Darling Villain (Forbidden Fruit #1)

Chapter 2

Tiffany

W hen I was a child, my sister and I used to pretend that we were secret agents, spies sent on dangerous missions to save the world. We would concoct elaborate backstories, complete with code names and hidden identities.

I loved the thrill of pretending to be someone else; escaping into a world where anything was possible. I could be fearless and cunning, able to outsmart any opponent. Or strong and resourceful, just like the heroines in the books I devoured.

Unlike my sister Olivia, who had a natural talent for disappearing into her characters and becoming someone entirely new, I struggled to fake being anyone other than myself. And as I stand in the dimly lit room, Adrien Leroy’s intense gaze fixed on me, I feel like a child again, playing make-believe.

But the remnants of childhood invincibility fade away, replaced by a growing sense of unease. In contrast to my sister’s tenacity, I am painfully aware of my flaws and vulnerabilities. I can sense that the man in front of me has a way of unraveling even the most carefully crafted masks. Adrien’s eyes, like two piercing laser beams, seem to see right through me, stripping away any pretense of composure.

I am in the eye of a storm, and he is the force of nature that’s about to destroy everything in its path.

Summoning all the courage residing within me, I slowly and deliberately pull out the chair and gracefully settle into it.

“Mr. Leroy, I assure you, I’m not here to play games.” My voice is steady despite the butterflies fluttering in my stomach. “But I apologize for any inconvenience this last-minute meeting may have caused you.”

Adrien’s eyes narrow. “Then perhaps you’d care to explain why you’re here in your uncle’s place, Miss Carter. I was under the impression I’d be meeting with Dean this evening.”

“My uncle was unexpectedly called away on urgent business. As his niece and a key member of Carter Corporation, I’m here to represent our interests.” I shift.

“And what interests might those be?”

Before I can respond, there’s a soft knock at the door. A waiter enters with the wine Adrien requested, pouring us each a glass before discreetly exiting.

Adrien lifts his glass, swirling the deep red liquid. “To unexpected meetings.”

I hesitate for a moment, not sure whether drinking wine in this man’s company is a good idea. He’s terrifyingly beautiful and incredibly intimidating, even without adding alcohol to the equation. But after a second of deliberation, I raise my glass in response. “To new friendships.”

His eyes glitter with amusement as he takes a sip of the wine. “Friendship, Miss Carter? Is that what you’re after?”

“Business relationships often lead to friendships, don’t they? Our companies could benefit from a closer alliance.”

“And what makes you think Leroy Holdings needs an alliance with Carter Corporation?”

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. “I’ve been looking into some of our recent business dealings. There are certain... discrepancies that have come to light. I believe you may have information that could help clarify the situation.”

Adrien’s expression hardens almost imperceptibly. “Discrepancies? That’s a rather vague term, Miss Carter. Care to elaborate?”

“Large sums of money moving through shell companies. Investments that don’t quite add up. And that raises questions.”

“Questions I can answer?” His tone is dangerously soft.

“You might have insights that could be mutually beneficial to share.”

Adrien sets down his wineglass, leaning forward. His proximity sends a shiver down my spine. “Let me be clear, Miss Carter. I don’t share information out of the goodness of my heart. If you want answers, you’ll need to make it worth my while.”

The air between us crackles with tension as I consider Adrien’s words. His eyes never leave mine, watching for any sign of weakness. I take a slow sip of wine to buy myself a moment, the rich flavor coating my tongue.

“I’m afraid I don’t have much to offer beyond information. The Carter Corporation’s assets and dealings are not mine to bargain with.”

Adrien’s lips curve into a knowing smirk. “Oh, I can think of a few things, Miss Carter. But let’s start with dinner, shall we? I find negotiations always go smoother over a good meal.”

As if on cue, the waiter reappears with menus. Adrien orders for both of us without consulting me, and I bristle at his presumption.

“I hope you don’t mind,” Adrien says as the waiter departs. “I took the liberty of ordering some of the chef’s specialties. I assure you, you won’t be disappointed.”

I force a polite smile. “I’m sure it will be delicious.”

Adrien leans back, studying me with those piercing blue eyes. “Surely you didn’t come all this way just to discuss vague ‘discrepancies’?”

Two weeks ago, my sister Olivia stunned the family with the news of her engagement to a man she’d only met a few weeks ago. I found out not from her, but from viral articles after a media outlet broke the story.

I buried myself in work to avoid Olivia’s calls and texts. The task at hand—ten years’ worth of financial statements and annual reports for the companies that my family had been involved with for generations—provided a welcome distraction from the mess that was my personal life.

As I delved deeper into the sea of numbers and figures, it became apparent that either our record keeping was woefully inadequate or someone within Carter Corporation was purposefully concealing information. The numbers didn’t add up, and there were errors that raised red flags. It was as if there was an entire hidden side to our family’s business dealings.

I reach into my purse and pull out a slim folder, sliding it across the table towards him. “These are copies of some financial records I’ve compiled. They show a pattern of unusual transactions and discrepancies in our accounts over the past year.”

Adrien doesn’t move to open the folder. “And how I’m involved in this?”

“Several of the questionable transactions involve companies that have ties to Leroy Holdings.”

A flicker of something—surprise? Intrigue?—passes across Adrien’s face before his expression smooths back into cool indifference. He reaches for the folder, flipping it open and scanning the contents.

“Impressive detective work, Miss Carter. But I fail to see how any of this concerns me or my company. These are internal Carter Corporation matters.”

“They become your concern when large sums of money are moving between our companies through shell corporations and offshore accounts. I’m not accusing you of anything, Mr. Leroy. I want to understand what’s going on.”

Adrien closes the folder and slides it back across the table. “What leads you to believe I’d be willing to share that information, even if I had it?”

“Because it’s in both our interests. If there’s something illicit happening, it puts both our companies at risk. And if it’s all above board, then clearing things up benefits us both.”

“You’re either very na?ve or very bold, Miss Carter. Did you really think you could waltz in here, wave around a few spreadsheets, bat those pretty blue eyes, and I’d just hand over sensitive information?”

His rudeness is grating, yet there’s no denying the strong pull I feel toward him.

I’ve always been attracted to men who are out of my reach—that’s why my very few attempts at dating have ended in disappointment. Adrien, however, is the epitome of unattainability and the last man I should be getting involved with. His mannerisms are languid and graceful. Polished. And yet, he exudes a sense of danger I feel drawn to. Almost as if his expensive suit and polite demeanor are hiding something wild underneath.

He’s the kind of man who could look straight into my soul and expose all my deepest, darkest secrets.

This man would wear you out between the sheets , a voice whispers in my mind. And then coldly discard you without a second thought.

Bad boys, the ones who exude confidence and ooze charm, are my downfall. And here I am, sitting across from the man who seems to be made to bring me both ecstasy and ruin.

With a calmness I didn’t know I could possess, I lean back in my chair and cross my legs, meeting Adrien’s gaze with a small smile. “No, Mr. Leroy. I came here hoping for a productive conversation between two professionals. Was I mistaken you’d be open to that?”

Adrien chuckles, the sound sending an involuntary shiver down my spine. “Oh, I’m always open to productive conversations, Miss Carter. But I usually talk with people familiar with—”

His words trail off as our waiter returns, expertly balancing two plates.

The waiter sets them down with a flourish. “Bon appétit,” he says before disappearing once again.

I glance down at my plate, momentarily distracted by the artfully arranged dish before me. It’s a delicate filet of sea bass, nestled on a bed of vibrant vegetables and drizzled with a sauce that smells divine.

“As I was saying.” Adrien picks up his fork. “I usually deal with people who are more... seasoned in the intricacies of our business world. Your uncle, for instance.”

There’s a challenge in his eyes as he takes a bite of his food, watching me closely for my reaction.

I force myself to remain composed as I cut into my fish. “I may be younger than my uncle, Mr. Leroy, but I’m not na?ve. I’ve been groomed to take over Carter Corporation since I was a child.”

Adrien raises an eyebrow. “And yet here you are, asking me for help with your company’s finances. Doesn’t seem like the actions of someone ready to take the reins.”

His words sting, but I refuse to let it show. “On the contrary, I think it shows I’m willing to do whatever it takes to protect my family’s legacy. Even if that means seeking answers from... unexpected sources.”

“Unexpected sources? Is that what I am to you, Miss Carter?”

I meet his gaze steadily. “You’re someone with the information I need. What you choose to be beyond that is up to you.”

A slow smile spreads across Adrien’s face, equal parts amused and predatory. “Careful, Miss Carter. You might not like what I choose to be.”

The tension between us crackles, electric and dangerous. I look away, focusing on my meal.

“This sea bass is excellent,” I say, desperate to change the subject. “You have great taste.”

“In food, perhaps. My other tastes tend to be more... acquired.”

I nearly choke on my wine at the suggestive tone in his voice. When I look up, Adrien is watching me with undisguised interest, a wicked glint in his eye.

“Tell me, Miss Carter, what exactly do you hope to gain from this little investigation of yours? Surely you realize that digging into your family’s business dealings could uncover things you’d rather not know.”

I set down my fork. “The truth, Mr. Leroy. No matter how unpleasant it might be.”

He studies me for a long moment, his expression schooled into cool indifference. “I still find it peculiar that your uncle sent you here thinking that I will believe any of the lies you’re spewing. Tell Dean that he’s losing his touch. Sending na?ve girls to do his dirty work by flirting and fluttering their lashes is a new low, even for him.”

It takes me a split second to realize that the bastard is dismissing me. Yes, my big blue eyes, full lips, and wild blonde curls don’t do me any favors—most of the time I look like a high school student or, at the most, a college freshman. But today I made sure to tame my curls and dress the part. I know I look every bit the part of a serious businesswoman and not the empty-headed doll Adrien is implying I am.

Tabloids motioned that Adrien Leroy is a demanding businessman, but he’s just a spoiled rich tyrant who’s gotten used to getting his way. His grandfather founded a small logistics company and his father turned it into a multinational conglomerate. Now, Leroy Holdings is one of the largest and most profitable business empires in the world and Adrien is used to saying jump and people asking how high.

“I’m not here on my uncle’s behalf,” I say. “Dean doesn’t even know I’m here.”

His eyes narrow. “Then you’re even more foolish than I thought, coming here alone and unprepared, darling. You have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself involved with, do you?” His voice is a dangerous purr. “I don’t know what your actual agenda is, but if Dean thinks he can just hand over control of his business to his niece and avoid the repercussions of his own mistakes, both of you are in for a disappointment.”

“Are you threatening me?”

Adrien lazily smoothes his hand over the expensive fabric of his jacket. “I never threaten, Miss Carter, I advise. If you think you can just come in here and ask me to do things your way, you’re mistaken. I’m not the person you think I am, Miss Carter. I’m a businessman, not a pushover. You should start by asking your uncle about the discrepancies in your financial reports. If this is just an act, a way to get close to me so you can manipulate me into giving you what you want, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I am not the kind of man who falls for a pretty face.”

My cheeks flush with anger at his dismissive tone. “I’m not trying to manipulate you, Mr. Leroy. And I don’t need your condescension. I came here in good faith, hoping for an honest discussion. Clearly, that was a mistake.”

I was right to be suspicious. Something shady is happening, and Adrien Leroy is the key to unlocking the truth. I need time to refocus and come up with a new strategy.

Adrien may think he’s won this round, but I’ll be back to get him to talk.

One way or another, I’ll figure out what’s going on.

“Thank you for the food and company, but it appears I’ve overstayed my welcome.” I rise from my seat. “Good evening, Mr. Leroy. I’m sure we’ll be meeting again in the near future.”

Adrien watches as I gather my handbag, his face impassive, but before I can leave, he grabs my hand, stopping me in my tracks.

My irritation and anger are replaced by surprise as Adrien’s touch sends a jolt of electricity through my body. I shudder involuntarily and try to pull my hand away, but he clenches it tighter. I feel like a cornered animal, ready to strike. Yet, beneath the anger and defiance, I can feel something molten hot and dangerous, burning through my defenses like wildfire.

Want.

Adrien freezes, a deep frown between his arrogantly arched brows, and before I can process what’s going on, he stands up, his lips hovering inches from mine.

“Smart girl,” he whispers. “Don’t involve yourself in the things you know nothing about, angel, or you’ll get hurt.”

My face heats up.

I’m not sure what he’s talking about, but the way he’s looking at me—with that naked hunger in his eyes—sends a dangerous thrill through me. My nipples harden, and my body aches for his touch. This is the first time I’ve felt such a visceral reaction to a man, and it’s both terrifying and exhilarating.

For a split second, I wonder if the pain he’d inflict is worth the pleasure he’s offering. The only thing that stops me from testing the theory is my sense of self-preservation.

Adrien Leroy is a predator, a shark in bloodstained waters, and if I give him an inch, he’ll take everything I have.

“I can see myself out, Mr. Leroy. There’s no need for you to follow me. Please, don’t let me bother you any further.” I pull my hand out of his grip and rush away, ignoring his dark, searching gaze.

I leave the restaurant as fast as I can, ignoring Anna’s inquiring gaze as I cross the lobby.

Outside, the air is cold and crisp, and I breathe in deeply, trying to calm down my erratic heart.

Breathe in and out. In and out.

I take a few moments to compose myself before I look around the brightly lit street, trying to get my bearings, and I see the black Rolls-Royce waiting for me a few feet away.

I breathe in another deep breath, before getting into the car and asking Joel to drive me back to my apartment.

Not looking up at the driver will be the second mistake I’ll make that evening.