Chapter Seven: The Thin Line Between Love and War

Serena stood in Adrian's office long after Olivia had left, her fingers clenched at her sides. The sharp click of Olivia's heels still echoed in her mind, along with that damn smirk.

Darling.

She had said it so casually. Like it was hers to say. Like Serena wasn't standing right there.

Serena turned to Adrian, who was watching her with that maddeningly unreadable expression.

"You're quiet," he noted, leaning back in his chair.

She lifted her chin. "Should I be loud?"

His lips twitched. "I didn't say that."

She crossed her arms. "Are you going to tell me what she was doing here?"

Adrian studied her for a moment, then sighed, standing. He rounded his desk, coming to lean against it, arms crossed. "It's business."

Serena let out a sharp laugh. "Oh, of course. Just business. And I'm supposed to believe that?"

His eyes darkened. "I don't owe you an explanation."

The words stung more than they should have.

She exhaled, forcing herself to stay calm. "You know what? You're right. You don't. But if you think I'm going to stand here and play the fool while your ex parades into your office and calls you darling—"

Adrian's jaw ticked. "She was trying to get under your skin."

"Well, congratulations to her. It worked."

His expression shifted, something dangerous flickering in his gaze. "Why does it bother you, Serena?"

She hesitated.

Because it shouldn't.

Because this wasn't real.

Because they were supposed to keep feelings out of it.

Serena swallowed hard. "It doesn't."

Adrian stepped forward, closing the distance between them. "Liar."

She took a step back, but he followed, his presence swallowing hers whole.

"You think I didn't notice the way you looked at me last night?" His voice was low, almost a growl. "The way you kissed me back? The way you didn't tell me to stop?"

Serena's back hit the wall.

Adrian's hand came up, fingers tracing her jaw, his touch both gentle and commanding.

"Tell me to stop now," he murmured.

She should.

She had to.

But instead, her body betrayed her, leaning into him, her breath shuddering.

Adrian's thumb brushed over her lower lip, his gaze darkening. "You can't, can you?"

Serena's pulse pounded.

This was dangerous.

This was a mistake.

But God, she wanted him.

More than she should.

More than was safe.

Adrian smirked as if he knew exactly what she was thinking. "That's what I thought."

Then, as if sensing she was at her breaking point, he stepped back, putting space between them.

The sudden loss of his warmth was jarring.

Serena exhaled shakily, glaring at him. "You're insufferable."

Adrian smirked. "And yet, you can't seem to stay away."

She turned sharply, heading for the door. "Enjoy your business meeting, Mr. Blackwood."

Before he could respond, she was gone.

—

That Evening

The charity gala was at one of New York's most exclusive venues, a glittering display of wealth and power.

Serena stood beside Adrian, her hand resting on his arm as they worked the room, greeting politicians, business moguls, and celebrities.

She played the part of the perfect wife, smiling, laughing at the right moments, keeping her composure flawlessly intact.

But inside?

She was still seething.

Especially when Olivia arrived.

Dressed in a deep emerald gown that hugged her curves, Olivia moved through the crowd with the kind of practiced ease that made it clear she belonged here.

She greeted Adrian first, her smile slow, confident. "Adrian."

His expression remained unreadable. "Olivia."

Then her gaze shifted to Serena, her smile widening. "And of course, the lovely Mrs. Blackwood."

Serena returned the smile, matching her energy. "Olivia."

Olivia tilted her head. "I must say, you play the part well. But then again, Adrian always did have good taste."

Serena's nails dug into her palm. "Oh, I don't play the part. I own it."

Olivia's eyes flickered with something sharp.

Adrian, to his credit, looked thoroughly entertained.

Olivia smirked. "We'll see about that."

Then she turned, disappearing into the crowd.

Serena exhaled, her pulse unsteady.

She felt Adrian's gaze on her.

"You didn't have to do that," he murmured.

She lifted her chin. "Yes, I did."

Something dark flashed in his gaze.

Then, before she could react, his hand slid to the small of her back, guiding her away from the main floor.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

He didn't answer.

Instead, he led her through a side hallway, past security, until they reached a dimly lit corridor.

Then, without warning, he spun her, pressing her against the cool marble wall.

Serena's breath hitched.

Adrian's hands braced on either side of her, his body a whisper away from hers. "You like playing games, Serena?"

She swallowed. "Depends on the game."

His lips curved. "Then let's play one."

Her pulse pounded. "What kind?"

Adrian leaned in, his mouth brushing her ear. "One where you admit that you want me as much as I want you."

Serena exhaled shakily, her hands pressing against his chest.

"This is dangerous," she whispered.

Adrian smirked. "So is falling for me."

The words sent a jolt through her.

Because falling?

That wasn't in the contract.

But the way he was looking at her now?

Like she was his?

Serena wasn't sure she could stop it.

And maybe—just maybe—she didn't want to.

—