Ryan’s POV
I cleared my throat loudly, interrupting their animated conversation. The sound finally drew Lucian's attention away from Serena and toward me. He looked at me like he was just now noticing my existence.
"Ms. Quinn, and this gentleman is...?" His tone was polite but deliberate.
Serena smiled, reaching for my arm to pull me closer as she made a casual introduction. Her touch was light but sent electricity through my skin.
"Mr. West, this is Ryan Blackwood, CEO of Blackwood Group. I'm sure you've heard of him?"
Lucian made a drawn-out sound of recognition, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Ah, so you're Mr. Blackwood. Your reputation precedes you."
I assessed him coldly. Such bullshit. If my reputation truly preceded me, he'd have recognized me immediately. He was
