Chapter 8: “When Control Slips”

Richard’s POV

I didn’t know she could be any more beautiful than she already is.

The moment they walked in, the entire room shifted. Heads turned and cameras flashed but none of that mattered to me.

Because all I could see was her.

She walked beside Adrian, her hand resting lightly on his arm, poised, elegant like she had always belonged in this world. The dress hugged her perfectly, the slit revealing just enough to make it impossible not to look.

I exhaled slowly, she was doing something to me that I didn’t understand.

So this was the version of her he got to see every day, lucky bastard.

My gaze shifted to Adrian, and for a brief second, our eyes met. There was something in his stare, sharp and possessive.

I made my way towards them.

“Amber,” I called, my voice calm but deliberate.

She turned, and just like that, her expression softened.

“Richard.”

There it was again, that smile.

I smiled slightly. “You look stunning.” And I meant it.

For a second, I wished I was the one standing beside her and not him, I don’t think he deserves her.

****

The charity event dragged on longer than expected. Speeches, donations, polite applause. Finally, the music started.

People began to move towards the dance floor. I could see her try to step away so I made a go for it.

“May I have this dance?” I asked, extending my hand.

She hesitated but just for a second then nodded.

“Sure.”

She was lost in the music, she danced like she and the music were one, with her hips swaying to each beat the music gave. I liked it.

I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice. “You know, if you ever get tired of working for him….”

I didn’t get to finish because suddenly she was pulled away.

Adrian’s POV

I saw it, every second of it. The way he walked up to her, the way she smiled at him which she hadn’t done, at least to me since today.

The way she said yes not minding if I sat there with her.

My jaw tightened as I watched her place her hand in his.

I stayed where I was, drink in hand, pretending not to care.

But I did, more than I should. I couldn’t look away from her, the way she moved, it wasn’t intentional but it didn’t matter.

The soft sway of her hips, the way her body fit so perfectly against his. The way she looked at him and blushed as he whispered to her ears.

And it was driving me insane, my grip tightened

around the glass.

Before I could stop myself, I set it down and moved.

My hand around her wrist, pulling her into me.

And then, my lips were on hers. I knew I was being reckless plus we were in public too but it didn’t matter anymore, she was kissing me back.

And for that moment, she was mine.

Just as swiftly as the kiss happened, as if realizing the situation,she pushed me aside and ran away.

I didn’t go after her, I just stood there trying to understand what I had just done.

Everyone eventually resumed their dancing and from the corner of my eye, I could still see Richard staring at her retreating figure.

My hand dropped slowly to my side, this time I knew I had crossed a line and for the first time in a long time,

I didn’t know how to fix it.

Ambers POV

Richard pulled me gently into the dance floor, his hand resting lightly on my waist, It felt, good and easy.

“You seem different tonight,” he said softly.

“Do I?” I asked,

“Yeah,” he smiled. “More gorgeous.”

I let out a small laugh. “Maybe you didn’t notice me well enough”

“Is that so?” he asked, his gaze searching mine.

“You know, if you ever get tired of working for him….”

He didn’t get to finish his statement when I felt a pair of arms on my waist. It felt familiar.

“Adrian…”

I didn’t finish because his lips were already on mine.

My mind went blank, the world around us disappeared.

All I could think of were his lips.

The kiss was intense and dominating and before I could stop myself, I kissed him back. It felt good more like something I had always wanted.

The encounter was short lived when I began hearing murmurs from all angles and camera shuttering then reality hit, I was on the dance floor.

I pulled away abruptly, my chest rising and falling.

“What are you doing?” I whispered, my voice shaking.

I didn’t wait for an answer, I couldn’t.

I turned and ran.