Tempting the Untouchable

CH 10 Shadows in the Room

The following week, the studio was busier than ever. Orders were coming in, clients wanted exclusives, and I barely had time to breathe between fittings. But no matter how hectic the day, I felt it — that undercurrent of tension, the awareness that Damien and I hadn’t crossed the line… yet.

It was late afternoon when a man I didn’t recognize walked in. Sharp suit, polished shoes, a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

“I’m looking for Damien Hart,” he said, glancing around the room.

“He’s not here,” I replied, straightening from the dress form. “You can leave a message—”

“I’ll wait.” He took a seat like he owned the place.

Minutes later, Damien stepped in from the back. His entire demeanor shifted — still calm, but tighter, more alert.

“Mason,” he said, his voice cool. “You’re not welcome here.”

“I just came to introduce myself to the new face in your life,” Mason said, his gaze sliding to me. “Elara, right? I’ve heard… interesting things.”

I felt Damien step closer, his presence wrapping around me like a shield. “You don’t speak to her,” he said flatly.

Mason smirked. “Touchy. Does she know how dangerous it is to stand that close to you?”

The words sent a chill down my spine. Damien’s jaw flexed, his hand brushing the small of my back. “Get out.”

Mason stood, taking his time. “Careful, Hart. The higher you climb, the harder the fall. And sometimes… the people around you get dragged down, too.”

When he was gone, I turned to Damien. “What was that about?”

“Business,” he said shortly, but the darkness in his eyes told me it was more than that.

I folded my arms. “That man just threatened me.”

“He won’t touch you,” Damien said, his voice like steel. “I’ll make sure of it.”

I didn’t know whether to be reassured or terrified. Because for the first time, I understood something — Damien’s world wasn’t just sharp edges and ruthless deals. It had shadows. And now, I was standing in them.