CHAPTER 21 – "Try Taking Him"
Zara Valtoria did not get jealous.
She didn't compete.
She didn't chase.
And she definitely didn't lose.
So when she walked into the charity gala that evening—
She expected nothing more than attention.
Control.
Admiration.
What she didn't expect—
Was to see Elena Marquez standing beside Lucien Valtieri.
Close.
Too close.
The grand hall glittered with wealth. Crystal chandeliers, polished marble floors, designer gowns flowing like moving art.
But Zara didn't see any of it.
Her eyes locked on one thing.
Elena.
Smiling.
Speaking softly.
Standing exactly where Zara should have been.
For a moment—
Zara didn't move.
Then—
She smiled.
Slow.
Sharp.
Dangerous.
"Interesting," she murmured.
Sienna, beside her, followed her gaze.
"…Oh."
Cassian exhaled quietly.
"She's brave," he said.
"No," Zara corrected softly.
"She's desperate."
And just like that—
Zara started walking.
Not rushed.
Not aggressive.
Elegant.
Deadly.
Every step pulled attention.
Because Zara didn't enter rooms—
She took them.
Lucien noticed first.
Of course he did.
His conversation slowed.
Then stopped.
Elena followed his gaze—
And froze.
Because Zara wasn't approaching.
She was claiming.
Zara stopped right in front of them.
Her eyes moved from Lucien—
To Elena—
Then back.
Silence stretched.
"Elena," Zara said smoothly.
Elena straightened slightly.
"Zara."
Zara tilted her head.
Studying her.
"You look… comfortable," she said.
A pause.
Elena lifted her chin.
"I have every right to be."
Zara's lips curved faintly.
"Do you?"
Silence.
Lucien didn't interrupt.
Didn't step in.
Didn't stop it.
Because he was watching.
Zara stepped closer.
Not to Lucien—
To Elena.
"You don't learn, do you?" she said softly.
Elena's expression tightened.
"I'm not afraid of you."
Zara smiled.
Not warm.
Not kind.
"You should be," she replied.
That landed.
Hard.
But Elena didn't step back this time.
Instead—
She reached for Lucien's arm.
And held it.
The room shifted instantly.
Gasps.
Whispers.
Attention sharpening like a blade.
Zara's gaze dropped to Elena's hand.
Then slowly lifted again.
Silence.
Heavy.
"Bold," Zara said softly.
Elena swallowed—but held her ground.
"You're not the only one who wants him," she said.
Zara's smile deepened.
"But I'm the only one he chose."
Elena's grip tightened slightly.
"That doesn't mean he won't change his mind."
Silence.
Zara turned her head slightly—
Looking at Lucien now.
"Will you?" she asked calmly.
The question wasn't emotional.
Wasn't desperate.
It was a challenge.
Lucien looked at Elena's hand on his arm.
Then at Zara.
And without hesitation—
He removed Elena's hand.
Gently.
But completely.
The message was clear.
Elena's composure cracked.
Just slightly—
But enough.
Zara saw it.
Of course she did.
And she stepped closer.
Now standing directly in front of Lucien.
"You're making a scene," she said softly.
Lucien's lips curved faintly.
"You started it."
Zara tilted her head.
"And you're enjoying it," she replied.
Lucien didn't deny it.
Because he was.
Zara's gaze flicked briefly to Elena again.
Still standing there.
Still watching.
Still hoping.
Then—
Zara did something unexpected.
She reached for Lucien's collar.
Adjusted it slightly.
Deliberate.
Intimate.
Claiming.
"You look better when you're behaving," she said softly.
Lucien's eyes darkened slightly.
"And when I'm not?" he asked.
Zara leaned in just enough—
Close.
Too close.
"I fix it."
The air between them shifted again.
Elena couldn't take it anymore.
"This isn't real," she said suddenly.
Both of them turned.
Elena's voice shook now—
But she didn't stop.
"You're forcing this," she continued.
"Both of you."
Zara's expression didn't change.
Lucien's didn't either.
But the tension?
Explosive.
"Then stop watching," Zara said calmly.
Elena stared at her.
"You think you've won," she said.
Zara smiled.
"I don't think," she replied.
"I know."
Silence.
Elena's eyes filled with frustration.
Defeat.
Something close to desperation.
Then—
She turned.
And walked away.
This time—
For real.
The room slowly returned to life.
But the energy had changed.
Zara turned back to Lucien.
"You enjoy chaos," she said.
Lucien's gaze held hers.
"I enjoy you."
Zara rolled her eyes slightly.
But her lips?
Curved.
Just a little.
"Careful," she said.
Lucien stepped closer.
"You first."
And just like that—
The game continued.