Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Elena’s feelings were completely confused. At first, she mourned Mark’s death, but being honest with herself, it was as if… she knew it was madness to think that way, yet something in her mind insisted on the truth: Mark seemed to be a younger version of Vlad.

She couldn’t explain why, but everything inside her insisted on that connection: the way he moved, the tone of his voice, his manners, his intelligence, his appearance… the scent and the look in his eyes.

Every detail made her imagine scenarios she didn’t know whether they were dreams, memories, or simple desires of the moment.

She was in the Darkmoor mansion, with…

“Oh, God…”

There, in her thoughts, was Vlad, amid kisses and clothes being removed, and the heat between them made her cheeks burn with shame. Her breathing became irregular, and she looked away toward the window, but the thoughts didn’t stop. He kissed her intensely, exploring every reaction.

Vlad noticed the change in the air around her. He frowned slightly when he saw the flush on her cheeks.

“She must be remembering… That’s good…” he murmured to himself, aware of the effect he had on her.

They arrived at the party. Vlad offered his arm, and Elena smiled, accepting it. The dark dress fit her body perfectly, and the makeup highlighted her eyes, making her even more stunning to anyone who looked at her.

“Ready to impress?” he asked with a faint smile, never taking his eyes off her.

“Always, sir,” she replied, trying to control the slight tremor in her voice.

As soon as they passed through the reception, they were greeted. People recognized them quickly: Vlad, as Mark Darkmoor’s heir, commanded immediate respect, and Elena’s presence at his side drew discreet, admiring glances.

The hostess of the evening, a sophisticated woman with a warm smile, approached, visibly delighted.

“What a wonderful surprise to have young Vlad here!” she said, extending her hands to greet them. “And accompanied by a woman as beautiful as his secretary!”

Elena blushed lightly but smiled politely. Vlad gently squeezed her hand, a subtle gesture that made the hostess raise a curious eyebrow.

“I hope you enjoy the evening,” she continued, with a gleam of expectation in her eyes.

Vlad merely smiled enigmatically, keeping Elena close as they walked through the hall.

Every step they took attracted discreet looks, some curious, others admiring.

“Miss Lancaster, allow me to introduce you to a few people,” Vlad said in a low, deep voice, drawing her even closer.

They passed by a group of businessmen and socialites. Some whispered among themselves, visibly surprised by the pairing of Vlad and Elena: a powerful heir beside such a charming and elegant woman.

“Accompanying Mark’s son tonight must be quite an honor,” a guest commented discreetly, trying to hide the fascination she felt for Vlad’s charm.

Elena felt a shiver run down her spine. Every word, every look directed at them seemed to reinforce the chemistry she could barely control. Vlad, in turn, observed everything carefully, but his focus was on her. The way she moved, the faint blush on her cheeks, the way her breathing quickened when he came closer… everything fed the desire and possessiveness growing inside him.

“Are you comfortable?” Vlad whispered near her ear.

“Yes…” she murmured.

As they walked, a small circle of guests surrounded them, eager to greet them and comment on Vlad’s inheritance and his new companion. Elena noticed looks of curiosity and even envy.

“You are… impressive,” Vlad said softly, so no one around could hear, making her swallow hard.

“Thank you… sir…” her voice trembled, and for a moment she was lost in that black, deep, hungry gaze that seemed to see straight through her.

“You look stunning tonight,” Vlad murmured quietly, so close that she felt his breath brush her skin.

She swallowed hard, trying to hide the blush rising to her cheeks. They stopped in a more secluded corner, away from the main buzz, and Vlad turned to her, gently taking her hands.

“Elena…” he began, his voice low, deep, heavy with desire. “You have no idea how much you affect me.”

She looked away. His hand slowly rose to touch her delicate face, while his dark eyes examined her with intensity.

Almost unconsciously, she leaned toward him. He leaned in as well, the distance between them shrinking until their faces were so close it was impossible to deny the desire consuming them.

“Vlad…” Elena murmured, her voice trembling, almost a whisper.

“You are mine…” he thought, and somehow those words invaded her mind. A powerful shiver ran through her body, making her feel everything he thought, everything he desired. Heat pooled between her legs, and her face burned with shame and desire at the same time.

When their lips were about to touch, a comment from a nearby guest cut through the moment.

“Oh, Mr. Vlad, how good to see you here!”

The sound of the voice broke the spell. Vlad frowned slightly but pulled his face away, keeping Elena secure by the arm, never losing his composure under the attentive gazes.

Elena stepped back, swallowed hard, and took a deep breath, trying to control the body trembling with desire. Vlad looked at her and smiled.

“Later, Elena…” he murmured only for her.

She nodded, still lost in the intensity of the moment, and they both returned to the hall. The guests could sense something, though they didn’t know what. What was clear was that Vlad and Elena shared a connection impossible to ignore.

Vlad was called and had to step away from Elena temporarily.

“I’ll be right back. It won’t take long.”

“Take all the time you need,” she replied, trying to remain calm.

Before leaving, he took her hand and placed a soft kiss on her fingers, the touch so charged with intimacy that Elena felt a shiver climb up her arm. When he turned and disappeared among the guests, the effect lingered.

Alone, her mind boiled. She tried to process what was happening between them, but every thought contradicted the last. It was as if they had been lovers for days, as if every gesture, every look, was already familiar and desired, even though everything was new.

And the most confusing part: the attraction she felt made no logical sense. It was as if she were betraying Mark’s memory, feeling such intense desire for his son. It could have been any other man, but no—it had to be Vlad. And at the same time, in her confused mind, it was impossible to ignore the feeling that she was reliving something with Mark. Every gesture, every look from Vlad brought back memories of Mark, and she felt lost, torn between past and present, between desire and guilt.

“God… what is happening to me?” she murmured softly.