“You’ve worked hard again, Miller.”
The Representative of the law firm, who had come to his office in person, smiled brightly and extended his hand. Dominic, stepping out from behind the desk, shook his hand with a practiced smile, and the Representative embraced him, patting him on the back as if he’d been waiting for the chance.
Dominic didn’t particularly like this kind of physical contact. In fact, he was closer to hating it—but his well-trained sense of professionalism calmly suppressed the discomfort.
Letting go at just the right moment and smoothly releasing his hand, he looked down at the Representative with a faint smile. The Representative couldn’t hide his delight and showered him with praise.
“You’re the best as always. You always make a splash! Why do you keep turning down the offer to become a partner? You could be getting so much more than you are now!”
Looking down at him, clearly showing his disappointment, Dominic answered simply.
“I’m satisfied with things as they are.”
“You always say that.”
The Representative clicked his tongue in mild frustration, then frowned.
“If you get an offer from another firm, let me know right away. I’ll match whatever they’re offering.”
Dominic didn’t give it much thought—he’d heard it too many times before. Whether the Representative meant it or not, if Dominic ever decided to leave, no amount of pleading would stop him.
“Now that the case is over, you’ll be taking another vacation, right? When are you planning to go?”
As if trying not to waste time on small talk that might irritate Dominic, the Representative changed the subject quickly. Dominic answered readily.
“As soon as things are wrapped up at the office. I plan to rest for about two weeks.”
“Two weeks, got it.”
The Representative nodded and took a deep breath, as if to shift the mood.
“Then go relax. Forget about work and clear your head!”
Letting out a hearty laugh, the Representative turned around. When he caught sight of the chessboard on the table, he asked with interest.
“How far along is this? Is White winning?”
“Not yet.”
Dominic replied, turning his gaze to the board as well.
“I couldn’t focus during the trial. I’ll finish it soon.”
“Right, take him down—just like in court.”
The Representative raised a fist and shook it playfully before leaving, and Dominic was finally alone. After letting out a quiet sigh, he returned to his desk and was organizing files on his computer when the intercom chimed. He pressed the speaker button and answered briefly. The Secretary’s voice came through from the other end.
“Mr. Miller, you have a visitor. His name is Ashley Dawson.”
Dominic stared at the phone without replying. The Secretary continued.
“He says he met you at a party. He’d like to apologize for dirtying your suit.”
Only then did he remember. The man who had presumptuously offered him money. What was he up to, showing up like this out of the blue?
Dominic narrowed his eyes and stared at the phone again. With just one word, the man would be turned away. He might never come back. That would be the end of it.
That wouldn’t be so bad—but a strange impulse crept in.
‘Please contact me.’
The voice that had slipped from his slightly parted lips seemed to echo in his ear. Dominic, who had remained silent with his finger on the speaker button, finally opened his mouth slowly.
“Send him in.”
He pressed the button to hang up, and a knock followed soon after. He sat quietly as the door opened, and the man he had expected stepped inside.
“Hello.”
Dominic remained seated, eyes fixed on the face that smiled with long lashes folding over like a curtain. It was only a brief moment, but the man who had once thrown himself into his arms now walked steadily across the office and extended a hand over the desk.
“Thank you for seeing me. I’m Ashley Dawson.”
Dominic took the handshake as a formality, his eyes never leaving Ashley’s face.
“How did you find me?”
Ashley answered with a smile as he released his hand.
“Everyone knows where Dominic Miller’s office is.”
His eyes narrowed into slivers, almost like crescent moons. The deep dimples near the corners of his mouth reminded Dominic of that phrase—an angel’s mistake.
How absurd, Dominic thought. The very fact that he came here proved it had been intentional.
Leaning back in his chair, Dominic looked at the man with a cool, arrogant gaze.
“Isn’t spilling wine a bit of a cliché?”
The man boldly smiled at the question laced with sarcasm.
“Classic never fails.”
Despite his delicate appearance, he was surprisingly composed. Far from being intimidated by Dominic, he maintained a calm demeanor and got straight to the point.
“Actually, I came to make you an offer.”
“An offer?”
There were few people in the world bold enough to use that word in front of Dominic Miller. But this was Ashley’s second time. Dominic echoed the word as if it were foreign to him, something whose meaning didn’t register. Yet Ashley still didn’t lose his smile as he pulled a business card from his pocket and placed it on the desk.
“I’d like to recruit Mr. Miller to our firm.”
Ashley pushed the card toward Dominic and straightened his posture. Dominic silently looked down at the card before slowly picking it up. The word “Consultant” was printed on it, just like any other lobbyist’s title.
Ashley J. Dawson.
Ashley continued speaking while Dominic shifted his gaze, examining the card.
“As you know, our law firm has ranked number one in the United States for the past ten years. If you join us, I can guarantee the highest treatment.”
His determined approach was oddly refreshing. And whether it came from practice or confidence, his tone wasn’t bad either. Interesting. The fact that someone had managed to stir Dominic’s interest—when everything else had long since lost its flavor—was already something. Dominic asked curtly:
“How?”
“First, I’ll offer you a partner position.”
He answered without a moment’s pause. The man began listing other benefits he had no doubt rehearsed, but Dominic quickly began to lose interest. He wasn’t here for such tired and predictable details. The sound of his voice faded, and Dominic’s attention narrowed to his sight alone. His constantly moving lips caught his eye. Surely, there was a better use for them than rambling on.
A soft pink tongue appeared briefly between slightly parted lips. What would it feel like to make him kneel and suck his cock? Better yet, strip him down completely. What color would his nipples be? Would they flush red like that tongue when he was aroused?
“So.”
Dominic slowly rose from his chair. The man stood still, watching as he came around the desk and approached. Step by step, he closed the distance until they were face to face.
“Dawson.”
Dominic slowly lifted a hand. It came close to the man’s cheek, grazing it before trailing past his ear and sliding to the back of his neck.
“Do you think those conditions are enough to move me to tears?”
His voice was steeped in sarcasm. But his tone was soft, almost like a sweet whisper, so unless one was particularly perceptive, it might be mistaken for a joke. Fortunately, the man wasn’t that naïve.
“N-No…”
His voice faltered with embarrassment. His faintly reddened cheeks didn’t escape Dominic’s notice.
“At the very least, I hoped you wouldn’t be displeased…”
“…”
“I’m sorry.”
The protest slipped into apology under Dominic’s silence. But surprisingly, he didn’t seem to know how to give up. As if collecting himself again, he raised his head and spoke with the same composure as before.
“Then, do you have any conditions in mind? We’re ready to meet whatever terms you set.”
Dominic looked down at him without answering, a faint smile on his lips to keep the other man at ease. His neck was slender and long like a deer’s. Dominic imagined red handprints wrapping around it—his hand would fit so easily. The thought made his heart beat just a bit faster.
This man had to be an Omega.
There was no Pheromone scent—none that he could detect. But he was certain. His own subtle Pheromone was beginning to stir in the air. The man must have taken a suppressant. That’s the only reason he could be standing here like this.
“Mr. Miller?”
The man called his name again, sounding uncertain. Dominic still said nothing, only looked down at him. Then, suddenly, a powerful wave of Pheromone enveloped the man’s entire body.