Chapter 4

Chapter 4 – A Dance with Fire

Serena had faced plenty of battles in her life—architectural competitions, city council fights, and personal struggles—but nothing had prepared her for the storm that was Elias Carter.

She had spent the entire day trying to push him out of her mind. Yet, here she was, standing in front of the Midnight Gala, her fingers curled into fists at her sides, her heart beating in a rhythm she didn't like.

This event wasn't just any gala. It was a power play, a high-society event where investors, politicians, and business moguls gathered to form alliances and strike secret deals over glasses of champagne.

Serena had received an invitation—courtesy of one of her allies on the city council—but she had no illusions about why she was really here. Elias would be here.

And she was done pretending their last encounter hadn't shaken her.

The Game Begins Again

The moment she stepped inside, the air shimmered with wealth and ambition. Chandeliers dripped with golden light, and the scent of expensive cologne and fine wine filled the air. Serena straightened her posture, her sapphire-blue dress hugging her form as she navigated through the sea of socialites.

Then she saw him.

Elias Carter stood near the bar, dressed in an impossibly tailored black tuxedo, a whiskey glass swirling in his hand. He looked like he belonged here—powerful, untouchable, and infuriatingly attractive.

And worst of all? He was already watching her.

Their eyes met across the room, and the way he held her gaze made her forget to breathe.

Serena swallowed hard and turned toward the champagne table, pretending she wasn't affected.

But of course, Elias wasn't the type to let her pretend.

A Dance of Power and Temptation

"I'm surprised to see you here," his deep voice murmured behind her.

Serena turned slowly, her heart betraying her by quickening. "Why? Because I don't belong in your world of glass towers and expensive whiskey?"

Elias smirked, stepping closer. "No. Because you usually prefer to fight from a distance. But tonight… you came to my battlefield."

Serena exhaled, ignoring the way his cologne—dark wood and spice—sent shivers down her spine. "I came because this city deserves better than being a playground for billionaires who don't care about its history."

Elias tilted his head. "And yet, here you are, dressed like you belong to this world."

She narrowed her eyes. "Are you implying I don't?"

He leaned in slightly, his breath warm against her ear. "I'm saying… you enjoy this more than you admit."

Serena's pulse skipped.

She opened her mouth to argue, but just then, the orchestra shifted to a soft, sultry melody. Around them, couples glided onto the dance floor, twirling under the golden glow of the chandeliers.

Elias extended a hand. "Dance with me."

Serena's eyes widened. "Excuse me?"

He smirked. "What's wrong, Serena? Afraid of getting too close?"

Her pride screamed walk away. But something deep inside her—a dangerous, reckless part—refused to back down.

So she took his hand.

The Dance That Changed Everything

The moment Elias pulled her into his arms, Serena knew she had made a mistake.

His hand settled firmly on her waist, his grip possessive, controlled, and far too intimate. Their bodies moved together as if they had done this a thousand times before, the tension between them weaving into every step.

Serena's breath hitched as Elias's fingers pressed against the small of her back, guiding her effortlessly across the floor. She wasn't sure if it was the music, the champagne, or the way he was looking at her, but her carefully built walls were beginning to crack.

"You're a surprisingly good dancer," she murmured, trying to sound unaffected.

Elias's lips tilted into a slow, lazy smile. "I don't do anything unless I plan to be the best at it."

The way he said it—low, deliberate, filled with meaning—sent heat spiraling through her.

Serena tried to focus on the steps, but she was too aware of him. The warmth of his palm against her bare skin, the scent of his cologne, the way his gaze flickered to her lips every time she spoke.

This was dangerous.

Because for the first time since she had met Elias Carter, she wasn't sure if they were fighting… or flirting.

And worse?

She wasn't sure which one she wanted.

A Moment That Shouldn't Have Happened

The song slowed, and Elias pulled her even closer, his voice just above a whisper.

"Tell me something, Serena…" His fingers brushed the curve of her waist, sending electricity through her veins. "Is it possible that you hate me so much… because you don't want to admit you're drawn to me?"

Her breath caught.

Her heart pounded.

Because for one terrifying second, she couldn't tell if he was wrong.

She swallowed, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "If I am, then it's the worst mistake of my life."

Elias smirked, his thumb tracing slow circles against her lower back.

"Then why aren't you pulling away?"

Serena froze.

She hadn't.

She hadn't pushed him away. She hadn't broken the spell.

She was still standing there, in his arms, caught in a moment that shouldn't have existed.

Panic flickered through her, and she did the only thing she could. She pulled back.

Elias let her go—but not before murmuring, "You can run, Serena. But you and I both know… this isn't over."

The Aftermath

Serena didn't know how she made it out of the ballroom.

Her heart was racing, her skin burning where Elias had touched her. She stepped into the cool night air, inhaling deeply, trying to shake the feeling of him.

But she couldn't.

Because for the first time since this war had started, she realized something terrifying.

It wasn't just about saving the building anymore.

It wasn't even about winning.

It was about him.

And that scared her more than anything.

To be continued.....