A NIGHT OF SECRET

Sienna spent the rest of the day trying and failing to focus on work. But no matter how hard she tried, her mind kept drifting back to Damien. His touch, his words, the way he looked at her like he could consume her whole.

She hated how easily he got under her skin.

By the time evening rolled around, she was a bundle of nerves. She had no idea what Damien had planned for tonight, and the mystery of it all only made her more anxious.

Her phone buzzed just as she was finishing her makeup.

Damien Be ready in five minutes. Wear something elegant.

Sienna exhaled sharply. Of course, he didn’t ask if she was free he simply expected her to comply.

She debated telling him she wasn’t coming. That she wasn’t his to summon.

But the truth was, she wanted to see him.

Even if it was dangerous.

She slipped into a sleek black dress that hugged her curves in all the right places, paired it with heels, and grabbed her clutch. Just as she stepped outside, a black luxury car pulled up to the curb.

The driver opened the door, and inside, Damien sat waiting, his sharp suit tailored to perfection. His gaze swept over her slowly, appreciation flashing in his eyes.

“You look stunning,” he murmured as she slid in beside him.

Sienna smoothed her dress, pretending her heart wasn’t racing. “Where are we going?”

Damien smirked. “You’ll see.”

Twenty minutes later, they arrived at an exclusive gala in the heart of the city. The venue was breathtaking an extravagant ballroom filled with chandeliers, classical music, and some of the most powerful people in the business world.

Sienna stiffened. “Damien, what is this?”

He placed a hand on the small of her back, guiding her inside. “A charity event. But more importantly, I wanted you here with me.”

Her stomach flipped. “Why?”

His gaze darkened as he leaned down, his breath hot against her ear. “Because I don’t like other men thinking they have a chance with you.”

A shiver ran down her spine. “You’re impossible.”

His lips curled. “And yet, you’re still here.”

She wanted to argue, but before she could, a voice interrupted.

“Damien Sinclair,” an older gentleman greeted, extending a hand. “Glad you could make it.”

Damien shook his hand, his expression cool and unreadable. “Of course. This is Sienna Carter.”

Sienna forced a polite smile as she shook the man’s hand. It was clear from his surprised expression that he hadn’t expected Damien to bring a date.

As the night went on, Sienna met more of Damien’s associates powerful men and women who treated her with thinly veiled curiosity. She wasn’t just another woman on Damien’s arm. She was different. And they all knew it.

Halfway through the evening, she excused herself to get some air. Stepping onto the balcony, she inhaled deeply, trying to steady herself.

This world Damien’s world was overwhelming.

“You look like you’re thinking too much,” a familiar voice said.

She turned to see Damien standing in the doorway, watching her intently.

She let out a soft laugh. “Maybe I am.”

He stepped closer, his hands sliding around her waist. “Tell me what’s on your mind.”

She hesitated before finally asking, “What are we doing, Damien?”

His grip tightened. “You’re mine, Sienna. That’s all you need to know.”

She exhaled, frustration creeping in. “That’s not an answer.”

Damien studied her for a moment before sighing. “Come with me.”

He took her hand, leading her down a private hallway until they reached an empty room.

“What are we doing here?” she asked, heart pounding.

Damien turned to face her, his expression serious. “I need you to understand something, Sienna. My world is ruthless. The people in that room? They will use anything against me including you.”

She swallowed hard. “Then why bring me here?”

“Because I trust you.” His thumb brushed over her cheek. “And because I can’t stay away from you.”

Her breath hitched.

Before she could respond, his lips crashed against hers, claiming her in a way that left no room for doubt he was done holding back.

And as she melted into him, she realized something terrifying.

She was done holding back too.