeting.’

Bodies shifted. Throats cleared. The tension remained.

‘Are you going to sit down, Elise?’ Alejandro addressed her without looking her way.

‘Uh, sure.’

About to take the seat farthest away, she froze again when Alejandro pointed to the chair adjacent to him. Again without looking her way.

Clutching her untouched coffee, she made her way round the table and slipped into the chair. A few heartbeats later, Alejandro sat down.

Like yesterday, he wore a black shirt and faintly pinstriped tailored trousers. If he’d worn a tie with the ensemble, he’d discarded it—the two top buttons opened to reveal his strong throat and the hint of silky curls. She quickly averted her gaze from the evocative sight and concentrated on the file in front of her. The thin file that, upon closer inspection, held everything she’d discovered yesterday.

Her eyes widened. Had he returned to the office last night to put this together? The man was superhuman.

‘Yesterday, Elise confirmed what we’ve all suspected for the past few days. The Ishikawa Corporation is considering another player for the merger. What the report doesn’t say is that player happens to be my brother.’

Elise tensed at the icy chill of his tone as shocked murmurs went around the table.

‘Your brother?’ Wendell echoed.

Alejandro’s eyes hardened a touch. ‘Yes. He’s CEO of Toredo Inc. That fact shouldn’t alter our strategy. At least not yet. Elise believes Kenzo Ishikawa and the proposed relocation of the factories is the bone of contention fuelling the sudden switch in their end goal. We’ll concentrate on that instead.’

Wendell frowned and glanced at Elise. ‘Their grandfather? Are you sure?’

She nodded. ‘As sure as I can be without hearing it straight from his mouth.’

Alejandro levelled a hard stare at him. ‘Do you have a problem with that assessment? If so, prove it wrong,’ he bit out.

Wendell’s eyes widened. ‘Umm...no, I believe her.’

‘Good. I want a preliminary report of what it’ll cost to relocate fifty per cent of the factories and leave the remainder in Japan for the next five years. That will be all.’

He rose, signalling an end to the meeting. A few steps from the door, he looked over his shoulder. ‘Elise?’ Her name was a terse command.

She rose, aware of the speculative glances she drew.