The moment Selene locked eyes with Lucian Blackwood, she knew she had made a mistake.
There was something dangerous about him , an energy that buzzed in the air like a live wire. He didn't look at her the way Ethan did. Ethan was all about control, sizing her up with calm, measured precision. But Lucian? His gaze was wild, reckless like a man who played by his own rules.
And the worst part? She wasn't sure if that scared her or excited her.
"You didn't answer my question," Lucian said, stepping closer. His voice was smooth, playful but there was an edge underneath. "Who are you?"
Selene swallowed, keeping her expression neutral. "I already told you. Selene Carter."
Lucian tilted his head slightly, studying her. "And you work for my dear brother?"
"She's my assistant, Lucian," Ethan cut in, his tone sharp. "Not your concern."
Lucian chuckled, slipping his hands into his pockets. "Is that right?" His dark eyes flicked back to Selene, and she felt her pulse pick up. "Well, I think that remains to be seen."
Ethan's jaw tensed. "Stay out of this."
The air between them grew thick, the weight of their unspoken history pressing in. Selene had heard whispers about their rivalry, about how different they were, but now she was seeing it firsthand.
Lucian didn't say anything right away. He just held her gaze for a second longer before turning back to Ethan, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Relax, big brother. I'm just being friendly."
Then, with an easy stride, he walked away, leaving behind a silence that felt heavier than his presence.
Selene let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding.
Ethan's piercing blue eyes were still on her. "Don't let him get to you."
She forced a small smile. "He doesn't."
Ethan didn't look convinced. He sighed, rubbing his temples. "Lucian likes to play games. Don't get caught up in them."
Selene nodded, but deep down, she had a feeling that staying out of Lucian's games wouldn't be that easy.
An Unexpected Invitation
For the next few days, Selene buried herself in work. Ethan was a demanding boss, sharp, disciplined, and always three steps ahead. She had to be just as fast, just as efficient, if she wanted to keep up.
But no matter how much she focused, Lucian Blackwood refused to leave her mind.
And then, on Friday afternoon, she found an envelope sitting on her desk.
Sleek, black. No name. Just hers, written in elegant gold lettering.
Frowning, she picked it up and slid a card from inside.
A single message was scrawled in bold, slanted handwriting:
"Come find out what it means to play with fire.
— L."
Her stomach twisted.
Lucian.
Selene glanced around instinctively, half-expecting to see him watching her. But everything in the office was as it should be, calm, professional, nothing out of place.
Still, the invitation felt like a challenge.
And she wasn't sure if she was ready for it.
Selene read the words again.
Come find out what it means to play with fire. — L.
Her fingers tightened around the card as she flipped it over, but there was nothing else. No address. No instructions. Just a challenge.
Lucian Blackwood was playing with her.
And despite the voice in her head telling her to stay away, another part of her wanted to play along.
She slipped the card into her purse and glanced toward Ethan's office. He was on the phone, his expression serious, his brow furrowed in that sharp, calculating way he always carried himself.
She already knew what he would say if he saw the invitation.
Stay away from Lucian.
But wasn't that what made it so tempting?
The Blackwood Gala
That night, Selene stood outside The Blackwood Tower, staring up at the towering glass building that gleamed against the night sky.
The Blackwoods owned half the city, but this place? This was their crown jewel. Their annual gala was one of the most exclusive events in the world filled with billionaires, celebrities, and business titans.
And somehow, she was invited.
As she stepped inside, everything smelled of wealth, expensive cologne, aged whiskey, fresh-cut roses. The chandeliers cast a golden glow over the room, where men in tailored suits and women in shimmering gowns sipped champagne and spoke in hushed, powerful tones.
Selene smoothed her red dress, feeling the silky fabric slide over her skin. It was bold, elegant… daring.
If Lucian Blackwood wanted to play games, she wasn't showing up unarmed.
She scanned the crowd, searching for him.
And then…she felt him.
A slow, burning gaze.
Selene turned.
Lucian Blackwood stood near the bar, dressed in a sleek black suit, holding a glass of whiskey. He wasn't talking to anyone. He wasn't caught up in business or small talk.
He was watching her.
And when their eyes met, a slow smirk curved his lips.
Selene's heart skipped.
Without breaking eye contact, Lucian lifted his glass to his lips, his gaze trailing over her like a slow, deliberate touch.
It was a dare.
She could walk away, pretend none of this was happening.
Or she could walk straight into the fire.
Her heels clicked against the marble floor as she made her choice.
She walked toward him.
A Dangerous Proposition
When she reached him, Lucian tilted his head slightly, amusement flickering in his dark eyes.
"You came," he said, his voice smooth as silk.
Selene lifted her chin. "Wasn't that the point of your little invitation?"
Lucian chuckled, swirling the whiskey in his glass. "Most people wouldn't have dared."
"I'm not most people."
His smirk deepened. "No, you're not."
For a moment, they just stood there, the air between them charged with something neither of them wanted to name.
Then Lucian leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Tell me, Selene… how long are you going to pretend you don't want this?"
Her breath caught. "Want what?"
His gaze flickered over her lips before meeting her eyes again. "The fire. The danger. The thrill of stepping too close to something you know you shouldn't."
Selene exhaled slowly. "And what happens when I step too close?"
Lucian smirked. "You get burned."
Before she could answer, a sharp, cold voice cut through the air.
"I see my brother is already causing trouble."
Selene turned.
Ethan Blackwood stood there, his blue eyes like ice as they locked onto Lucian before shifting to her.
"I warned you not to entertain him, Selene."
Lucian chuckled. "Relax, Ethan. We're just talking."
Ethan ignored him, his focus solely on her. "We need to talk. Now."
Selene hesitated.
Lucian leaned in just enough that only she could hear his next words.
"Go with him, Selene. But you'll come back to me."
She swallowed hard.
Two brothers…one offering control and security, the other promising chaos and passion.
And deep down, she knew one thing.
This was only the beginning.