The Heat Between Us

~SPARKS~

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Melody grinned wickedly, secretly thrilled that the supposedly impenetrable Claviford Jnr had a tick.

“Well, he’ll have to get used to it. Stacy Reynolds and her cronies are already here. I bet they’re hoping he won’t show up again.”

Daniel scowled. “Let them think whatever they want.” He flicked his cuff, then checked his watch with the kind of impatience that made the air taut. “Is Bella Queens here yet?”

“Yes, sir. She arrived about thirty minutes ago. We attended to her.”

“Thank you… and one more thing.”

Melody rose, a brow arching. “Yes, sir?”

“No formalities tonight. None of that ‘Mr. Claviford’ nonsense. You make me feel ancient.”

Her cheeks flared. “Alright, sir… I mean, alright, Daniel.”

“Good. That wasn’t so hard, was it?”

She smiled and looked away, eyes darting briefly toward the tall windows as if seeking rescue.

“How’s that little tornado of yours?”

Her laugh carried pride. “She’s fine. Mom sends her wishes too. She stayed back with Sharon—she has a stomachache and Mom thought it’d be too much for the sitter.”

Daniel’s brow creased. “Nothing serious, I hope?”

“Not at all. Just too much cake at a party.”

The two laughed together, the sound softening the air.

“I’ll come see her soon. Surprise visit,” Daniel promised, his smile gentler now.

Melody opened her mouth to reply, but the door swung wide without warning.

Rogue Blackwell entered.

It was as though the room shed its warmth in an instant. The sudden hush pressed at Melody’s chest. Rogue paused just inside, his tall frame filling the doorway, his gaze catching hers as if the rest of the room no longer mattered. He froze, stunned, staring at her as though she were someone he’d lost and just found again.

Melody’s breath snagged. The man looked impossibly composed: midnight-black suit tailored within an inch of perfection, crisp lines running like blades, tie knotted with arrogant precision. His presence wasn’t loud, but it sucked the life out of the room all the same. He looked like temptation carved into flesh, a storm wrapped in silk.

Her gaze caught his—and refused to let go. A jolt crackled through her chest, sharp, dangerous, as if steel struck flint inside her ribs. Rogue’s mask slipped for just a heartbeat. His eyes swept over her, controlled yet faltering, as though he hadn’t expected to be shaken. This wasn’t recognition. It was collision.

Daniel leaned back in his chair, studying them with amusement. His smirk widened.

“Well,” he drawled, swirling the amber in his glass, “I didn’t realize I was hosting a staring contest.”

Neither Melody nor Rogue moved. Neither blinked. Melody’s fingers curled against her skirt, nails pressing hard into the fabric. Across the room, Rogue’s jaw locked, the faintest pulse ticking at his temple. They were two magnets, aware of the pull, helpless to fight it.

Daniel’s chuckle slid into the silence. “Careful, Melody. My son burns everything he touches.”

That line cracked the stillness, but only just. Rogue’s voice followed, smooth, measured, yet edged with danger.

“And yet,” he said, eyes never leaving hers, “some things are worth the fire.”

Daniel roared with laughter, lifting his glass higher.

“God help us. Rogue, meet my secretary, Melody Novas. Melody, my son—Rogue Blackwell.”

Hands met. Firm, deliberate. Lingering. A static charge surged in the touch, as if skin had memory. Rogue’s gaze bored into hers, sharp and testing, while hers refused to yield. Daniel, sipping his drink, looked far too entertained by the wordless duel sparking before him.

“Blackwell?” Melody asked, her tone steady though her pulse thudded in her throat.

“Yes. Blackwell. My name.” His reply clipped, but heavy.

“Daniel has his own… arrangements in Russia. It’s only proper he keeps a separate identity,” Daniel added with a lightness that rang just a little false. Melody caught it, the subtle strain beneath his cheer. They’ve argued over this, she thought, her suspicion settling deeper.

So this is the spitfire who swore she’d handle me. Rogue let his gaze drift lazily down, lingering on her lips. They tightened, betraying distaste, and his mouth curved in a smirk. She was irritated—and that only pulled him further in. Her pale skin and open face made her easy to read. Too easy. He would enjoy testing her limits.

Her bottle-green eyes darkened, hardening like glass, and he narrowed his own. Witchy eyes, he thought. Eyes that clawed through defenses. He had barely arrived, and already they threatened to undo him.

Rogue gave a faint smile and finally released her hand. She jerked it back to her hip, fingers curling into a tight fist. Good. She wasn’t untouched either.

Let’s see who breaks first.

Daniel’s amusement glimmered in his eyes. His son had already stirred Melody’s temper, and she hated that loss of control. Definitely his son.

Melody lifted her chin, suspicion flickering sharp across her face. This is on you now, Melody. Handle it.

The trill of her phone fractured the tension. She glanced at the screen, face smoothed into calm.

“It’s Trevor, sir. He’s letting me know the party’s started.”

Daniel nodded, dismissing her with a wave. “We’ll be there shortly.”

She gave him a warm smile, then cut Rogue a stiff nod. He met it with a mocking salute, his smirk widening as her jaw clenched. She closed the door softly behind her, but the echo of her exit carried a weight. Rogue’s laugh broke loose.

“Ice queen. I could feel the animosity from here.”

Daniel shook his head. “Melody is my most diligent staff, and I owe her mother my life. Winning her over should be high on your list.”

Rogue adjusted his bow tie, smoothing his tuxedo as though the conversation bored him. “Can’t help it. She’s stuck up.”

“Regardless, don’t get any ideas. I value her.”

Rogue’s sneer flashed sharp. “And is there more to it than you’re saying?”

Daniel’s eyes hardened. “What are you insinuating?”

“Exactly what you think. She seemed pretty unofficial for a secretary. Are you hiding something?”

Daniel’s voice sharpened. “Melody’s a good worker. I love her—that’s all you need to know.” He rose, glass abandoned on the desk, and strode toward the door.

“Now, let’s not keep your guests waiting. They’re here for you.”

Seething behind his polished composure, Rogue followed his father out, the echo of Melody’s presence still burning in his chest.