Chapter 7: A Dangerous Game

Mia barely had time to process what had just happened before Adrian pulled away completely, his expression unreadable. The air between them still crackled with tension, the heat of the kiss lingering on her lips.

She took a shaky breath, trying to ground herself. "Adrian, this… we can't—"

"Can't or shouldn't?" he interrupted, his voice dangerously low.

Mia swallowed, hugging her arms around herself. "Both."

For a moment, he said nothing, simply watching her. Then he exhaled sharply, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair. "Mia, I don't play games. I don't do relationships. But this—" He gestured between them. "This isn't something I can ignore."

Her chest tightened. She didn't know what was scarier: the way he was looking at her, or the fact that she felt the same way. But Adrian Blackwood was powerful, untouchable, and completely out of her league.

She took a step back, shaking her head. "You're my boss. This is reckless."

Adrian's smirk returned, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Reckless can be exhilarating."

Mia let out a nervous laugh. "Not when your career is on the line."

His gaze darkened. "Your career isn't in danger, Mia. I would never let that happen."

She wanted to believe him, but she knew better. Office romances never ended well, especially when one person held all the power. If things went south, she would be the one to suffer the consequences, not him.

Before she could say another word, the sound of approaching footsteps made them both turn. Mia's heart leaped into her throat as James Lockwood stepped onto the balcony, his smirk widening when he spotted them.

"Well, well," James drawled, crossing his arms. "What do we have here?"

Mia stiffened, but Adrian remained calm, his usual mask of indifference slipping back into place. "Enjoying the view, Lockwood?"

James chuckled. "The city's breathtaking, but I must admit, the sight of you two is far more interesting." His gaze flicked between them, sharp and knowing. "Should I be congratulating you, Blackwood?"

Mia's cheeks burned, but Adrian didn't even flinch. "That depends. Are you looking for something to use against me?"

James tsked. "So defensive. I was merely making an observation." He turned to Mia, his smirk deepening. "Careful, darling. Getting involved with a man like Adrian is like playing with fire."

Mia lifted her chin, refusing to let him intimidate her. "I can handle myself."

James let out a low laugh. "I like you." He glanced at Adrian. "She's got spirit. Try not to break her."

Adrian's jaw clenched, his posture shifting ever so slightly. "We're done here, James."

James chuckled again but didn't argue. With one last lingering look at Mia, he turned and walked away, leaving behind an air of unease.

Mia exhaled, rubbing her arms as the night air suddenly felt much colder. "He's trying to get under your skin."

Adrian's gaze didn't waver. "He's trying to get under yours."

She frowned. "Why would he—"

"Because he knows you're important to me."

Mia's breath caught. Adrian had said the words so effortlessly, but they hit her like a tidal wave.

Important.

She wasn't sure what that meant, or where they went from here. But one thing was clear—she was playing a dangerous game with Adrian Blackwood.

And she wasn't sure she could walk away anymore.