Chapter 33: A Dangerous Game

Ella could still feel the tension long after Adrian walked away.

It lingered in the air, crackling like static, settling in her bones.

She had seen it in his eyes.

That sharp, territorial edge.

Adrian Blackwood wasn't just irritated.

He was furious.

And she had no idea why that both excited and terrified her.

Liam Carter wasn't a fool. He was dangerous in his own way—charming, manipulative, a man who always played for control.

And Adrian?

Adrian was a storm waiting to happen.

Two men.

Both ruthless.

Both unwilling to lose.

And she was standing in the middle of it.

Wonderful.

Unfinished Business

Ella walked into her temporary office—Adrian had thrown her in a corner room on the same floor as his.

Whether that was convenience or punishment, she still wasn't sure.

The moment she shut the door, her phone buzzed.

A message.

From Liam.

Liam: We should catch up. Have dinner with me tonight.

She exhaled.

Of course, he wouldn't waste time.

Before she could type out a reply, another message came in.

Liam: Unless your husband wouldn't approve?

She stared at the screen.

A test.

Of her.

Of Adrian.

Of this whole ridiculous marriage arrangement.

She wasn't stupid.

Liam wasn't here for business.

He was here for something else.

And she had a feeling she wouldn't like the answer.

The Beast in the Office

Ella didn't plan on telling Adrian.

She wasn't about to give him another reason to act like a possessive caveman.

But fate had other ideas.

The moment she left her office, she ran right into him.

Literally.

His hands caught her waist, steadying her with ease.

For a second—just a brief, traitorous second—her breath hitched.

His grip was warm. Solid. A little too firm.

Then she snapped back to reality.

"You should put up warning signs," she muttered, stepping back.

Adrian arched a brow. "You should watch where you're going."

She rolled her eyes.

And then his sharp gaze dropped to her phone, which was still open—showing Liam's messages.

His jaw ticked.

"Carter," he said flatly.

Ella snatched the phone away. "It's none of your business."

His gaze darkened.

"Like hell it isn't."

"Adrian—"

"You're not having dinner with him."

Oh. Hell. No.

She crossed her arms. "I wasn't aware you controlled my social life."

His voice dropped a lethal degree.

"He's playing you, Ella."

She scoffed. "And you're the expert on manipulation?"

"I know men like him." Adrian's eyes burned into hers. "Because I am one."

The air grew heavy.

Dangerous.

Unspoken words thick between them.

And then, as if to prove a point, Adrian stepped closer—crowding her, his voice dipping into something dark and deliberate.

"Tell me, Ella." His breath brushed her cheek. "Do you really think Liam Carter is back for a friendly reunion?"

She didn't move.

Didn't breathe.

Because deep down… she wasn't sure.

And that scared her more than anything.

Checkmate

That night, Ella didn't go to dinner with Liam.

Not because Adrian told her not to.

But because something felt off.

Like she was being pulled into a game she didn't understand.

And Adrian?

Adrian had made it clear—he was watching.

Waiting.

And he never lost.