Chapter 6: The Balcony Encounter

Mia followed Adrian through the lavish hallways of the gala venue, her heart pounding with each step. The further they moved from the ballroom, the quieter it became. The hum of conversation and soft melodies of the orchestra faded, replaced by the rhythmic clicking of her heels against the marble floor.

Adrian led her through a set of glass doors onto an expansive balcony. The city skyline stretched before them, twinkling lights reflecting off the sleek surfaces of towering skyscrapers. A cool breeze brushed against her skin, making her shiver slightly.

Adrian leaned against the railing, his sharp gaze fixed on her. "You looked like you needed an escape."

Mia let out a soft laugh, crossing her arms as she faced him. "Was it that obvious?"

He smirked. "You were about three seconds away from throwing that champagne in someone's face."

Mia sighed, shaking her head. "Your world is exhausting, Adrian."

He studied her for a moment, then nodded. "It is."

Silence stretched between them, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was charged, filled with something unspoken yet undeniable.

Mia turned to look at the city, her thoughts swirling. "James Lockwood," she murmured. "You said he's dangerous."

Adrian's expression darkened. "He plays games. The kind that can ruin people if they're not careful."

She glanced at him. "And you? Do you play those games too?"

His smirk returned, but there was no humor in it. "I play to win."

Mia didn't doubt that for a second. Adrian Blackwood was a man who never lost. But she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this story—more to him.

A sudden gust of wind pushed a strand of hair into her face. Before she could tuck it back, Adrian reached out, brushing it away with his fingers. His touch was featherlight, but it sent a ripple of warmth through her.

Her breath hitched as he stepped closer. "Mia," he murmured, his voice lower now, rougher.

She swallowed, her pulse racing. "Adrian, this—"

He silenced her by tilting her chin up slightly, his fingers lingering. "Tell me you don't feel this."

Mia opened her mouth, but no words came out. She should step back, put some distance between them, but she couldn't. Because she did feel it—the undeniable pull, the electric tension that neither of them could ignore.

Adrian's gaze dropped to her lips, his breathing shallow. "I told myself I wouldn't do this."

"Then don't," she whispered, though even she didn't believe her own words.

For a moment, it seemed like he would resist, that he would step away and let logic win.

But then, he didn't.

Adrian closed the distance between them, his lips capturing hers in a slow, deliberate kiss. Unlike their first, which had been a moment of reckless impulse, this one was different. It was consuming, filled with something deeper—something dangerous.

Mia melted into him, her hands gripping his jacket as she kissed him back. Every thought of caution disappeared, replaced by the heat of the moment. The world around them faded, leaving only Adrian, only this.

When they finally pulled apart, his forehead rested against hers, his breath uneven. "I don't regret it," he murmured.

Mia's eyes fluttered open, her heart pounding. She knew she should say something, but the words were lost in the storm of emotions crashing over her.

Because she didn't regret it either.

And that terrified her.