Chapter 45

AMARA'S POV***

The gala was held in a high-rise building with glass walls and golden lights. The entrance alone looked like it cost more than my entire life.

The moment we stepped inside, heads turned. People stared at Dorian and me.

Dorian’s hand moved to the small of my back, guiding me forward. Not holding me, just claiming space.

We were barely inside when people started approaching.

Handshakes. Smiles. Business compliments.

“Mr Wellington.”

“Dorian.”

“You’re looking good tonight.”

Dorian didn’t smile much. He just nodded and responded with controlled politeness.

I stayed beside him, doing my job. Until I realized something.

Every time a man’s eyes lingered on me too long, Dorian’s body would shift slightly closer.

Subtle. Protective. Possessive.

Like he didn’t even know he was doing it. It made my heart beat stupidly.

Then I saw her.

Sofia.

She walked into the room like she belonged on a throne. Red dress. Perfect makeup. The same confident smile.

Her eyes landed on Dorian first then they landed on me. And her smile twitched.

She walked over immediately.

“Dorian,” she said warmly, touching his arm like she had rights.

Dorian’s expression didn’t change. “Sofia.”

Her gaze slid to me.

“Oh,” she said, voice sweet. “You brought her.”

I held my smile. “Good evening.”

Sofia’s eyes narrowed slightly.

She turned back to Dorian. “You didn’t tell me you were bringing staff.”

My jaw clenched. But before I could respond, Dorian spoke.

“She’s not staff.”

Sofia laughed awkwardly. “What is she then?”

Dorian’s eyes stayed on Sofia, but his voice was calm enough to cut glass.

“She’s with me.”

My heart dropped into my stomach. Sofia’s face tightened, but she forced a smile.

“Well,” she said lightly. “That’s… interesting.”

She walked away, but I could feel the anger in her steps.

I turned to Dorian slowly.

“What was that?” I asked quietly.

Dorian looked at me like he didn’t understand why I was questioning it.

“You’re here with me,” he said. “That’s what it is.”

Before I could respond, the music changed.

A slow song. Romantic.

And Dorian extended his hand toward me.

“Dance,” he said.

My eyes widened. “No.”

“Don’t embarrass me,” he said.

I stared at him for two seconds, then placed my hand in his.

He pulled me close. His hand settled on my waist, firm and warm.

My other hand rested on his shoulder.

We moved slowly, swaying with the music, but the tension between us wasn’t soft.

Dorian leaned down slightly.

“Stop looking away,” he murmured.

“I’m not looking away,” I lied.

His grip tightened. “You are.”

My chest rose. “Why did you bring me here?”

Dorian’s eyes darkened.

“Because I wanted you here,” he said.

“That’s not an answer.”

He leaned closer, his lips almost brushing my ear.

“It’s the only one you’re getting.”

My heart pounded so hard I was sure he could feel it.

Then a voice interrupted.

“Dorian.”

Jayden. He walked up with a grin like he already knew too much.

“Wow,” he said, glancing at me. “So it’s real.”

Dorian’s face didn’t change. “Go away.”

Jayden laughed. “Relax. I’m not here to steal your woman.”

My stomach twisted at the words.

Jayden leaned closer to me. “Amara, you look stunning.”

“Thank you,” I said politely.

Dorian’s jaw tightened. Jayden smirked and walked away.

Later, while Dorian was speaking to an investor, a man approached me. He was tall, well-dressed, and smiling too confidently.

“Hi,” he said. “I’m Carter.”

“Amara,” I replied.

His eyes dragged over me in a way that made my skin crawl slightly.

“You’re gorgeous,” he said.

I forced a polite smile. “Thank you.”

He leaned closer. “Are you here with Wellington?”

I nodded.

Carter laughed. “He doesn’t look like the type to share.”

“I’m not something to share,” I replied.

Carter’s smile widened. “Even better.”

Then he reached out and touched my hand.

And immediately—

Dorian appeared.

His hand wrapped around my wrist gently but firmly, pulling my hand away.

“She’s with me,” he said.

Carter stepped back instantly. “No offense.”

Dorian didn’t reply. He only stared until Carter walked away.

Then he turned to me. His eyes were burning.

“What are you doing?” I snapped.

Dorian stepped closer. “What did he say to you?”

“Nothing.”

His voice dropped. “Amara.”

I glared at him. “You don’t get to act like this. Not when you can’t even decide what you want.”

Dorian’s jaw clenched.

Then he leaned closer, his voice quiet.

“I’ve decided.”

My breath caught.

His gaze locked on mine.

“And you’re going to stop testing me,” he added. “Because one day, I won’t stop myself.”

I swallowed hard.

Then I turned and walked away before I did something stupid.

Because the truth was… He didn’t need to touch me to ruin me. He already had.