Chapter 10 – Beneath the Surface

The city lights flickered outside the penthouse window as Ava stood at the edge of the living room, gazing out over the skyline. It had been a long day, filled with the charade of their engagement for the media, and the last thing she wanted was to be here alone with Adrian.

But here she was.

Adrian had already retreated to the corner of the room, the deep timber of his voice carrying through the space. "You did well tonight."

She didn't turn to face him. "I was just following your lead."

There was a long pause before his footsteps sounded behind her. Ava tensed, her pulse picking up, as he stepped so close that she could feel the heat of his body radiating against her back.

"You make it look too easy," he said, his voice low, as if something darker was lurking beneath the surface.

Ava's breath caught in her throat, but she didn't let herself show weakness. It's easy when you're pretending.

His hand reached out, brushing her hair back with a tenderness that surprised her. The touch lingered just long enough for her to notice the difference between this and the cold, calculated businessman he had always been.

When he spoke again, his voice was softer. "I don't like pretending."

Ava's heart skipped. She couldn't tell if it was frustration, desire, or something else entirely. You've been pretending your whole life, she shot back.

He chuckled darkly, stepping back. Maybe. But I'm not pretending now, Ava.

A silence hung between them, the air thick with unsaid words. She turned slightly, glancing at him. His jaw was clenched, the lines of his body rigid with tension. She wondered how much of it was for show and how much was real.

"You're not the only one pretending," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Adrian's gaze flicked to her lips, and for a moment, neither of them moved. The pull between them was magnetic, undeniable, and for just a heartbeat, Ava could almost feel the weight of his presence suffocating her, filling every corner of the room.

Then, as quickly as it had come, the tension snapped. Adrian took a step back, his eyes narrowing. You're still playing games.

Ava's pulse was erratic, her body rebelling against the cool composure she tried to maintain. I'm not playing any games, Adrian.

His smile was faint, but it held a challenge. Then stop pretending you don't want me.

The words hung in the air, charged with an energy neither of them knew how to control. Ava opened her mouth to retort, but nothing came out. Instead, she turned away from him, walking toward the balcony.

Adrian didn't follow immediately. He stood still, watching her retreat. The air between them had shifted thick with unspoken words, and neither was willing to speak them aloud.