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11

Vivienne's POV

How did I get here?

How did I find myself face to face with Lucian Demarco in my office? I glared at him to show him that he wasn't welcome here. But, as usual, he met my glare with that annoying smirk. He just sat looking - arrogant and confident like the bastard he was.

But he was still undeniably handsome

Fuck,I hated that the thought even crossed my mind. Lucian Demarco wasn’t someone to admire—he was trouble, a walking disaster in a tailored suit. And the last thing I needed was this man invading my space.

"Looking beautiful as always, Tigress,” he said.

The way he looked at me made me feel... irritated, mostly. I hated how he always tried to get under my skin with those flirty, smug remarks. But I wasn’t about to let him know that his look had any effect on me.

“What do you want, Demarco?”I forced myself to hold his gaze.

"Can’t a king just drop by to enjoy the sight of his tigress ruling her kingdom?" He smirked

I raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. I leaned back in my chair and said “Cut the crap, DeMarco If you’re here to repay me for crashing your club last week, you’re wasting your time. I’m not interested.”

“Oh, come on, Tigress. You know I’m just here to appreciate the view.” He stepped closer, eyes were filled with mischief. “And to see how you handled that mole yesterday. Very nice work.”

I narrowed my eyes.“ Of course, You’re tailing me. I knew it.”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” he said, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “It’s just business. But I have to say, I do like keeping tabs on my fierce tigress.”

“Are you trying to butter me up? It won’t work,” I snapped, trying to push down my irritation “Get to the point.”

“You know, for someone who runs a tight ship, you sure do like to cut straight to the chase. What’s the rush?”He chuckled.

“There’s a lot on my plate, Lucian,” I said “I don’t have time for your games.”

“Games? I thought we were just getting started.” He flashed that cocky grin, and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. “Besides, who can blame me for wanting to enjoy a little time with you Tigress? It’s always a pleasure.”

“You think this is pleasure,?” my patience was wearing thin. “What do you want?”

“Tigress you haven't pointed a gun at me yet" He mocked . “I am seriously hurt I thought that was our thing.”

“You’re lucky I haven’t thrown you out yet. Don’t test me,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “Tell me why you're really here Demarco.”

He took a step forward with boldness"Marry me*

What the fuck? Am I dreaming.

He continued "I’m here to propose a marriage alliance. We both have enemies breathing down our necks, and it’s time we stop playing games with each other and start playing them together.”

I stared at him with shock. What the hell was he up to now “An alliance? With you? You’re joking.”

“Not at all,” he replied smoothly, leaning closer. “Think about it. We both want the same thing—to rid ourselves of the Riveras. Together, we could make that happen. It’s a smart move.”

“Smart move?” I scoffed.“Smart move?” I scoffed. “You think I’d want you to be my husband? Look at you, Lucian. You’ve got that reputation of jumping from one fling to another like it’s a game. You’ve never held a serious relationship for longer than a few months. You thrive on chaos, and you’re never there when it counts.

I’ve seen you flirt with half the women in the room at every gala, and I won’t be one of your trophies. You treat relationships like they’re disposable, and I won’t be your next conquest. You think you can settle down when you’ve spent your whole life living for the thrill? You’re the last person I’d want as my partner.”

Lucian leaned back against the wall, a sly smile spreading across his face. “Wow, Tigress. You must be in love with me,I think you just listed all the things you find attractive about me,” he said.

I crossed my arms, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. “You’re delusional,” I shot back, refusing to let him get under my skin. “There’s nothing attractive about your reckless lifestyle.”

"And back to being serious, You ruined my sabotage the Rivera's. You have people tailing me around like a dog. In this our world,You’re the last person I’d consider getting married. Not that I even want to get married.”

“Trust? That’s such a harsh word, don’t you think?” He smirked "What if I could convince you otherwise?”

“By flirting with me? By constantly getting on my nerves? You’re insufferable, you know that ” I shot back, unable to hide my irritation. “After everything you've done. What makes you think I’d even consider it?”

He shrugged “Because I know you, Tigress. You’re tough, smart, and you don’t back down from a fight. You know that playing solo could get you killed.”

“I can handle myself,” I replied defiantly. “I’ve been doing just fine without you.”

“Is this what you call fine?" he asked, raising an eyebrow as he stepped closer, his eyes sharp and unyielding. “You’re surrounded by vultures, who are just waiting for a moment of weakness, and you think you can handle all that on your own? Dangerous game, even for you, my Tigress.”

“Don’t you dare underestimate me, DeMarco,” I warned. “I took this empire by my own hand, and I don’t need anyone’s help—especially not yours.”

“Right, keep telling yourself that,” he replied with smirk never leaving his face. “But how long can you keep proving yourself? How many times have they written you off just because you’re a woman? I could help you secure your position, As your husband,i keep those wolves at bay.”

“I don’t need your sympathy,” I shot back, refusing to let him get under my skin. “I need you to leave”

“What if I told you that we could not only protect what we have but expand our territories? Think about the power we could wield together. You know I have resources and connections. I can get things done .”

“Why should I believe you?” I challenged, crossing my arms. “ You are a bastard Lucian, your reputation literally has the tag "DeMarco devil" And You haven't exactly proven me wrong either. You could just as easily stab me in the back.”

“Because I’m offering you something real. An opportunity to take control instead of just reacting to everything,” he replied, his tone serious now. “Tigress,Together, we could put an end to the Riveras once and for all.”

"Just shut up DeMarco” I countered.“You’re still the same manipulative bastard you’ve always been.”

“Maybe I am, but that doesn’t mean I can’t help you,” he said. “You’ve seen what I’m capable of. You know I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty. And I can say the same for you”

I stared at him and for a moment,I could see the determination in his eyes, the hunger for power. “You really think you can win me over with this charm and bravado?”

“Charm? I thought we had chemistry. Tigress" he teased. “But fine, call it whatever you want. The truth is, we have a common enemy, and if you don’t start considering my offer, you might find yourself in a worse position than you think.”

I took a deep breath trying to calm done. Lucian was relentless, but he had a reason for anything and I wasn’t about to let him waltz in here and think he could manipulate me into some alliance I didn’t ask for.

“Get out, DeMarco,” I said firmly, standing my ground. “If you want my trust, you’ll have to earn it. This? All this talk? It doesn’t mean anything to me.”

His eyes narrowed slightly“You’ll come around, Tigress. Sooner or later, you’ll realize we’re stronger together.”

“I don’t need you. And I sure as hell don’t need your games,” I shot back, pointing to the door. “Now get out of my territory”

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