Chapter 4 Luca
Emma’s trying. Really trying.
I can see how much effort she puts into staying focused, barely making eye contact, and when she does, her cheeks flush bright pink.
Damn, I love seeing her like this. It means I still affect her. She’s having a reaction—a strong, undeniable one. It also means it's time for some sweet payback.
Emma continues her presentation about the marketing strategy, clicking through slides as she speaks. I'm genuinely trying to listen, but who am I kidding? Her presence electrifies this room.
Focus, Luca. Ask a damn question. Pretend you're not fixating on how her cleavage subtly reveals her bra.
“So, is this included in option one?” Good. Keep it neutral.
“Oh, yes,” she answers quickly, confidently. “But if you prefer certain aspects of option two, we can absolutely combine elements.”
You're what I prefer, Emma Green.
Her boss, Chad, if I remember right—interrupts her.
He's trying to impress me, throwing around big industry words.
Not that I doubt his capabilities; Great Ideas has a solid reputation across Florida.
A friend, who is more of an acquaintance really, recommended them after they managed his political campaign.
He won, clearly.
“If you're ready to move forward, we'll put together a team immediately. The sooner, the better, right?” Chad smiles a little too eagerly.
My eyebrow lifts in clear annoyance. Is Chad really trying to pressure me? I almost laugh out loud.
Emma shifts uncomfortably, as though she senses her boss’s misstep. Quietly, she moves back toward her seat and sits next to him.
Irritation pulses through me. There are ten other chairs here—why that one?
“As long as Great Ideas is the company Property Group chooses,” Emma clarifies with a strained but diplomatic smile.
I glance at her briefly, weighing my next move. Time for a quick mental rundown of pros and cons.
Pros of involving Emma Green in this project:
Seeing Emma Green daily.
Having the perfect excuse to be around her.
Giving Emma my business.
Incorporating her creative talent into my company.
Getting my revenge on Emma Green.
Cons of involving Emma Green:
Risking biased business decisions.
Possible campaign disaster.
Losing my shot at revenge.
Losing my mind again—and adding another topic for my therapist.
“How do you typically handle updates and feedback during a campaign?” I ask Chad directly, making clear he's the one who needs to respond.
Chad straightens immediately, sensing victory. “Well, for high-profile clients, we typically schedule sporadic updates. We understand your time is valuable—”
“Sporadic?” I cut him off, twisting a branded Great Ideas pen I picked up from the table. “That won’t cut it. I expect priority.” Absolute devotion to me.
“Oh, in that case, we can hold weekly meetings—”
“No.” I shake my head firmly.
Chad and Emma exchange anxious looks.
“I want your team working on-site,” I state calmly, still staring at the pen. On-site means my office. My territory. Where I can see her, provoke her, whenever I choose.
“Ah, I see…” Chad stammers, momentarily at a loss. Emma gives a subtle nod, prompting him to regain composure. “I think we can make that happen. Although, we pride ourselves on our creative offices. We even have a game room—”
“We can replicate it here. I have the perfect space,” I lie effortlessly.
Why the hell am I doing this? Every rational thought I have disappears when she's involved.
“Oh, in that case—” Chad begins.
I stand abruptly, suffocated by the tension, annoyed at myself for losing the control I always wield effortlessly. Control is everything I have. The only thing I have. "Please coordinate the final details with Brenda," I state, adjusting my suit jacket and placing my phone in my pocket.
My gaze locks with Emma’s for a split second, enough to catch the confusion swirling in her vivid green eyes.
You and me both, sweetheart.
Pocketing the pen, I stride out of the room. Away from Emma. Away from the emotional chaos she ignites, feelings I've meticulously buried.
Aristotle once said that emotions move within the soul, linked to pleasure and pain. Well, damn, he nailed it.
Because right now, my emotions have me practically running from that room—terrified of what Emma Green still does to me.