Chapter 9 – Flames Between Us

The restaurant glowed in golden candlelight, the air thick with perfume, tension, and the low hum of violins. Elina sat across from Taylor, her nerves wrapped tight like the delicate napkin in her lap.

Taylor smiled at her — that familiar, crooked smile that once made her heart skip a beat in high school. He hadn't changed much. Maybe a little sharper jawline, a more confident air since London, but those soft eyes still held unspoken words.

"You still drink red wine, right?" he asked, pouring gently.

She nodded. "And you still remember."

"There are things I couldn't forget about you, Elina," he said, eyes lingering a moment too long.

Her breath caught. She looked away, heart thudding.

They laughed, talked, remembered. But just as the conversation found a warm rhythm, a shadow loomed.

Damon.

He stood at the bar, watching. In a tailored black suit, glass of whiskey in hand, he looked like sin dipped in silk. His eyes locked on Elina.

Possession. Fire. Hunger.

He strode toward them.

"Fancy seeing you here," Damon drawled, sliding a hand along Elina's shoulder as he came to her side. His fingers lingered. "Taylor, right? Still jetlagged or are you here to stir things up?"

Taylor stood, jaw tense. "Just catching up with Elina."

Damon's smirk didn't reach his eyes. "Hmm. Catching up looks a lot like flirting."

"You know," Taylor said smoothly, "I was just about to ask her to dance."

Damon's grip on Elina's chair tightened. "Dance all you want. Just remember, she signed a contract."

Elina shot him a glare. "Damon."

But he bent low, lips brushing her ear.

"You're mine until this deal ends. And if you're thinking of canceling it..." His breath teased her neck. "You can buy your freedom. Pay me back. Every... single... touch."

Heat surged up her spine. Her skin burned where his fingers grazed her shoulder.

Taylor cleared his throat. "I think she can decide for herself."

Damon straightened, but his eyes never left Elina. "Of course she can. But let's not pretend you came from London just to say hi."

The tension snapped like an overdrawn violin string.

Elina stood. "I need air."

Taylor followed her to the terrace, leaving Damon seething.

Outside, the air was cool, and Elina leaned against the railing.

Taylor stepped close. "I came because of you, Elina. You were always more than just my best friend's little sister."

Her breath trembled. "You never said anything."

"Neither did you."

He took her hand, softly, slowly.

Inside, Damon watched them through the glass.

A storm in his eyes. Lust. Rage. Possession.

He stepped outside.

"Elina," he growled.

She turned. "What do you want now?"

Damon grabbed her waist, pulling her close. "You. Tonight. Now."

She blinked, breathless. "You're acting insane."

His voice dropped. "No, I'm reminding you. You're mine until this contract is over. And don't act like you don't feel it too."

He pressed a kiss to her neck, soft but scorching.

Taylor stepped forward. "Back off."

Damon didn't flinch. "Make me."

Elina broke away. "Enough! Both of you!"

Her heart raced. Her head spun.

And her phone buzzed.

A message from the hospital: "Your brother's vitals have dropped. Immediate attention recommended."

Elina froze.

She looked at both men.

"I have to go."

Damon stepped forward. "I'll drive."

Taylor: "I'll come too."

She hesitated.

Trapped between the boy

who once held her heart in silence… And the man who now owned her soul in shadows.

End of Chapter 9.