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Chapter Six – The Glasshouse
Diane had expected Jeffrey to drop her off at home and vanish into whatever empire or building CEOs and royals did at night. Instead, less than twenty-four hours later, she found herself standing at the edge of a massive glass structure tucked away on one of the Black family estates.
It wasn't just any greenhouse. It was breathtaking—towering walls of glass catching the golden hues of the morning sun, with a lush spread of exotic plants and delicate vines cascading from above. Inside, the scent of roses, orchids, and something warm and citrusy clung to the air.
"This," Jeffrey announced with casual arrogance, his hands sliding into his pockets, "is the famous Glasshouse. My mother adored it. Damon pretends he doesn't care, but Jason's still trying to turn half of it into a wine bar."
Diane arched a brow. "And you? What's your claim to this magical jungle?"
Jeffrey smirked, stepping closer, the soft glow from the glass lamps outlining his sharp features. "Me? I own it. Which means I get to decide who I bring here. You should feel honored, I mean you're not on the usual guest list."
She rolled her eyes, though her heart was beating far faster than she wanted to admit. "So, what" She rolled her eyes "you only bring your flings here?"
"Flings?" He gave her a deliberate pause, his smile darkening into something teasing. "Maybe. Or maybe I only bring women I find… unpredictable." His gaze flicked briefly to her lips before returning to her eyes.
The air thickened. Diane felt her stomach tighten, her carefully rehearsed composure wobbling. She forced a scoff, brushing past him toward the rows of flowers. "If you're trying to flatter me, Mr. Black, you'll need more than smooth lines. I've heard plenty already."
Behind her, Jeffrey chuckled, low and amused. "You think I'm trying? That's cute."
Before she could retort, footsteps echoed across the glass floor. Damon appeared first, tall and dark-haired, carrying an expensive bottle of scotch like it was a trophy. Jason followed, more laid-back, already grinning like he was in on a secret.
"Well, well," Damon drawled, his eyes flicking from Jeffrey to Diane. "So this is the infamous fiancée. You weren't exaggerating, brother, she is striking."
Jason stepped forward, offering Diane a playful bow. "Jason Black, at your service. Ignore Damon, he thinks he's charming when he's actually insufferable."
"Charming and insufferable," Damon cut in smoothly, handing the scotch to Jeffrey. "Both can be true."
Diane laughed softly, surprised at how easily the banter flowed between them. "Nice to meet you both. Though I should warn you, I can tell when I'm being sized up."
Jason leaned closer conspiratorially. "Trust me, if you survive Damon's ego, you'll survive this family."
Jeffrey gave his brothers a sharp look. "Enough. She's not here for your stand-up routine."
"Relax, Jeff," Jason shot back, his grin widening. "You act like we're about to steal her away."
"Could you?" Damon teased, his dark eyes gleaming as he poured himself a glass of scotch. "Or is she already too captivated by our brooding CEO?"
Diane hid a smile, glancing sideways at Jeffrey. His jaw flexed ever so slightly, as though he was forcing down a retort. For once, he wasn't in complete control.
"I'll leave the brooding to him," she replied smoothly. "I prefer my company witty."
Jason let out a victorious laugh. "Finally! Someone who puts him in his place."
Jeffrey's glare was sharp enough to cut glass, but Diane noticed the flicker of amusement tugging at the corner of his mouth. He liked the challenge, maybe even craved it.
Damon lifted his glass, swirling the amber liquid. "To Diane, then. May she have the courage to deal with Jeffrey longer than anyone else has."
They clinked glasses, laughter spilling into the glasshouse like music. For the first time since this whirlwind had begun, Diane felt less like a pawn in a forced marriage and more like… maybe, just maybe, she belonged in this chaotic world.
Still, when Jeffrey's hand brushed lightly against hers as he passed her a drink, her pulse stuttered. His eyes lingered on her intense, unreadable, and yet laced with something unspoken.
The brothers carried on joking, but Diane knew in that charged silence between her and Jeffrey that things were shifting. And she wasn't sure if that excited her or terrified her immensely.
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