A Dance with Fire

The music was slow, sultry—an intoxicating melody that wrapped around them like smoke. The moment Adrian pulled Evelyn onto the dance floor, she knew this wasn't just a dance.

This was a statement.

The entire room watched, whispers floating like invisible threads weaving around them. Evelyn knew exactly what was happening—Adrian wasn’t just leading this dance. He was making a point. To Moreau. To the world. And to her.

But she wasn’t the type to be claimed so easily.

"You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?" she murmured, tilting her head slightly to meet his gaze.

His lips curled into a knowing smirk. "Immensely."

His hand pressed firmly against the curve of her waist, guiding her effortlessly through each step. Adrian didn’t just move—he commanded, his touch light yet undeniably in control. It annoyed her how naturally she followed.

"You do realize Moreau is watching," she said, her voice low.

"Good."

His grip tightened slightly. Not enough to hurt, just enough to remind her that he meant what he said next.

"Let him see that you’re mine."

Evelyn’s breath caught—only for a second, but she knew Adrian noticed.

"Possessive much?" she scoffed, forcing a smirk.

He leaned in, his breath brushing against her ear, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "Only when it comes to things worth fighting for."

Her fingers twitched against his shoulder. Damn him.

Before she could respond, he spun her, forcing her to focus on the dance instead of the heat creeping up her neck. When she turned back to face him, he was already watching her with that unreadable expression—the one that made her feel like he saw too much.

"You don’t scare me, Westwood," she muttered.

"Maybe not," he admitted. Then, with a smirk, he dipped her low. His lips hovered just above hers. "But you intrigue me."

Evelyn’s pulse roared in her ears. If he thought she’d fall for his little game, he had another thing coming.

So she did what any woman in control would do—she leaned in even closer.

Their lips were barely a breath apart when she whispered, "Then let’s make this game interesting."

Before Adrian could react, she hooked her leg around his and flipped him.

Right onto the dance floor.

A collective gasp echoed around them. Moreau laughed somewhere in the background. Adrian stared up at her from the floor, blinking in pure disbelief.

Evelyn smirked, offering him her hand. "Still intrigued?"

A slow, dark chuckle left his lips. Instead of taking her hand, he pulled her down onto his lap.

"More than ever," he murmured.

And just like that, the game was officially on.