TIED TO MY BILLIONAIRE CEO

JANICE.The morning air was cool and crisp as Ryder and I arrived at his landing strip. The sun had not risen yet, but was casting a golden, pale light across the shiny, silver private planes awaiting on the runway. Crew members hurried around, making last-minute checks before the takeoff.I cinched the strap on my bag and followed Ryder up the plane stairs, into the opulent interior. Plush cream-colored seats, shiny mahogany tables, and soft lighting surrounded them. A subtle scent of leather and designer cologne lingered in the air.Ryder sat quietly in his usual spot by the window and began to open his laptop.I settled in across from him, hastily bringing out my iPad and papers. Once the plane hit the air, I was absorbed in it, working my way through notes for the forthcoming conference.Later on, drowsiness kicked in, and I took periodic brief nap times along with studying presentations and emailing. Eventually, I stirred awake, feeling the presence of a stare.Blinking the sleep from my eyes, I shifted a little, my body weighted down with sleep. As my vision cleared, I noticed Ryder, his sharp blue eyes trained on me.The instant our eyes met, he looked away, his face impassive.I caught my breath a bit. Had he been watching me as I slept?Pushing the thought away, I sat up and went back to work.I noticed him glance at me a few more times during the flight. It was brief—darts of his eyes whenever I was too focused in something to notice. But I did notice.And it did affect me.Finally, after hours, the jet touched down in Prague.———A black luxury Benz was already sitting on the tarmac. As soon as we stepped out, the crisp air of Europe embraced them, and there was a whiff of rain in the air. The sky was light gray, the clouds drifting lazily over the city.Ryder climbed into the backseat quietly, and I climbed in beside him, putting my bag by her side.The trip to the hotel was mostly silent. Ryder was furiously typing away on his phone, fingers moving quickly, and I would sometimes look up at the city speeding by—cobblestone roads, gothic buildings, and quaint cafés between modern buildings."Your first time in Prague?" Ryder's deep voice broke the silence.I turned to him, slightly surprised he was initiating conversation. "Yes." He gave a short nod, his gaze flicking toward the window. "It's a good city. The people are sharp in business, but they don't trust easily. You'll need to be firm in negotiations tonight." "I can handle it," I said confidently. He hummed slightly but didn't argue.Soon, we arrived at The Imperial Grand Hotel, an opulent five-star retreat known for its exclusivity and elegance. The grand entrance boasted intricate gold detailing, and the lobby was bathed in soft lighting, classical music playing faintly in the background. A staff member led them to a private elevator. "You'll be in the suite next to mine," Ryder informed me as the doors slid shut.I nodded. "Yes sir."When we finally arrived at our floor, Ryder shot me a brief glance. "Rest while you can. We leave at eight pm sharp.""Yes sir."I stepped away into my suite, letting out a heavy breath once I closed the door behind me.———The night approached fast.I stood before the mirror, giving myself one final once-over.My dress was a rich emerald green, sleeveless, with a structured, fitted bodice that nipped in around her curves and a demure slit on one side. It was professional and stylish, but unmistakably classy.I smoothed my hands over the fabric, adjusted my fine gold earrings, and pulled my hair back into a neat, low bun. My makeup was subtle—a soft, neutral palette that brought out the best in me without overwhelming.I took a deep breath to steady myself , then grabbed my bag and left.Ryder was waiting in the hall, phone to his ear, fingers flying with rapid efficiency as he typed away."I'm sorry for the delay," I said as I made my way toward him.His eyes rose from the phone to meet mine as he heard the sound of my voice.His typing stopped immediately.For a moment, he simply stared at me, his eyes darkening as they swept over me from head to toe. His jaw tightened slightly, and he took a slow breath, nostrils flaring.I shifted slightly, suddenly intensely aware of his scrutiny.Ryder released a harsh breath, his expression icy as he tucked his phone into his pocket. Silently, he turned and headed towards the elevator.I fell behind, a queasy mixture of anxiety and tension settling within my chest. In the elevator, I risked looking at him again.He wore a business suit that fit him like a second skin, the black material molded to mold itself to the form of his body, complete with a blue navy tie over a white dress shirt. He exuded power and deadliness. I clenched my teeth in self-reprimand.This is your boss.This is YOUR BOSS.MY body, however, would not listen. Whenever I was near Ryder Ambrose, my senses were in overdrive. The scent of his cologne, the flexing of his muscles under his suit, the dominance he effortlessly gave off—it was more than I could handle. Sue me.As though sensing my gaze on him, Ryder edged the direction of his eyes slightly, the blue of his own meeting mine.I jerked my eyes away, focusing on the doors of the elevator.Damn it.I had to stay focused.Tonight was about finalizing the deal, not getting lost in whatever current was riding between them.That was the most important thing that mattered.