Coldhearted King: Chapter 7

“So, how have the presentations been going?” Roman asks from across his large mahogany desk.

When I got back to my office after Elite Architecture’s presentation, I’d had a message from my brother, asking for an update. I decided to give it to him in person.

Roman’s question sends my mind back to the moment Delilah walked into the conference room. The second I’d recognized her, I’d been taken back to that night in my hotel room—to her moans, the way her body had writhed under mine, her almost startled sounds of pleasure once I began to move inside her. My dick had immediately stood at attention, begging for another round.

I force the memory from my thoughts, leaning back in the deep leather chair and crossing my ankle over my knee. “Fine. There are a few good proposals.”

“When do you think you’ll decide?”

I rub my chin. Although there are several proposals which meet our requirements, there’s only one that stands out. But Delilah’s involvement has me reluctant to choose it.

I didn’t trust the look of shock on her face when she saw me. In a city the size of New York, what are the odds that my one-night stand and her team would end up bidding on our project?

Back when we met, they would have already been working on their proposal. Which means she probably knew exactly who I was. If she actually thinks I’d give her team preferential treatment because I’ve screwed her, she’s mistaken. In fact, now I’m doubting everything about her. It surprised me when she told me she was still a virgin at twenty-four, but that was more believable than having her architecture license at that age. It doesn’t add up. The whole thing must have been a ploy to get into my bed. After all, this project isn’t only worth a fortune to her company. It’s an opportunity that would make a young architect’s career.

“Cole!” Roman snaps, and I jerk my attention back to him. That’s right, he’d asked when I would decide.

“Soon,” I answer. “Just doing some final calculations. I’ll make a decision by the end of tomorrow.”

He gives a curt nod, then returns his focus to his computer screen.

I roll my eyes, leave his office, and head toward mine, stopping by my PA’s desk before I get there. “Samson, I need you to compile a report for me on the LEED certification status of other hotels near our sites. That’s L-E-E-D. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. You’ll find details on the U.S. Green Building Council website.”

Samson nods. “Absolutely, sir. When do you need it?”

“By the end of the day.”

“I can do that. Just to clarify, are you looking for information on all the hotels around the future developments, or just those similar to those we’re planning to build?”

“Let’s focus on the similar ones for now. Can you also gather some data on any other sustainability initiatives they have in place? And include any notable certifications or awards they’ve received.”

He nods again and jots something down on a notepad by his keyboard. “Got it. I’ll get started on that right away.”

I thank him and enter my office. As soon as I sit at my desk, I give in to curiosity and search for Elite Architecture. The King Group hasn’t worked with them before, but they have an excellent reputation, with offices in multiple countries. I’m more interested in learning how someone Delilah’s age gets to be where she is, though. She mentioned interning for them, but how is she already on a team handling a proposal of this size?

I find an employee list and locate her photo and bio at the bottom. It’s short, and it’s obvious she’s new. Unlike most of the other architects, she doesn’t have any major projects to her name. Landing this one would be huge for her.

I shake my head. There’s no way she didn’t deliberately seek me out.

Then there’s Paul. Her ex, I’m assuming, since she’d said she worked with him. He seems like a smug asshole. I noted the way he touched her lower back as they left the conference room, and the way he leaned down to whisper in her ear. It seems a little too familiar, considering they’re no longer dating.

Or was that part of the lie?

I frown, then shake my head. None of it makes any difference. I’ll wait for the report from Samson, but a part of me already knows I’ll give the job to them. Emotions have no bearing on this decision. Business is business, and they seem to be the best fit, but I’ll make it abundantly clear I will not tolerate any attempts at manipulation.

And if she’s harboring any delusions that I’ll invite her back into my bed, she’ll soon discover how wrong she is.