Chapter 3
Rowan
M assimo Ricci isn’t at all what I expected. He’s so much more. My breath catches as he stands, walking around the desk toward me. He’s tall, easily over six feet, with an athletic swimmer's build evident even beneath the immaculate lines of his tailored charcoal suit. His crisp white shirt, open at the collar, highlights the warm olive tone of his skin and the confident line of his throat.
His black hair is styled effortlessly, framing a face defined by strong, elegant features and punctuated by striking hazel-green eyes. Eyes that seem to see straight through me, causing my pulse to quicken and heat to pool low in my belly.
But it's his scent that truly steals my focus. A rich, masculine blend of leather and amber, underscored by subtle hints of citrus and spice. It’s intoxicating, powerful, and unexpectedly arousing. A rush of warmth floods my cheeks, and I instinctively tighten my grip on his hand as we shake. My reaction makes no sense, I'm Beta. I shouldn’t be affected this strongly by anyone’s scent, let alone an Alpha.
“Please, call me Massimo,” he says, his voice smooth and warm, the hint of an accent lending his words a seductive edge. “I’m glad you could make it today, Rowan.”
I swallow, struggling to regain my composure as I reluctantly release his hand, my fingers still tingling from the lingering contact.
“Thank you, Massimo,” I reply softly, my voice steadier than I feel. “It’s an honor to meet you in person.”
Massimo gestures gracefully toward one of the plush chairs opposite his desk. “Please, have a seat.”
I carefully lower myself into the chair, heart pounding as he returns to his seat behind the sleek, polished glass desk. Leaning forward slightly, he smiles warmly, holding my gaze with those captivating hazel-green eyes.
The chair is luxurious, designed for comfort, upholstered in buttery-soft ivory leather. Its curved backrest and gently sloping armrests cradle my body perfectly, offering subtle yet firm support. The plush cushioning beneath me eases some of my tension, though the sophistication of the chair itself serves as a constant reminder of the prestige surrounding House of Aphrodite.
“I’m impressed with your work, Rowan. Your online portfolio and social media presence speak volumes about your passion and creativity.” He pauses briefly, tilting his head as he studies me. “I’d love to hear more about your vision for working with House of Aphrodite.”
As he speaks, the rich scent of leather, amber, and spice intensifies around me, wrapping my senses in a dizzying haze. My breath quickens, heat spreading through me until my skin feels flushed and hypersensitive. Panic flutters in my chest as I realize my own scent blooms stronger, the unmistakable aroma of honeysuckle and juicy peaches filling the space between us.
Oh god, no! What the hell is happening? I’m a Beta. Betas don’t perfume.
“My vision,” I begin, then clear my throat and straighten my shoulders, forcing my passion to the surface. “My vision is to change the way people think about nests. Too often, they’re treated like a guilty indulgence or reduced to something clinical, functional. To me, a nest is sacred. It’s not just a pile of pillows and blankets. It’s safety. It’s self-expression. It’s peace. A true nest reflects the Omega’s heart, their needs, their desires. It tells their story without words. It’s a place where they should feel safe at their most vulnerable moments.
I glance at him, encouraged by his attentive expression, and keep going.
“I want to redefine what nesting looks like in the modern world. I want Omegas to feel empowered to create spaces that aren’t just soft and warm, but meaningful and beautiful; spaces that make them feel powerful and seen. And I want to do it with House of Aphrodite, because your brand already speaks that language. You’ve built something that tells Omegas they matter, that they’re worthy of comfort and elegance and joy. I want to be part of that. I want to help take it further.”