Kian arrived at the architecture department precisely at six, his navy-blue Prada suit still immaculate. As he strode through the open space, his focus went straight to Harper. She was absorbed in her task, her forehead creased in concentration, the glow on her screen reflecting in her features, making her even more captivating. The sight tugged a smile from him.

  He tapped lightly on her desk. She blinked, momentarily disoriented, before recognition softened her face. “Ready to go?” he asked, his voice carrying an easy warmth.

  Harper nodded, hastily gathering her things. “Sorry, I lost track of time with my research. Where are we headed?”

  “I hope you like Italian. It’s a charming spot; perfect atmosphere for project talk.”

  “It’d be sacrilegious for a foodie not to like Italian,” Harper teased with a laugh.

  From her office, Jyn Lennin had been observing their interaction like a hawk. The sight of Kian and Harper together stirred a sour wave in her chest. She stepped out, every movement deliberate, a mask of composure fixed in place.

  “President Shahi, Ms. Lange,” Jyn began, her tone deceptively pleasant. “You two headed somewhere?”

  Kian’s gaze immediately cooled. “We didn’t finish our discussion earlier; we’re continuing over dinner.”

  “Sounds like a challenging project,” Jyn replied, calculating. “Perhaps I could tag along and offer the newbie some insight.”

  Kian chose his words carefully. “Director Lennin, I appreciate the offer, but a family member commissioned it. They requested Harper specifically. They’ve worked together before and trust her judgment.”

  Jyn’s stomach twisted, her forced smile barely suppressing her frustration.

  Family? Six years working with him, and I’ve never met any of them!

  She tried again. “Of course, President Shahi. I just thought, with my experience, I could mentor Ms. Lange.”

  “No need,” Kian stated flatly, his patience thinning. “I’m her mentor.”

  A burgeoning sense of crisis surged. Jyn gritted her teeth and pressed on, “But as Prime’s president, surely your time is better spent leading the company than guiding a newbie. Let me take over.”

  Kian’s features darkened, anger simmering beneath the surface. “Who are you to dictate how I spend my time? Did I miss the memo where you became my superior? If my leadership doesn’t suit you, the door is open.”

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  Color drained from Jyn’s cheeks. “I–I didn’t mean any disrespect, President Shahi. I was merely sug—”

  “Your suggestion is noted,” he interrupted coldly. “But the decisions remain mine.”

  Sensing the need to de-escalate the tension, Harper interjected gently. “Thank you, Director Lennin. I appreciate the offer. Perhaps we’ll have the chance to collaborate in the future.”

  Jyn nodded stiffly, concealing the sting of dismissal, before finally retreating. Her gaze lingered on Kian for a moment longer, then she vanished down the hall.

  Once she was gone, Kian and Harper exchanged a quiet glance.

  “Shall we?” he offered his arm.

  She slipped hers through. “Let’s go.”

  ……

  Rush-hour traffic stretched the drive to half an hour, twice the usual time. Kian, initially brooding over Jyn’s meddling, gradually relaxed as he and Harper fell into conversation. Memories returned—late nights at The Cliffs, watching her work with unwavering focus. Her passion and talent were undeniable. After the renovations were completed, he had deliberately kept his distance, wanting to know if his feelings for her were genuine or fleeting. Seeing her again today, he had his answer.

  The Maserati rolled to a stop outside Masseria. Kian stepped out, tossing the key fob to the valet before circling to Harper’s side. Without a word, he reached for her hand as though it were the most natural gesture in the world.

  Harper’s eyes widened. “Kian, what are you—”

  Before she could finish, he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Being with you today made me realize how much I’ve missed you.”

  Her pulse quickened. She hesitated, then allowed his warmth to seep into her skin, a soft blush dusting her cheeks. “I’ve missed you too,” she admitted, savoring the closeness.

  Inside, Masseria’s rustic-meets-modern décor wrapped the room in understated luxury. Harper marveled at the effortless way Kian had secured a table at the Michelin-starred restaurant, renowned for its notoriously long waitlist.

  “Wow, Kian. You must have connections in high places,” she teased. “Masseria is one of the hardest spots to get into.”

  Kian chuckled as the hostess led them to a secluded terrace draped in greenery. “I called in a favor; I wanted tonight to be special.”

  Settled into their seats, the waiter presented the 6-course La Cucina menu.

  “Six courses? You’re pulling out all the stops,” Harper said, her eyes twinkling as she scanned the menu.

  “There’s an 8-course Chef’s Tasting Menu,” Kian explained, “but it would mean sitting at the Chef’s counter. I thought a quieter setting was better, so I reserved this in advance.”

  Moments later, a waiter returned with a basket of freshly baked bread, artisanal butter, vinaigrette, and olive oil. Harper lit up, tearing off a piece and smearing it lavishly with the creamy spread before taking a blissful bite.

  “This is heavenly,” she cooed. “I LOVE bread. It’s like a bear hug in food form.”

  Kian leaned back, amused. “Take mine, if you want.”

  She gasped. “No! You have to try it!” She tore off another piece, slathered it with the velvety butter, and held it to his lips.

  Kian hesitated only a beat before leaning in, opening his mouth. His lips brushed against her fingertips as he bit down, and a jolt of electricity shot through them. Harper’s breath hitched, her cheeks flushing at the unexpected intimacy.

  Kian, noting her reaction, beamed. “You’re right; it’s incredible.”

  But he wasn’t just talking about the bread.

  Regaining her composure, she shot him a playful wink. “See? Some things have to be experienced firsthand.”

  “Mmhmm,” he hummed, “I believe everything you tell me.”

  “You’d better,” she quipped, batting her lashes. “But I have to say, you have a knack for knowing exactly what I like.”

  “It helps that I’m your bestie’s brother,” Kian confessed with a crooked grin, making her laugh at his honesty.