Weeks melted into each other as the collaboration between Zara and Lucien blossomed into a quiet storm. What started as a business had taken on a dangerous rhythm-late nights tangled in creative chaos, shared silences that spoke louder than words.
As they worked side by side, the lines between professional and personal began to blur. In the midst of brainstorming sessions and deadlines, the silence between them gradually began to speak volumes, a language only they understood.
Lucien had planned something wonderful for their collection, a private gala. He invited Zara to the gala unveiling their collection; she had hesitated. The invitation had come with a note that was so suggestive: "Tonight, we make history. Wear something unforgettable. "She did.
The event took place in the grand atrium of the Blackwoods, where every inch speaks of opulence and perfection.
He looked devastating that night-sharp in a midnight-black suit, every movement effortless, dangerous. When he finally approached, his hand found the small of her back, possessive yet respectful.
"You've outdone yourself," he murmured near her ear. His breath was warm, stirring something deep inside her.
"So have you," she replied, her voice steadier than she felt.
Lucien led her away from the crowd to a secluded space that exposed the beauty of the city and looked at her like she was the only thing in the world.
"I must confess," he began, his voice low, rich with tension. "This partnership...has become more than just a business for me."
Zara's chest tightened. The words she had longed and feared to hear hung between them like fragile glass.
"Lucien..." She started, but he stepped closer, bridging the space between them. His fingers brushed her cheek, his thumb lingering near her lips.
"I think about you, Zara. More than I should." His gaze flickered to her mouth, then back to her eyes. "Tell me to stop, and I will."
But she couldn't. The line between danger and desire blurred completely as she leaned into him, lips brushing his in a kiss that was anything but safe. It was wildfire-hot, reckless, and consuming.
A waiter approached with a silver tray. "For Mr. Blackwood."
They pulled away and Lucien took the note without breaking eye contact with Zara. But as his eyes scanned the paper, something shifted. His jaw clenched. That warmth, that fire gone. Replaced with steel.
Lucien's gaze lingered on the note, his expression unreadable, a mask of control slipping into place. What had been written on that note had altered the course of the moment, leaving Zara wondering what lay ahead.
"Excuse me," he said curtly, already walking away.
Zara watched him disappear into the crowd, heart thudding.
Something was wrong. Instinct pulling at her, she followed, keeping her safe distance, slipping past guests unnoticed.
She found him in a dim corridor, standing outside a private room.
Inside, hushed voices. Then Lucien's voice, sharp as a blade.
"I told you to eliminate all traces of the Lane family's involvement," he hissed.
Zara froze.
" I don't care how you do it. I want their name wiped. Buried. Forever."
The world tilted.
She stumbled back, breath caught in her throat. The man she had kissed, the one she had begun to trust, was still her enemy. Still fighting to erase her family's name, as if it meant nothing. Like she meant nothing.
Zara clutched the wall to steady herself. Her heart broke and hardened at the same time.
Lucien Blackwood was not just the man she was falling for.
He was the man who was still trying to destroy everything she had left