BOUND BY OBSESSION

HERMIONE

I barely have a moment to process my thoughts before my phone buzzes, the unfamiliar number flashing on the screen.

"Miss Vale?" A polished, professional voice comes through the line. "This is Adrian Scott, Mr. Voss's assistant. Mr. Voss would like to meet with you at his office about the contract. Today. At noon."

My pulse spikes. Today?

I hesitate, gripping the phone tighter. I should say no. I should take time to consider his offer after what happened at the restaurant he invited me to. I don't think this is the right move. But something about Dylan Voss leaves no room for hesitation.

"I'll be there," I say, my voice steadier than I feel.

The moment I step into Voss Enterprise, I feel like I've entered another world. Sleek, modern, and towering above the city, the building screams wealth and power. The receptionist directs me to the top floor, and the elevator ride feels endless.

The second I step into his office, I feel him.

Dylan stands near the floor-to-ceiling window, hands in his pockets, watching the city below like he owns it. He turns as I enter, and suddenly, it's just the two of us in this impossibly vast space.

His eyes rake over me, slow and deliberate. I know he's assessing everything—my posture, my expression, the slight tension in my jaw. Me.

I force myself to stay calm, even as my heartbeat betrays me.

"Miss Vale," he greets, his voice like smooth whiskey. "I assume you've had time to consider my offer."

I exhale, gripping the file in my hands. "It's a generous offer. But I still have questions."

His lips twitch as if he expected that. "Of course. Sit."

I take the chair across from his desk. Dylan remains standing for a moment longer, studying me, before finally sitting. Even seated, he exudes control.

"Why me?" I ask, cutting to the chase. "You could have anyone leading your legal team."

Dylan leans forward slightly, resting his elbows on the desk. "I don't want 'anyone.' I want someone I can trust. Someone I know is capable."

His voice drops just enough to send a shiver down my spine. "And I make it a point to get what I want."

A flicker of something dangerous passes through his gaze.

I clear my throat, shifting in my seat. "I'm flattered, Mr. Voss, but trust takes time to build."

He tilts his head slightly, watching me like I'm a puzzle he already knows how to solve. "Time isn't a luxury I have. I will take over next month. I need the right people in place now."

I grip my pen tighter. "And you're certain that person is me?"

His smirk is almost imperceptible. "I don't believe in uncertainty, Hermione."

My breath catches. My name sounds different coming from him—personal, intimate.

I straighten, trying to regain control. "I'll need to review the contract in detail before I commit."

He nods, as if expecting nothing less. "Of course. But let's be clear—you're already in this, Hermione. Whether you accept or not, you have my attention now."

A chill runs down my spine. His words aren't just a statement; they're a promise.

I stand, needing space. "I'll have my answer soon."

Dylan rises too, stepping closer—too close. I feel the heat of him, the overwhelming presence that makes it hard to think.

"Take your time," he murmurs. "But not too long."

I don't breathe again until I'm outside his office.

I walked out of his office, my heart hammering in my chest, and the moment I stepped into the hallway, I reached for my phone. My hands were shaky, but I managed to dial the number of the one person who always seemed to ground me.

The phone rang a couple of times before it was picked up.

"Hey, what's up?"

I could hear the voice of my best friend, Lia, through the phone. She was one of the few people who could calm me down.

"I just had a meeting with Dylan Voss," I said, my voice a little breathless. "And he made me an offer. A big one. To run his legal team."

"Wait," she gasped. "Dylan Voss? That Voss? You're kidding."

I shook my head, though I knew she couldn't see me. "I'm not kidding. He's offering me the head of legal at Voss Enterprise. But there's something… I don't know. It feels more than just a job offer."

"More?" she repeated. "Like what?"

I bit my lip, my mind reeling. "I don't know. There's just… something about him, Lia. I don't know if I can explain it."

"Sounds like a story, girl. You'll have to tell me everything. But think carefully about that offer. You don't want to fall into some billionaire trap."

I couldn't help but chuckle, though it was tinged with unease. "I know. I'll think about it."

We spoke for a little longer, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I had stepped into something bigger than me.

Something dangerous.