d to its air of exclusivity. The gala was in full swing, with guests mingling in exquisite attire, sipping champagne, and discussing everything from gl

hat her presence here was more about the spectacle than about building real connections. Still, there was something about

posture sharp, his expression cold but intense. He was always the focal point of any room, his presence com

ers. The slight twitch at the corner of his lips was the only indication that he'd noticed her,

ffortless and assured, like a pred

ow and smooth, just like the man himself. "

ized by a billionaire. "I'm here, aren't I?" she said, matching his

ssing between them. "Time is a lu

ng about the way he spoke-like he saw right through

s voice dropping to a more intimate tone. "

an eyebrow.

st imperceptible shrug. "

like an invisible thread pulling them closer. As the minutes passed, the conversation drifted between busines

s he handed her a drink. "I admire your spirit, Ella. Most pe

ack down," she said firmly, her voice j

as he studied her, as if evaluating her eve

r limits, and yet, she couldn't deny the thrill it gave her. The challenge, the mystery-he was d

voice low, though she wasn't sure if it was the gin or

a half-smile. "Only the o

respond, a voice

, almost predatory tone

, fixed on Damian but flickering briefly to Ella. His presence in the conversation felt

to know Ella a little better. She's quite the firecracker." His words, though polite, held

rlying meaning behind his words. Her heart pounded in her

between them. "I'm not sure that fire is one you'd want to play

n't waver. "I'm su

the chemistry between them palpable. Ella took a slow, deliberate sip of

cards or something?" she suggested, trying to

e look in his gaze. "I don't need cards to w

ed like he was about to say something, but he ch

was something in his eyes that betrayed his deeper emotions. "The nigh

lowed Asher out onto the terrace, trying to clear her head. Her pulse still thudded in her ears from the charged interaction, an

-

my M

a touch that sent a shiver down her spine. The connection between them was instant, undeniable. Slowly, he pulled her closer, his lips

ost in the heat of the kiss, in the way Asher's lips seemed to consume

rmured against her lips. "T