Mira found herself trapped between fear and desire.
Adrian was an enigma—cold, distant, and demanding. Yet, beneath the surface of his sharp words and calculating gaze, there were moments of unexpected warmth. Moments when his eyes lingered on her as she painted, when his voice softened ever so slightly, when his fingers accidentally brushed against hers and stayed just a second too long. She told herself it was nothing, just fleeting moments of weakness on his part. But her heart refused to believe the lie.
The night of the gala was unlike any other. Mira had spent the evening watching him from the shadows, the way he moved through the crowd, effortlessly commanding attention. He was untouchable, wrapped in layers of power and control. But then, without warning, he turned to her.
“Dance with me.” His voice was low, a command more than a request.
Before she could protest, his hand was at her waist, pulling her onto the dance floor. The music faded into the background as he held her close, his breath warm against her ear.
“You’re more than just an artist to me, Mira,” he whispered.
Her heart pounded. She should have resisted. She should have walked away.
But when he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a slow, deliberate kiss, she knew the truth—she was already his.