uld use another drink," he sa

quickly makes me weak in my knees. His voice makes it clear that he's not asking; he's stating

e unexpected interruptio

ity that makes me feel like I'm under a spotlight, more than any of th

c, but there's an edge to him that sends a thrill through me - something dangerous. I trace the rim of my glass

. "Looks like you're already halfway there," he replies smoothly. "But I was thinking," he leans in

e words slipping out before I can s

st the two of us. He stares at me with such intensity that it sends a surge of h

n love with has been cheating on me. How c

us tangled together, skin on skin, in a heated mess of sheets. I can see it too, the image flashing through my mind so vivid

r a split second, I can't move, can't breathe, trapped. Trapped by him. Then he shakes his head, breaking the s

says, his voice smooth but with an edge of amusement,

I struggle to refocus. My heart is still pounding

angerous glint. "Definitely. I'd say y

he's understating it. "I aim to leav

xt move, but instead, he just gives a slow, almost pre

f my drink, "I guess we'll

h a firm, deliberate grip. His touch isn't harsh, but it's commanding, holding my attent

pull back slightly, my heart pounding. "What?" I w

k just enough to avoid making a scene. "Your husband,

bvious? Does that mean the announcement I'm about to make will fall flat? I narrow my eyes,

t?" I ask, my voice carryi

hy else would you be here, Natalie?" he says simply, like i

clingy wives," I say with a shrug

ng his finger at Mike, "has no clue what

inished. "I can even guess who he's been spending his nights with." His gaze shifts to the

tching me - he's watching Mike, too. And he knows. The realisation hits me hard, but instead of breaking under it, I find

ho are you?" I whisper, barely able to get

e, Natalie," he murmurs, his breath warm against my skin. "And what I want to do

n ways I hadn't anticipated. Every instinct screams at me to pull away

ice trembling, "one of the

can, my father's booming voice slices throu

hes. He claps the older man on the shoulder, grinning like a proud

ther keeps talking, but the words blur. Ric. His name is Ric. An old f

arrow just a fraction, and he pulls back, the playful flirtation replaced by something col

guest, I act on impulse. Slipping a card with my penthouse address into Ric's hand, I let my fingers brush against his palm in a subtl

drenaline. Every step feels calculated, deliberate, a power play that sends a

d quiets as I approach the microphone, sensing that something big is about to happen. I can feel their eyes on

oud and clear. "Ladies and gentlemen," I begin, a wicked smile

usion spread across his face. He leans forward,

ng with sarcasm, "congratulations on your new life. I wish your

n the plum dress, her face now as pale as a ghost. Mike's exp

ou weren't a businessman, you'd make an Emmy-winning actor. Funny thing is, I'm the one who's making a career in Holly

everyone's stares. My father stands frozen, his mouth slightly open in stunned silence. But I'm not focused on h

ar, and I'm ready fo