Not his first choice

chapter 12

Sienna wakes up to the soft glow of morning light streaming through the hotel curtains. Today is the day of the business meeting, and a nervous anticipation flutters in her stomach. After yesterday’s unexpected outing with Lucian, she’s unsure how today will unfold. He had been… different. Almost softer. But she refuses to read into it.

She gets ready in a sleek, tailored dress that exudes both professionalism and elegance. It’s a deep emerald green, a color that complements her complexion. When she meets Lucian in the lobby, his eyes flicker over her for just a second longer than usual before he gestures for her to follow him to the waiting car.

The meeting is held in one of the city’s most prestigious office buildings. Their business partner, Adrian Carter, is a striking man in his late thirties, exuding power and confidence. His sharp blue eyes lock onto Sienna the moment they step into the boardroom.

“Lucian,” Adrian greets, shaking his hand before turning his attention fully to Sienna. “And you must be his assistant?”

“Sienna Vale,” she introduces herself, offering a polite smile as they shake hands. His grip is firm but lingers just a second too long.

“I have to admit, I’m already distracted,” Adrian says with an easy charm, his eyes glinting with intrigue. “You didn’t warn me your assistant was this stunning, Lucian.”

Lucian’s jaw tightens. “She’s more than just an assistant,” he says, his voice clipped.

Sienna clears her throat, ignoring the tension and shifting the conversation back to business. “We appreciate you meeting with us today, Mr. Carter. Let’s get started.”

The meeting progresses smoothly, though Adrian’s attention often drifts toward Sienna. He asks for her thoughts on various aspects of the deal, clearly impressed by her insight. By the time they wrap up, he leans back in his chair, smiling at her.

“I like a woman with brains and beauty,” he remarks, his voice low. “Tell me, Sienna, do you have a date for the gala tonight?”

Lucian stiffens beside her, but Sienna hesitates before responding. She wasn’t technically going with anyone. But before she can answer, Lucian interjects.

“She’s with me,” he says, his voice dark and possessive.

Adrian raises an amused brow. “Oh? I thought this was a business event.”

“It is,” Lucian says smoothly. “And as my assistant, Sienna will be accompanying me. Exclusively.”

Adrian chuckles, clearly catching the underlying message. “Well, if you ever change your mind, Sienna, I’d be more than happy to steal you away for the evening.”

Lucian doesn’t respond, but his entire demeanor is rigid as they leave the meeting. The car ride back to the hotel is tense, thick with an unspoken energy. Sienna can feel his frustration simmering just beneath the surface.

When they reach their floor, she turns to him, ready to brush off the situation. “Lucian—”

But he cuts her off, grabbing her wrist and pulling her into his suite before she can protest. The door clicks shut behind them, and in an instant, she’s caged against the wall, his body mere inches from hers.

“You let him flirt with you,” Lucian murmurs, his voice low and dangerous.

Her breath hitches. “It was harmless.”

His eyes darken. “It wasn’t harmless.”

She swallows, heart pounding. “Lucian—”

His hands grip her waist, pressing her back against the wall as his lips ghost over hers, teasing but not quite touching. The heat between them is electric, his proximity overwhelming.

“You drive me insane, Sienna,” he murmurs, voice thick with something she can’t quite define.

She exhales shakily. “Then do something about it.”

His restraint snaps. His lips crash against hers, claiming her in a way that leaves no room for doubt. It’s desperate, raw, filled with pent-up frustration and something dangerously close to possession.

Her hands find their way into his hair, pulling him closer as he presses her deeper into the wall, his body firm against hers. His hands slide down her waist, gripping her hips before trailing lower. His fingers brush up her thigh, slipping beneath the hem of her dress, teasing the sensitive skin there.

She gasps into his mouth, her body arching instinctively toward him as his fingers stroke her through the thin fabric of her panties. A slow, deliberate touch that has her legs trembling.

“Lucian,” she breathes, her head falling back against the wall.

“You’re mine,” he growls, his lips tracing down her neck, his fingers slipping past the barrier of lace. His touch is skilled, precise, coaxing soft, breathless moans from her lips as he presses his forehead against hers, watching her unravel beneath him.

Her hands clutch at his shoulders, needing something to hold onto as he pushes her closer to the edge. The tension between them tightens, the pleasure building in dizzying waves until she’s gasping his name, shuddering against him.

Lucian pulls back slightly, his breathing ragged, his fingers trailing up to cup her face. “Not his,” he murmurs. “Never his.”

Sienna’s lips tingle from the intensity of his kiss. She lifts her chin, determined to keep her composure despite the fire still burning through her veins. “Of course not.”

But they both know it’s a lie.

As silence stretches between them, Lucian takes a slow, steadying breath. His fingers remain on her skin, as if reluctant to let her go. “You should leave,” he finally murmurs, though his grip contradicts his words.

Sienna swallows hard, stepping back on shaky legs. The air between them is thick, charged. “I’ll see you at the gala,” she says softly before slipping out of the room.

As she closes the door behind her, she presses her back against it, inhaling deeply. She doesn’t know what just happened—only that something between them has shifted, irreversibly.