Chapter 005

DIANA

The dinner had been nothing short of a performance—a business negotiation disguised as a pleasant family gathering. I played my role well, smiling and nodding in all the right places, pretending that I wasn't seething inside.

But now, as I stood in the dimly lit hallway just outside the restaurant's VIP section, I could finally breathe.

Until he followed me.

"Leaving so soon?"

I stiffened at the sound of his deep, smooth voice behind me.

Of course, he wouldn't just let me escape.

I turned around slowly, my white dress swaying as I faced Ruther Wrevco. He leaned casually against the wall, hands in his pockets, watching me like I was some amusing little puzzle he was eager to solve.

"I need air," I muttered, tilting my chin up defiantly.

"Ah. Escaping, then."

His smirk was subtle, but the challenge in his tone was unmistakable.

"Not everything is about you, Mr. Wrevco," I shot back.

He chuckled. "I'd believe that if you weren't trembling the second I walked into that room tonight."

My spine straightened. "Excuse me?"

He took a slow step closer.

"You looked nervous. Flustered." Another step. "Like a little girl trapped in a world too big for her."

I hated that my breath hitched.

"You must be mistaking nervousness for disgust," I countered sharply.

"Oh? Disgust?" He tilted his head, his voice amused yet dangerously low. "Is that what you felt when you were pressing up against me last night? When you were moaning in my ear?"

Fucking hell.

Heat rushed up my neck, and my fists clenched at my sides.

"That was a mistake," I gritted out.

He tsked, stepping even closer—so close I could feel his body heat. "Mistake? Interesting. Because it didn't feel like a mistake when you begged me to put my f*ngers inside you."

A sharp exhale left my lips. "You—"

"But you know what's even more interesting?" He cut me off smoothly, his fingers reaching up to gently tuck a strand of my hair behind my ear.

I wanted to slap his hand away.

I should slap his hand away.

But I didn't move.

"I stopped," he murmured. "I could've had you right there on that dance floor, but I stopped."

His eyes darkened, something dangerous swirling behind them.

"But next time, Diana? I won't."

I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry.

"There won't be a next time," I whispered.

His smirk deepened, his fingers grazing my jaw ever so lightly.

"Oh, sweetheart." His voice was so sinfully smooth, it made my stomach clench. "You and I both know that's a lie."

I should've walked away.

I wanted to walk away.

But for the first time in my life, I wasn't sure if I wanted to.

And that scared me more than anything.

"I KNEW IT, HEATHER!! They sold me off—for wealth, for fame, for success and power! And wanted to use me for global market."

I ranted all my anger and frustration to my best friend, but instead of sympathy, all she did was laugh.

"Oh, come on, Diana. If I were in your place, I'd be thanking the heavens. The Lord practically dropped a god-like man straight into your lap."

"Ugh, I hate you." I grumbled.

Heather smirked. "Oh, you'll love me once you realize how lucky you are. Trust me, Diana, you're going to make one hell of a wife for Ruther. He's rich, powerful, and let's not forget—he's probably a beast in bed."

Her words sent a shiver down my spine.

I kicked her leg in annoyance, but she only laughed harder.

"Just accept it already! Or, better yet, give him to me. I'd gladly take your place—especially since I heard he's got a magic touch."

I tried to brush off her teasing, but suddenly, memories of last night flooded back. The way his hands had roamed my body, the heat of his touch, the way my body had melted under him—

Damn it.

A slow, tingling sensation coiled in my lower abdomen, right between my legs.