Cold Confessions

By Robin Reid

Kane Archer is the epitome of power. As CEO of Archer Enterprises, he commands a world of skyscrapers, sleek boardrooms, and deals that shape the very future of Chicago. His icy blue eyes and impossible standards are as infamous as his wealth. Enter Reed, his new assistant, a woman who has fought tooth and nail to make it to this very desk, only to find herself facing a boss who's more like a storm than a man. He's the type of person who could take you apart with one look—yet Reed isn't just anyone. She's determined to survive the world of Archer Enterprises, even if it means navigating the cold, exacting nature of her boss. But behind the layers of control and clipped commands, there's something different about Kane. The fleeting moments where his gaze lingers, where the unrelenting perfectionist shows cracks—small glimpses of vulnerability Reed wasn't prepared for. What starts as a battle of wills turns into something more, something neither of them expected. Can Reed handle the fire behind Kane's cold exterior, or will she lose herself to a man who's more complex—and dangerous—than she ever imagined? And more importantly, can Kane keep his heart locked away, or will Reed find a way to unravel him, one icy barrier at a time? This is a story of ambition, temptation, and finding love in a place where only the strongest survive. Perfect for readers who love slow-burn tension and high-stakes romance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robin Reid
• Release date: Sep 14, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224222568

Book preview

Chapter 1:

His eyes flicked over me, a quick scan like he was assessing whether I was even worth his time. I held my ground, meeting his gaze with as much professionalism as I could muster. I hadn’t gotten this job by being weak. I had fought for it, clawed my way out of temp work and late-night shifts, and I wasn’t going to let one icy glare unravel me.

Make sure it doesn’t happen again. His voice was low, controlled, like he had a tight grip on every word he let out. I wondered what would happen if he lost that control, even for a second. Would he shatter? Would the pristine walls of this office crack under the weight of whatever emotions he kept locked behind those eyes? I blinked, quickly shoving the thought away. Kane Archer wasn’t a man you fantasized about. He was someone you survived.

Yes, Mr. Archer, I said, my voice calm now. I won’t disappoint you.

A flicker of something passed through his expression—an almost imperceptible softening, or perhaps it was just a trick of the light. He gestured to a chair in front of his desk. Have a seat. We have a lot to go over.

I moved quickly, taking the chair and sitting down with the poise I hoped would convey confidence. The office was a blend of cold elegance: steel and glass, sharp lines and neutral colors. It was a place where emotions seemed to have been banned, and I wondered if Kane Archer was the reason why.

He settled into his own chair, the leather creaking slightly under his weight. He pulled a stack of papers from a drawer and began to sift through them with a precision that was almost artistic. The silence stretched between us, heavy and thick, like it was waiting for something to break it.

When he finally looked up, his gaze was unyielding. Your role here is crucial. You’ll be handling my calendar, managing correspondence, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks. We’re launching a major project next week, and I need everything to run seamlessly.

I nodded, taking mental notes. This was my chance, my opportunity to prove I could handle more than just the mundane tasks. I was here to make a difference, to show Kane Archer that I was more than capable.

Any questions? he asked, his voice still clipped but now laced with an undercurrent of something—maybe interest, maybe impatience.

I hesitated for a moment, then decided to go for it. Yes, actually. I’d like to know more about the project. Understanding its scope might help me anticipate any issues and manage things more effectively.

His eyebrows arched slightly, and for a split second, I caught a glimpse of surprise before his expression hardened again. It’s a new market expansion. We’re targeting the tech sector, and there are numerous moving parts. I need you to stay on top of everything and ensure that all teams are aligned.

Understood, I said, feeling a surge of determination. This was more than just managing calendars and emails. This was about being integral to a significant endeavor, and I wasn’t about to let Kane down.

As the minutes ticked by, Kane laid out the expectations with a terse efficiency that left no room for error. He was clear and direct, his focus unwavering. I listened intently, my heart pounding with the pressure of meeting his exacting standards.

When he finally stopped talking and glanced at the clock, it was a subtle signal that our meeting was over. I expect you to be up to speed by tomorrow morning. I’ll be counting on you.

I stood up, my mind already racing with the tasks ahead. Absolutely. I’ll have everything in order.

Kane didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he watched me with an intensity that made me wonder if he was evaluating my every move. I held his gaze, refusing to be intimidated, determined to show him I was worth the effort.

Good, he said finally, his tone softer, though still firm. Let’s see what you’re capable of.

As I turned to leave, I felt the weight of his scrutiny on my back. I had just walked into a world where every detail mattered, where perfection was the only acceptable standard. The challenge ahead was daunting, but I welcomed it. If I was going to make it here, I had to be more than just a competent assistant. I had to be indispensable.

The elevator ride down to the lobby felt like a journey through a different reality—one where I wasn’t under the microscope of Kane Archer’s piercing gaze. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the nerves that had settled in my chest. The real work was about to begin, and I was ready to face it head-on.

I was here to make a difference, to show that I could be more than just another cog in the machine. Kane’s intense scrutiny made me all too aware of the stakes. Every minute detail was important. Understood, I said, keeping my voice steady. I’ll make sure everything is organized and on schedule.

He gave a curt nod, and for a brief moment, I saw a flicker of something like appreciation—or perhaps it was just a momentary lapse in his otherwise unyielding demeanor. Good. You’ll start by reviewing my schedule for the week. I need everything streamlined and ready for the meetings. There’s a lot riding on this project, and I need to be focused on the big picture.

As he handed me a leather-bound planner and a stack of documents, our fingers brushed ever so slightly. The contact was brief, almost imperceptible, but it sent an unexpected jolt through me. I quickly shook off the feeling, refocusing on the task at hand.

The papers were filled with legal jargon and intricate diagrams, a world of corporate detail that was both daunting and fascinating. I could see how Kane’s mind worked through the careful planning laid out on each page. His expectations were high, and the weight of them pressed heavily on me. I had always been good at managing the small things, but this was a different level. This was managing the world of Kane Archer.

Do you have any questions? he asked, his voice cutting through my thoughts.

I shook my head. Not at the moment. I’ll make sure to reach out if anything comes up.

He looked at me for a moment longer, his gaze measuring, calculating. It was clear that he was assessing whether I was capable of meeting his demands. The silence that followed was heavy, charged with unspoken challenges. I could almost feel the clock ticking, each second bringing me closer to either proving myself or falling short.

Very well, Kane said finally, rising from his chair with a grace that seemed almost predatory. I’ll leave you to it. Remember, the bar is set high here.

With that, he turned and walked toward the door, leaving me alone in the office. As the door closed behind him, I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. The room seemed to exhale with me, the oppressive atmosphere lightening just a bit.

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, focusing on the documents spread out before me. This was my new reality, a place where every detail mattered, and where success wasn’t just expected—it was demanded. I needed to be sharp, precise, and unyielding in my own way.

As I began to sift through the papers, the faintest sound of footsteps echoed in the corridor outside. I could almost imagine Kane’s footsteps—determined, purposeful. They were a reminder that he was always moving, always pushing forward, and I had to keep pace with him if I was going to succeed.

The hum of the city outside seemed distant, almost like a world apart from the high-stakes environment of Archer Enterprises. But I knew that every choice I made here would ripple out into that world. The pressure was palpable, but it was also exhilarating. I had always thrived under pressure, turning challenges into opportunities.

I worked through the schedule meticulously, aligning meetings, ensuring every detail was accounted for. The hours slipped by, each moment reinforcing my resolve to make a lasting impression. I was determined not to let Kane down, not to be just another face in the crowd of his life.

When I finally finished organizing the schedule, I took a moment to stretch and look out at the city below. The view was breathtaking, a sprawling sea of lights and movement, a stark contrast to the confines of Kane’s office. It was a reminder of why I was here, of the bigger picture beyond the cold, demanding world of corporate life.

The first day was over, but the challenges were just beginning. I was ready to face them, to prove that I could not only meet Kane Archer’s expectations but exceed them. As I gathered my things and prepared to leave, I couldn’t help but wonder what the future held in this high-stakes world where every impression counted.

Chapter 2:

Despite the chaos, I couldn’t ignore the moments when Kane’s gaze met mine, however briefly. There was a softness in his eyes that seemed to hint at a deeper layer beneath his icy exterior. Whenever I caught him looking, it was as if he were trying to decipher a puzzle he hadn’t yet solved. It was both disconcerting and oddly captivating.

One particularly grueling day, I was buried in a mountain of paperwork, my eyes straining from the constant shuffle of documents. Kane had been especially demanding, and the tension in the office felt like a physical weight. As I was lost in the numbers, trying to make sense of an errant spreadsheet, I heard the soft sound of his footsteps approaching.

Reed, he said, his voice startling me from my concentration. I looked up, trying to mask my exhaustion with a professional smile. I need those budget revisions.

I’m almost done, I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. Just a few more tweaks.

He studied me for a moment, his gaze unwavering. You seem... off today. Everything alright?

I blinked, taken aback by the unexpected concern in his voice. It was the first time he’d acknowledged my well-being, and the sincerity in his tone was jarring against his usual brusque demeanor. I wanted to tell him that I was fine, that I could handle the workload, but the truth was that I was on the edge of burnout.

I’m just tired, I admitted, my voice softer than I intended. I’m working through the revisions now.

Kane’s expression softened, though only slightly. Take a break if you need one. We can’t afford mistakes.

His unexpected kindness was almost as disorienting as his usual sternness. I managed a nod and watched as he walked away, his shoulders rigid with the same determination that drove him relentlessly forward. As he disappeared down the hall, I took a moment to lean back in my chair and close my eyes, letting out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

Later that afternoon, I found myself organizing a stack of documents on his desk when I accidentally knocked over a cup of pens. They scattered across the floor like fallen soldiers, and I crouched down to retrieve them. Just as I was about to pick up the last one, I heard Kane’s voice behind me.

Need some help?

I looked up to find him standing there, a look of genuine amusement on his face. It was a rare sight, and it took me a moment to process. I’m fine, Mr. Archer. Just a minor mishap.

He crouched down beside me, his movements graceful despite his imposing frame. Together, we gathered the pens in silence. I could feel the warmth of his proximity, and it was oddly comforting amidst the chaos of our daily grind. As he handed me the last pen, our fingers brushed, sending an unexpected jolt through me. I glanced up at him, but he quickly looked away, his expression unreadable once more.

Thank you, I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He nodded, a hint of that fleeting smile still lingering. Don’t let it happen again.

The banter was familiar, yet different. There was something unspoken between us, a bridge built from small moments of connection amidst the sea of tension. I found myself wondering about the man behind the facade—the one who, despite his harsh exterior, showed glimpses of something softer, more human.

The days wore on, and the office became a battleground where I fought to meet Kane’s exacting standards while grappling with the unpredictable nature of his demands. Every time I thought I had a handle on things, he would shift expectations, pushing me to adapt and evolve.

Despite the difficulty, there was an undercurrent of something I couldn’t quite name. Kane’s occasional gestures of unexpected kindness, his fleeting moments of genuine concern, they were like cracks in a façade that seemed impenetrable. It was disorienting, this contrast between the relentless perfectionist and the man who, beneath it all, seemed to have a heart.

And through it all, I found myself drawn to him, not just as my boss but as a person who, despite everything, I was beginning to understand. The office, once a place of unending pressure and cold efficiency, now held a complexity I hadn’t anticipated. The challenge was no longer just about meeting expectations—it was about deciphering the man who had become the center of this whirlwind I was caught up in.

Later that afternoon, I found myself organizing a stack of documents on his desk when I accidentally knocked over a cup of pens. They scattered across the floor like fallen soldiers, and I crouched down to retrieve them. Just as I was about to collect the last pen, I felt a presence behind me, making my heart skip a beat.

Kane’s shadow fell over me, his voice slicing through the silence. Need any help?

I looked up, startled to find him standing there, his expression unreadable. Oh, no, I’ve got it, I said quickly, trying to mask the embarrassment from my small mishap.

He knelt beside me, his movements surprisingly gentle. His large hands reached out, gathering pens with an efficiency that spoke of practiced precision. I couldn’t help but notice the contrast between his usual commanding demeanor and this uncharacteristic display of calmness.

Here, he said, handing me a pen. His fingers brushed mine, and the contact was brief but electric, sending a jolt through me that I wasn’t expecting. I quickly took the pen, my fingers trembling slightly.

Thank you, I murmured, not meeting his gaze. I could feel his eyes on me, a weight of scrutiny that was both unsettling and strangely comforting.

Kane stood up, dusting off his hands. We should discuss the strategy for the upcoming project. I need your input.

The shift in topic was sudden, but I welcomed the distraction. I followed him to his desk, where he motioned for me to sit. As I took a seat, he began to lay out the plans, his voice steady and authoritative. Despite the complexity of the material, I found myself drawn to the way he spoke about his work—there was a passion there, hidden beneath his stern exterior.

As we went through the details, I couldn’t ignore the way he occasionally looked at me, his gaze lingering just a fraction longer than necessary. It was as though he was not only evaluating the work but also trying to understand something more about me. I wondered if he could see through the facade I carefully maintained.

Any thoughts? he asked, pulling me from my reverie.

I glanced at the charts and projections in front of me, trying to ignore the slight heat of his gaze. I think the proposed timeline is ambitious but achievable. If we adjust the milestones slightly, we might be able to streamline the process without sacrificing quality.

Kane studied me for a moment, his expression inscrutable. You’re surprisingly insightful, he said, his tone softening. Most people don’t think of those angles.

I felt a rush of unexpected warmth at his compliment, a rare moment of validation that was even more surprising given his usual reticence. Thank you, I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

The rest of the meeting passed in a blur of technical discussions and strategy. When it was over, Kane dismissed me with a curt nod. Good work today. I’ll need those revisions by tomorrow.

As I gathered my things and prepared to leave, I glanced at him one last time. He was already absorbed in his next task, the familiar stern expression back in place. But for a brief moment, when he looked at me with that flicker of curiosity, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to him than met the eye.

Walking out of the office, I couldn’t help but reflect on the strange mix of frustration and intrigue that Kane Archer inspired in me. My job was demanding, and his standards were unrelenting, but there was something beneath his icy exterior that made me want to keep pushing, to understand him beyond the surface. It was a challenge I wasn’t sure I was ready for, but the spark of curiosity he ignited in me made me unwilling to back down.

Chapter 3:

He took a step closer, his gaze fixed on the papers spread out before me. The flickering overhead lights made the room seem even more desolate, a stark contrast to the usual busy, bustling environment. For a moment, we were enveloped in a cocoon of quiet, the hum of the air conditioning the only sound breaking the stillness.

You’ve been doing a lot of late nights, Kane said, his voice carrying a note of reluctant admiration. It was an observation rather than a critique, a rare moment of acknowledgment that felt almost surreal coming from him.

I shifted in my chair, feeling the weight of his scrutiny but refusing to let it unnerve me. It’s part of the job, I replied, trying to sound casual. You’re not exactly known for keeping regular hours either.

His lips quirked in a fleeting, almost imperceptible smile. True. I suppose we have that in common.

The comment surprised me, and I found myself studying him, searching for any signs of the emotion that seemed to be just beneath the surface. Kane had always been a figure of unyielding professionalism, but this rare glimpse into his more human side was disarming.

Do you ever get tired? I asked before I could stop myself, the question slipping out as a genuine curiosity rather than a challenge.

He looked at me, his eyes narrowing slightly as if weighing how much to reveal. Of course. But there’s always something that needs to be done, something that requires my attention. It’s a constant balancing act.

I nodded, understanding more than I cared to admit. I get that. It’s just... sometimes it feels like there’s no end to it.

Kane’s expression softened, and he leaned against the edge of my desk, a posture that seemed almost relaxed compared to his usual rigidity. That’s the nature of this job. But it doesn’t mean you should sacrifice everything for it.

His words hung in the air, and I found myself reflecting on their weight. It was a small revelation, a crack in the façade he so carefully maintained. Thanks for the concern, I said, managing a small smile. I appreciate it.

For a moment, there was an unspoken understanding between us. The tension that had always existed in the space between us seemed to dissipate, replaced by a more nuanced connection. Kane’s eyes met mine, and I could see a flicker of something that resembled genuine empathy, something that contradicted his usual cold demeanor.

Why don’t you take a break? Kane suggested, his voice carrying an unexpected warmth. I’ll take a look at the presentation. It’ll give you a chance to clear your head.

I hesitated, taken aback by his offer. It was rare for him to show such a personal gesture. Are you sure?

He nodded, his gaze steady. Yes. I can handle it for now. You’ve done enough.

I stood up, feeling a mix of relief and uncertainty. As I gathered my things, I couldn’t help but steal a glance at Kane. He was already absorbed in the presentation, his focus intense but not unkind. The way he worked, even in these moments, was a reminder of the dedication that drove him.

I left the office, the cool evening air a welcome change from the stifling atmosphere of the building. As I walked to my car, I found myself thinking about the rare, honest conversation we’d had. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. For the first time since I