Chapter 2

Alejandro’s POV

The music thrummed through the penthouse with a steady bass that matched the rhythm of my pulse. The room filled with people swaying their bodies to the melody, with practiced smiles spread across their faces.

I swirled the whiskey in my glass, leaning back against the marble bar as my eyes scanned the room with boredom.

There were women in skimpier outfits than the ones who acted in my dad’s adult films, throwing their thirsty glances at me. They wanted me, as always. They wanted me in their beds. But tonight, nothing seemed to impress me.

“Another drink, Mr. Montenegro?” the bartender asked, breaking through my thoughts.

I shook my head and set down the empty glass with a soft clink. The burn of the whiskey couldn’t fill the emptiness I felt right now. It seemed I was getting bored of the life I had set for myself—the party life and numerous women to fuck when I wanted to.

“Mr. Montenegro,” a voice sliced through my thoughts, grabbing my attention.

I turned curiously, and my eyes fell on a woman. A woman who looked like she didn’t fit here from how she was dressed.

She stood a few feet away, her arms crossed over her chest, her tailored black pantsuit doing very little to hide the amazing curve of her hips. Her hazel eyes burned right through me without a flicker of hesitation.

And just like that, I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time. Interest. With just my name on her lips and a single glance, I was pulled instantly.

“I don’t remember inviting a chaperone to my party.” I smirked.

“But you look like you need one,” she said sternly.

“Who are you?” I asked, the corner of my mouth curving into a lazy smile.

She moved closer but didn’t return the smile. “Mira Martinez,” she said briskly. “I’m your new PR consultant. Your father hired me to pick up what’s left of your reputation and salvage it before you destroy it completely.”

Ah! So she was one of my father’s little puppies. That explained the attitude.

“Did he now?” I murmured, taking a step closer. “And what makes you think I need salvaging?”

She stared at me, didn’t flinch, and didn’t so much as blink. Most people would have taken a step back from how intimidating my presence was, but she held her ground.

“You don’t think hosting parties like this”—she gestured toward the crowd—“is a liability for someone in your position? Let me spell it out for you, Mr. Montenegro. Your investors are starting to talk, and it’s not flattering.”

I let out a low and deep chuckle, the sound vibrating in my chest. “My investors are happy as long as their profits roll in and their pockets are full. Trust me, sweetheart, my reputation isn’t going anywhere.”

She rolled her eyes. “Don’t call me sweetheart.”

Fuck! She was so fascinating. I’d met women who tried to resist my charm before, but Mira Martinez wasn’t just resisting—she was challenging me.

“And what’s in it for you, Miss Martinez?” I asked, trying my hardest to sound formal, but my efforts were futile. “A fat paycheck? Or are you just looking for an excuse to taste my cock?”

Something uncertain flickered in her eyes for a second, like that was what she really wanted, but it quickly disappeared, and her lips twitched. “Believe me, Mr. Montenegro, this is a job and nothing more. I’m not here to know the different colors of your sheets.”

I stepped closer until there was very minimal space between us. “You’re very confident for someone who doesn’t know me and what I can do.”

A smug expression spread on her beautiful face. “I know enough to know that you’re reckless, arrogant, and used to getting your way. But I’ll make one thing clear. I’m not one of your chihuahuas who wet their panties at the mere sight of you, and I won’t play your game.”

I chuckled darkly. Oh, she’s a feisty one. This was going to be fun.

I leaned in, close enough to see the faint freckles dusting her pointy nose. “Careful, Miss Martinez. You might find my games addictive.”

Her breath hitched slightly, but she covered it up pretty fast. “Addiction is a weakness,” she said. “And I don’t have any weaknesses.”

“We’ll see about that.” I grinned.

By the time the party was over, Mira had disappeared into the night, leaving me with nothing but the lingering scent of her perfume and the memory of her challenging words.

I returned to my private suite, immediately clearly proving that I was uninterested in the party I had thrown for myself. Normally, I enjoyed the quiet after the chaos of a party but tonight, it felt… empty.

Her face flashed in my mind again—her sharp gaze, the way she held herself like she was untouchable.

I poured myself another drink, ignoring the way my body reacted to the memory of her standing so close. She was a challenge, no doubt about it. And I never walked away from a challenge.

The next morning, she arrived at my office.

I’d barely had time to settle behind my desk when she strode in, a tablet in hand and a determined look on her face.

“You’re late,” I said, just to see how she’d react.

She didn’t blink. “You didn’t give me a time, so technically, I’m not.”

I leaned back in my chair, grinning. “Touché.”

Mira didn’t sit. Instead, she placed the tablet on my desk and began talking.

“This is your new schedule,” she said briskly. “Effective immediately. No more parties, no more public displays of… excess. Your first meeting with the press is in three days, and I expect you to follow my instructions to the letter.”

I picked up the tablet, scanning the tightly packed itinerary. “This seems… restrictive.”

“That’s the point,” she said. “You need structure, Mr. Montenegro. And discipline.”

Discipline. My gaze flicked to her lips, wondering if she had any idea how that word sounded coming from her.

“And what happens if I break the rules?” I asked, my voice dropping.

Her eyes darkened, and for a brief moment, I thought I saw a flicker of something—something she quickly pushed down.

“Then we’re done,” she said.

I chuckled. “Are you always this strict?” I asked, tilting my head.

Her lips twitched, almost imperceptibly. “Only when I need to be.”

By the time she left, I was already planning my next move.

Mira Martinez thought she could tame me, but she didn’t realize what she was up against. She wanted rules? Fine. I’d play along.

But only because I had every intention of breaking them—and her—piece by piece.

I leaned back in my chair, a slow smile spreading across my face when she strolled back in.

“Your father said I’d be moving into your penthouse. So I’ll be there today by nightfall,” she stated as she stepped out again and a mischievous grin spread across my lips.

Things just got easier. Let the games begin.