POV: Sienna
The kiss started controlled, Dominic's hand in my hair, tilting my head exactly where he wanted it. His mouth moved against mine with expertise that made Tyler's fumbling attempts feel like children playing house.
Then I gasped, and everything changed.
He deepened the kiss, pressing me back against the wall. His other hand found my waist, pulling me closer, and suddenly there was no space between us. No air. No thought.
This wasn't comfort. This was awakening.
Every nerve in my body came alive. I'd kissed Tyler hundreds of times and never felt this—this hunger, this desperate need to get closer even though we were already pressed together.
My hands found Dominic's shoulders, his neck, pulling him toward me. He made a sound low in his throat and the kiss turned hungry, almost desperate.
Time stopped meaning anything.
When he finally pulled back, we were both breathing hard. His forehead rested against mine, his hands still tangled in my hair.
Seven minutes are up, he said, his voice rough.
That wasn't enough.
It never is. He stepped back, and cool air rushed between us. In seconds, his expression shifted—controlled again, untouchable. But you walk out there with your head high. Don't apologize. Don't explain. You chose power, so own it.
He straightened his tie, checked his watch. Became the cold businessman again.
I touched my swollen lips, still feeling the ghost of his kiss. What happens now?
Now you face the consequences. Dominic opened the door. Light and music flooded in. And I go back to my life while you figure out who you want to become.
That's it? We just go back to normal?
He looked at me one last time, something unreadable in his eyes. Nothing about tonight is normal, Sienna. You just declared war on Manhattan's most powerful family. Normal ended the moment you chose me.
Then he walked out.
I stood there for two heartbeats, my whole body trembling. Then I followed.
The VIP section erupted when we emerged. Tyler lunged toward me, his face purple with rage, but his friends held him back, laughing like this was the best entertainment all year.
Dominic didn't look back. He walked straight through the crowd toward the exit like nothing had happened.
Happy birthday, Miss Cross, he said coolly as he passed. Enjoy your evening.
Then he was gone.
Tyler broke free, grabbing my arm. What the hell did you do? With my uncle? Are you insane?
I yanked free, and for the first time in three years, I looked at Tyler Sterling and felt absolutely nothing.
I stopped being yours.
His hand flew up
Maya caught it mid-air. Touch her and I'll make sure everyone here knows exactly what kind of man you are.
Security appeared. Tyler was escorted out, still screaming.
Madison stood frozen, her perfect face twisted with fury. Blake was already uploading videos. The whole club watched, whispered, recorded.
I stood in the center of it all, lipstick smudged, dress wrinkled, feeling more myself than I had in years.
We're leaving, Maya said, grabbing my hand. Now.
Outside, the cold November air hit my flushed skin. Maya flagged down a cab.
That, she said as we climbed in, was the most insane thing I've ever seen.
I started laughing. Couldn't stop. I kissed Tyler's uncle.
You declared war on the Sterling family. Maya's grin was fierce. And I am here for every minute of it.
The cab pulled away. Through the back window, I watched Eclipse disappear into the Manhattan night.
My phone started buzzing. Tyler calling. His friends texting. By morning, the videos would be everywhere.
My old life was burning.
And I'd lit the match myself.
At home, my mother was waiting with homemade chocolate cake. How was the party, sweetheart?
Memorable. I kept my voice steady. Tyler and I broke up.
Mom's smile froze. What? Tonight? On your birthday?
He kissed another girl. In front of everyone. I met her eyes. So I ended it.
Oh, honey. She pulled me close. You deserve so much better.
If only she knew how much better I'd already chosen.
In my bedroom, Maya sprawled on my bed. Okay, spill everything. What happened in that closet?
I collapsed beside her, still feeling Dominic's hands in my hair, his mouth on mine. He kissed me.
And?
And it was... I searched for words. It was like waking up. Like I've been asleep for three years and that kiss finally woke me up.
Girl. Maya grabbed my shoulders. You've got it bad.
He's thirty-five.
So? You're legal. You're brilliant. And clearly, you make him lose control.
It was one kiss. He probably regrets it already.
My phone buzzed. Unknown number.
You were right. That wasn't enough. If you want to learn how to stop being weak, meet me tomorrow. 2 PM. The bookstore on 12th and Broadway. Come alone. —DS
My heart stopped.
Maya read over my shoulder. Oh my God. He wants to see you again.
It's probably just to tell me to stay away from him.
Or it's because he can't stop thinking about you either. She grinned. What are you going to do?
I stared at the message. Dominic Sterling was dangerous. Forbidden. Seventeen years older than me. Dating him—if that's what this was—would destroy what little reputation I had left.
But he'd looked at me like I mattered. Kissed me like I was precious. Told me I'd be spectacular.
I typed back: I'll be there.
His response came instantly: Good. Don't be late.
Maya squealed. This is happening. You and Dominic Sterling. This is actually happening.
Nothing's happening. He probably just wants to give me advice or something.
Right. Because billionaires totally text teenagers at midnight for 'advice.' She rolled her eyes. Sienna, that man wants you. The question is—what do you want?
I thought about Tyler's careless kiss with Madison. About three years of making myself smaller. About the way Dominic had looked at me like I was worth burning the world down for.
I want to stop being weak, I said quietly. I want to be someone people can't ignore.
Then go tomorrow. Let him teach you. Maya grabbed my hand. But be careful. The Sterling family doesn't forgive. They destroy.
After she left, I couldn't sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, I felt Dominic's kiss, heard his voice: You're going to be spectacular.
At 2 AM, my phone buzzed again.
DS: Can't sleep either?
My pulse raced. How did he know?
Me: Thinking.
DS: About?
Me: Whether I'm making a huge mistake.
Three dots appeared. Disappeared. Appeared again.
DS: You are. But the best things in life usually are. See you at 2 PM. Don't chicken out.
I stared at the message until my eyes burned.
Tomorrow, everything would change.
And I was walking straight into the fire.