"This is good enough," Ryan said pointedly regarding the contract Harry had been working on. "And what's the emergency?" He turned towards Doris, who had been watching him taciturnly.

"I'm afraid Clancy has got you this time." She sat straight.

"What?" Ryan frowned.

"Where did you go, and without telling anyone?" Doris snapped angrily. "I've tried to reach you, but it seems you were too busy to answer!" She frantically rolled her eyes.

"Tell me about Clancy, what happened?" Ignoring the lady, Ryan turned to Harry for information.

This was way more important for him.

"Well-" Harry started, but when Doris got up stoutly like an angry wife, he had to stop his speech.

"Sit down, Doris!" Ryan demanded.

"I don't think you need me here, so why should I stay?" Doris replied harshly while reaching for the door handle.

"I said sit down, Director Marcos!" Ryan snapped aloud, displeasure turning his face hard. "I'm the CEO of this company, don't you ever forget that!" he added, and the entire office frosted with silence.

Doris clenched her fists tightly for a second or two, but eventually, she walked back.

"Well, it seems like Clancy pitched a bigger offer; they're selling him the land," Harry said, staring at Ryan whose face was now expressionless. "They may seal the deal tomorrow-what do we do?"

"And I think someone is leaking our intelligence," Doris added, back to business composure.

Indeed. This had happened twice already. Ryan reclined back in his seat and quietness ensued until several seconds later.

"About the mole, you deal with it, Doris," he said, and she nodded. "And Clancy... that scheming son of a bitch." He laughed bitterly before stating, "Let him be. We're doing nothing."

"What?" Doris and Harry exclaimed in unison.

"But you promised the board that it's going to be our next project," Doris said, her voice apprehensive.

"I know. But plans changed and we are not doing it, period." Ryan stressed. None of the two could get him; not even when he uttered, "But I want you to spread the news that we're raising the bid."

Doris sat straight. "That way he'll also raise?" she asked, and Ryan nodded agreeably. "You want him to pay more than necessary?" She frowned, trying to understand him better.

"And then you back out? But you'll also be on the losing end, don't you think?" Harry remarked.

"I'll take that," Ryan said. "But you can follow through it to catch our mole. So not all plans are necessarily evil."

"I get it," Doris remarked. "But you never let anyone screw your target, what's going on?"

"As I said, plans change," Ryan told her while shutting the folder carrying some documents. "I'll think of something new but in the meantime, we'll throw the board with a bone called Havana deal. You got the contract?" He regarded Harry.

"Of course. I emailed you-didn't get it?" Harry asked urgently.

He was too busy this afternoon to read emails.

"I'll review it at home," Ryan replied. "If there's nothing else, I'll get going now." He glanced at his watch.

"Already? What about dinner? You promised we'd go out tonight," Doris asked, and Harry excused himself with a knowing grin for this wasn't his scene at all.

Ryan fetched the documents and rose to his feet. "Something came up, Doris. Some other time, maybe." He moved out of his seat.

Disappointment washed over Doris' face. "What's going on, Ryan? You've been acting strange lately," she asked gently while heading to the exit.

"Nothing is," Ryan replied coolly. "You should go home early today, and relax a bit. You're working too hard and it's starting to get into your head."

Doris rolled her eyes. "First you lash at me, and now you're worried about me? How lovely!" She opened the door and stepped out.

Ryan followed suit. "Work is work," he said.

"Yes, Mr. President." Sarcasm laced Doris' voice. They walked past Ryan's secretary post. "Oh, I'm going to meet Andrew Reyes tonight and throw him the new offer. He'll be a fool to reject and Clancy will never know what hits him," she uttered loudly enough for the secretary to hear.

"Whatever it takes," Ryan replied, smiling knowingly. "You think she's the mole?"

"I always find her suspicious but I don't have the evidence yet," Doris remarked.

"Could be. That's why I let you handle it." Ryan pressed the elevator button, and they both walked in a moment later.

"What plan do you have for the evening?" Doris quizzed, her eyes straight onto Ryan's.

"Important," he answered coolly while fishing for his phone.

Doris' face blanched. "Nameless?" she asked, staring into space.

"Yeah," Ryan murmured.

Silence scooped them until the ride ended.

"About this morning, did you know that Claire works for Starlight?" Doris asked out of the blue.

Ryan scowled but showed no hint of surprise. "I did know she works there, but I didn't know she would come." He dialed a number on his phone

"Is that so? Well, I-"

"We'll talk tomorrow," Ryan told her curtly. "There's a storm coming; you should hurry home." His phone was now on the ear.

"What's going on between you two?" Doris demanded.

Frowning, Ryan snapped, "Excuse me?"

Dories raised her chin and looked him straight in the eyes. "I heard stories. Everyone has been talking about it, Ryan! Where did you take her today? Hotel? Motel? Or your penthouse?" she barked, her eyes burning from ire.

Ryan slowly lowered his phone, eyes squinted dangerously at her. "I don't think I owe any explanation to you... or anyone for that matter! You and have no such arrangement and it seems like you're forgetting that a lot lately!" Moving closer to her, he curtly added, "Yes, I took her to my penthouse. You don't want to know why, do you?"

Doris' chest rose and fell capricious. She couldn't answer; she walked away.

Ryan sighed heavily and the call disconnected when he glanced at his phone. This was bullshit! He slipped into his car and made another call, pulling his thoughts away.

Why wasn't Claire picking up his call? Thinking of his first time seeing her in that rainstorm, his heart caught. He quickly hit the ignition, and the engine purred. He couldn't help but worry because he was almost sure about her phobia.

___

A feeling of being watched was what managed to wake Claire from her deep slumber. Yawning, she flashed her eyes open with difficulty. Surprise spiked as she found the duvet on her body, feeling warm. Ryan was here, she thought. He'd been here for too long maybe, for it was already dark outside.

Gingerly she sat up, desperately searching for him. He was on the loveseat near the main window, seated lazily, or exhaustedly, watching her with a faint smile. She pulled off the duvet and dropped her feet on the carpeted floor.

"You said you won't take long and look what time it is," she complained when her eyes stuck on the alarm clock.

It was seven, and the rain was making its heavy entrance once again.

Ryan rubbed his eyes in a subdued manner. "I couldn't wake you," he said, his voice gentle.

Claire narrowed her eyes at that; he sounded low.

Something was amiss. She left the bed and joined him on the couch.

"Is everything okay?" she asked.

"I'm glad you're okay." Ryan smiled indulgently, stroking the strands of her hair. "Can I hug you?" he asked, and it was a kick in the guts.

What was happening here?

"Um, sure," Claire uttered, confused.

Ryan pulled her for a tight embrace that clearly showed he wasn't okay. "I swear I could live with your warmth," he breathed.

"Okay, Ryan, what's going on? Did something happen at work?" Claire pried, intending to understand the situation.

"Hmm?" he murmured, his eyes shut.

"Hey, talk to me, please. I'm really worried now."

"Are you, now?" Ryan returned, and that mischievous gleam was back into his eyes.

Claire pursed her lips. "Ryan! Stop playing games and tell me what's wrong."

"Okay!" Smiling, he pulled back, took a deep breath, and said, "I'll tell you what's wrong."

Back on the bed, Ryan laid his head on Claire's lap.

"It's about work," he started. "Jeez, I don't usually discuss my problems with anyone, and here I am, ready to whine like you."

"I'll let you whine today, so tell me everything, and let it off your chest," Claire told him, her fingers delving through his hair soothingly, and he quickly relaxed.

Ryan explained the facts and how he'd lost the deal that was so close to being signed. With her, he couldn't hide his anger and self-disappointment. As she'd just told him, he let it all out.

"Gosh, what a bastard that Clancy is," Claire snapped, and his laughter made her smile with relief. "So, what's your next plan for Montesby?" she asked.

"Yeah, by next year Montesby will be a part of the Government's Redevelopment Plan. Starting with the construction of a subway." Again he got engrossed in details, and Claire loved listening to his plans and visions of grandeur.

"Wow. And how the hell will you finance and manage another one?" she queried.

"Well, in this industry, Claire, you can't let your guard down. One late move and you're out. So timing is everything and I'm not the one financing the projects."

"Oh yeah? And who does?"

"That's why we have investors, Claire. Rule number one, never use your own money in the Real Estate business," said Ryan, and Claire smiled with a raised eyebrow.

"What's rule number two?" she asked.

"Use only other people's money," he replied.

"That's the same thing." She laughed, her eyes staring down at him.

"That's the whole point." Ryan laughed along and maybe this was the balm he needed for the pang of failure. "If you snooze you lose; no one will sit around waiting for you to finish your damn project until they sell their land to you, so speculation is a driving force in Real Estate," he explained.

He's the brain. Claire noted.

"Okay, but you can always find a replacement, no? Montesby is huge, with very good land."

"You're right, but it won't be the same. When I set my eyes on something, I hardly change. Having to let it go is a blow to me."

"My father used to say that in any challenge lies a hidden opportunity," Claire said. "And it's not a defect being flexible, you know. Losing is a part of any game."

Ryan smiled. "I know, I just hate losing."

"Who does?" Claire wiggled her brows laughingly. "But as you said, Real Estate is like gambling, so being careful isn't a weakness at all," she added, and Ryan looked amusedly at her.

"You're right," he said.

"Hey listen," muttered Claire. "Since people will be moving in, it means not all of them will move to stay; some will come to stay, some will only visit and leave."

"And?" Ryan got attentive.

"Montesby is a historical town and a tropical paradise in the same place," she continued. "Do you know that there's an amazing spot for scuba diving over there?"

"No, I had no idea." Ryan propped himself and sat upright. Of course, he knew. "You seem to know much more about the place than I do." This, however, was true.

"A little. My parents lived by the beach as you've seen my house, They told me a lot of stories about the place. Also, my grandfather used to be a fisherman, so I know a few spots for eco-tourism as I used to join him during holidays."

"Okay, Ms. Challenge, where are you heading? Because I know that twinkle in your eyes. Go on, tell me already," Ryan urged.

"Oh, well, my point is, other than houses and apartments, I think Montesby needs a spectacular hotel," she blurted out. "Tourists come by so often, but do you know where they stay? In some low-quality boutique hotels with less than a hundred rooms, or some local inns, and sometimes in a few boarding houses."

"Oh, really now?" Ryan was intrigued.

Damn, she was indeed getting into his head right now.

"The bottom line is... there's a real need for great accommodation. A place tourists can call home far away from home, and I know it's people like you who can make it happen, Mr. Stevens."

"So you want me to build a hotel?" Ryan retorted.

"Why not? A fancy hotel with the best rooms, a nice resort, and everything that bring those five stars. It's a big gamble but it's worth it, in my opinion." She laid down, placing her head on Ryan's lap. "My turn," she muttered.

"You're right, I guess," Ryan said, smiling at her last remark.

"Look, I'm just saying, okay?" Face up, her eyes found his. "I know hotels haven't been your thing other than investing in a few, but it's good to be a game changer, I believe."

"A fancy hotel-game changer." Ryan smiled fondly at her. "Well, that's genius, baby." Excitement filled his gleaming eyes.

Claire blinked twice. "It is?"

"Of course it is. A grand hotel in Montesby," he muttered, thoughtful. "I can already picture where it will be... somewhere near the sea."

"Yeah, that sounds lovely."

Ryan began to enliven his visions, and Claire enjoyed watching him in his element. He was like an enthusiastic boy, full of passion and ambition, turning cans and boxes into a car.

Everything was going well until a phone buzzed, and Claire learned it was a call from Doris. Ryan excused himself and left the bedroom.

That was a cue back to reality, Claire thought while nursing her jealousy. She had to leave and never return, but Ryan returned about two minutes later.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"I'm dressing up. Are you blind or something?" she answered curtly while fixing her oversized shirt of his.

"I know you're dressing up, but why?" He walked in, frowning.

"So that I can go home? This is your house, remember?" Claire glanced at him scornfully.

Ryan rolled his eyes. "Here we go again. So you want to go with this rain?"

"Yes, right now." It was raining but she could get an Uber.

Why the hell was he talking about the rain? Did he know she was ombrophobic?

"Like that?" Ryan stared at the shirt she was wearing, amused.

"If possible, yes!" Claire snapped.

Ryan sighed heavily. "Is this about the call? Jesus, Claire. It was an office matter."

"I don't care," Claire said. "I'm not even sure what I'm doing here in the first place."

Ryan strode toward her. "You're here because we both want to be here. I don't want you gone, and I feel like I'll go nuts if you try to do it?" He hauled her body closer.

Sharply Claire inhaled some oxygen upon his embrace, her back against his chest. She stilled in his arms, relishing his warmth. "Is this how you deal with Doris and all the other women you fuck around?" she asked.

"I don't fuck around with just anyone and Doris knows that I don't belong to her," Ryan whispered and then kissed her neck. "Believe me," he added.

"Oh, so I should be grateful, right?" Claire scorned. "The mighty Ryan Stevens has his dick on me even when I know all about his dirty relationship status!" Angrily, she put on her earring, eyes cold toward Ryan.

"Aren't you?" Ryan smiled, nuzzling her hair despite her efforts to protest his touch. "Just admit it, Claire"-he strode carefully around her-"you don't want to go anywhere but here?" and pinned her softly across her breasts using his arm, making her stay put.

"I won't question your delirium, Ryan, so you can think however you want," Claire answered.

She was striving not to fall for this strong man who had her under his skin. It was an undeniable truth that Ryan unleashed several feelings in her at once. She was angry, but for the most part, she was not. She wanted to move, but her body wouldn't let her.

How was she going to escape his web?

Resting his chin on Claire's shoulder, Ryan's free hand traveled down her bare thighs, playing with the hem of her shirt fabric, and slowly kissed her earlobe. She flexed, shutting her eyes instantly as her body reacted to his expert fingers.

"I'm not being delirious. I know you want me, just as I want you, Claire," he told her.

"Ryan, please, just let me leave already," she moaned, her breath heavy.

Fuck, she had no pantie! How was she this reckless in the beast's cave?

"Really?" Ryan slid his indecent hand at the apex of her thighs. "Are you scared to give in?"

"I'm not scared of anything," Claire breathed, devouring the betrayal of her legs that parted subtly to give him access to her precious reserve. "What makes you think I can't resist you, huh?" Her voice was barely a sound.

"You're trembling in my arms right now," Ryan whispered. "And I know you're so turned on; it shows right here between your beautiful legs. And you're not wearing anything." He gilded his finger inside her wet core, smiling proudly.

She'd been aroused way before his return from the office. Claire was sure of this upon the wet thoughts she'd been having while lying in his bed.

"No, I'm not. Please, stop this game," she muttered.

"But you begged me not to stop earlier this afternoon, and you were so obedient," Ryan said, biting her neck sensually, kissing it, his finger rubbing the tender spot between her netherlips.

"Shut up." Heat rose through her boiling hormones.

"Don't you like it? Wanna make a bet that you'll soon want more?" Ryan continued stroking his finger inside her.

"No, I won't," she uttered between her breaths, "because I won't play your game."

"But we're playing already." His lips tantalized her.

"Ryan, don't-" she breathed unevenly, and he sped up the pace of his striking finger into her wet pussy. "Oh, God!" She clung onto him, her hand yanking his neck backward.

"Don't what, Claire?" He tilted her face from behind. He kissed her lips harder, and then repeated, "Don't what? Tell me!"

"Don't stop, you jerk!" she cried, panting soundly, the pleasure immense. "I want you. Right now!" Briskly, she spun around and pulled his face for a long and ferocious kiss.

"Hungry little thing, huh?" Ryan grinned, accepting the war, squeezing her ass to his liking, and his mouth back on hers. "Come here!" He lifted her onto his shoulder with one arm and dropped her on the bed. "You drive me crazy, Claire!" He pulled his polo shirt over the head, watching her.

"And you're fucking crazy already," Claire replied while peeling the shirt off, impatiently. "We're both crazy." On her knees, she moved toward him.

Ryan's lips twisted into a lascivious grin, pleased by the fire in her eyes. "You're perfect," he muttered, appreciating her naked body like a fine piece of art in the museum. "And foul-mouthed too." He stepped out of his pants while kissing her all over again.

"Mmm," she hummed into his mouth, her arms wrapped around his waist.

She wanted him, and she knew he wanted her, too. Her hand found his erection; he was already hard and firm for her.

"Oh shit!" Ryan groaned, and both pulled apart, watching one another with desire.

"This is the last one," Claire breathed, stroking his length. Responsively, he pulled her hair, mouth ajar, eyes shut, intoxicated. "You won't have me again, Ryan." She bent over to take him into her mouth.

"Oh, Claire. If you suck me, I'll come in your mouth," he groaned.

"I dare you," Claire uttered defiantly, surprising herself.