Trapped with Mr. Blackwell

collision at the Gala

The Moretti Gala glittered with chandeliers, champagne, and the kind of wealth I’d only seen from a distance. Every step I took in these pinching heels felt like walking a tightrope.

And then I saw him.

Lucas. Standing like a dark statue in the center of the room. His black suit hugged him perfectly, and the faintest smirk played at his lips. He was everything I hated and secretly, dangerously aware of it.

“Charlotte.”

He didn’t call my name softly — no, he said it like a warning. My stomach twisted. I forced my shoulders back and turned to face him, arms crossed.

“Blackwood,” I replied, icy.

A couple of nearby guests raised eyebrows at our obvious tension. Good. Let them watch.

Lucas tilted his head, amused. “You clean up well. Didn’t expect… this.”

I narrowed my eyes. “I didn’t expect to be dragged here like some accessory to your mother’s game.”

His smirk deepened. “Is that what this is? A game?”

I took a step closer, though I had no intention of letting him see me flinch. “If it is, I’m losing.”

He studied me, eyes calculating. “I don’t think so. I think you might be the only one here who can challenge me.”

My blood boiled. “Challenge you? Don’t flatter yourself.”

Just then, his mother appeared, perfectly poised. “Lucas, Charlotte, I’m glad you found each other,” she said lightly, almost mockingly. “I was hoping tonight would… open your eyes.”

Lucas’s eyes flicked to hers, then back to me. And I swear, I saw a spark of… something. Desire? Irritation? Probably both.

I wanted to storm off, but a waiter bumped into me, spilling champagne down my dress.

Lucas’s gloved hand shot out before I could react. “Stay still.”

I froze. My heart raced. Not from gratitude. From something else. Something I refused to name.

He dabbed at the stain with a napkin, close enough that I could feel his warmth brushing against my arm. “See? Not so hard,” he murmured, almost… teasing.

I yanked my arm back. “I can handle a little drink. Don’t think this is your heroic moment.”

His smirk returned, sharper this time, and I realized… he was enjoying this. Enjoying getting under my skin.

And that’s when I understood: I was in deep trouble.