Chapter 7 - The Empire’s Queen
A year later, the rain was falling gently against the massive floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse office in Manhattan.
The city stretched below us, glittering in the twilight. But I wasn't holding a tablet, and I wasn't standing across from the desk.
I was sitting in Mason’s heavy leather chair, reviewing the quarterly logistics reports for our European expansion. I wore a tailored white silk suit, my hair falling in loose waves over my shoulders. On my left ring finger rested a flawless, five-carat emerald-cut diamond—a ring that signaled to the entire world that I was no longer an employee. I was Isabella Orlov. The co-chair of the empire.
Heavy, familiar footsteps approached from behind.
Mason leaned over the back of my chair, his powerful arms wrapping around my shoulders, his lips pressing a soft, lingering kiss to the side of my neck.
“Dominic says the Baltimore shipments are secured,” Mason murmured, his deep voice vibrating against my skin, sending a familiar thrill down my spine. “And Leo has finalized the European contracts. We are done for the day.”
I leaned my head back against his chest, closing my eyes and breathing in his scent of cedar and expensive Scotch. The scar above his eye was still there, a reminder of the violent world we ruled, but the coldness that had once defined him was gone entirely. He was ruthless to his enemies, but to me, he was absolute warmth. Absolute safety.
“Are you sure?” I smiled, turning my head to look up at him. “We still have the quarterly investor dinner to plan for next month.”
Mason chuckled, a rich, genuine sound that he only ever shared with me. He gently spun my chair around, lifting me effortlessly into his arms and carrying me toward the private elevator.
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“The empire can wait until tomorrow, Mrs. Orlov,” Mason whispered, his storm-gray eyes darkening with a fierce, possessive love as the elevator doors closed, sealing us in our private world. “Tonight, I have other plans for my wife.”
I rested my head against his heart, listening to its steady, powerful beat. I had once feared the darkness of his world. Now, I knew the truth. Mason Orlov was the darkness, but for me, he would always pull down the stars.
