Amanda couldn't shake the rooftop moment from her mind. Greyson's confession had been raw, undeniable, and it left her heart racing long after she returned home. She had admitted her feelings too — words she never thought she'd speak to her boss. Now, the reality of what they had done pressed heavily against her chest.
The next morning, she walked into Black Enterprises with a knot in her stomach. Every glance from her coworkers felt sharper, every whisper heavier. She reminded herself that nothing had truly happened — no kiss, no touch — but the truth lingered: she and Greyson had crossed a line.
Greyson was already in his office when she arrived. He looked composed, as always, but Amanda noticed the faint tension in his jaw, the way his eyes softened when they met hers.
"Good morning, Miss Evans," he said, his voice steady, professional.
Amanda forced a smile. "Good morning, Mr. Black."
The formality between them felt almost like a shield, but beneath it, Amanda sensed the same pull she had felt on the rooftop. She tried to focus on her work, but her thoughts kept drifting. Was she strong enough to resist him? Did she even want to?
By midday, Amanda found herself alone with Greyson in the conference room, reviewing contracts. The silence stretched, heavy with unspoken tension. Finally, she broke it.
"Greyson... about last night."
He looked up, his gaze steady. "You regret it?"
Amanda hesitated, her voice trembling. "I don't regret what I said. But I'm afraid of what it means. You're my boss. If anyone finds out..."
Greyson leaned back, his expression unreadable. "You think I care what they say?"
"I care," Amanda whispered. "I've worked too hard to build my career. I don't want to be seen as someone who only got here because of you."
Greyson's eyes softened, his voice lower now. "Amanda, you've already proven yourself. You're stronger than their whispers. But I understand your fear."
The silence deepened, charged with conflict. Amanda's heart raced, torn between her ambition and her desire. She wanted Greyson — not just the billionaire, but the man behind the armor. Yet she also wanted to protect herself, to keep her identity from being swallowed by his world.
Greyson stood, moving closer. His voice was quiet, almost vulnerable. "I won't force this. If you want distance, I'll give it. But if you want me... you'll have to accept that it won't be easy."
Amanda's breath caught. She looked into his eyes, seeing both the danger and the promise. For the first time, she realized the choice wasn't just about love — it was about who she wanted to become.
As she gathered her papers, Amanda knew the battle had only begun. Loving Greyson Black meant risking everything. And though fear pressed against her, so did the undeniable truth: she was already falling, and there might be no turning back.