Temptation in the Dark.

Aria's POV.

My gaze snapped back to the package and I reached for it, ripping it open.

It was the same exquisite style as before — an open back silk dress with thin straps in the deepest shade of blue that looked black to be paired with black stilettos and a diamond and sapphire jewelry set to match.

My stomach dropped at the sight. And for the next hours Daniel’s words weighted on me like I was drowning with and anchor wrapped around my waist, pulling me down until I submitted.

Eventually I gave in.

“Miss? We’ve arrived.” The chauffeur called out, holding the car door open, drawing my attention to him. It wasn’t Matthew, but a different one. I wonder what happened to him.

“Yes. Thank you.” I muttered, beaming him a distracted smile as I stepped out. Ignoring the sharp, curious stares and chatter, I took a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and began strolling the gallery while viewing the paintings with a bored air.

Awareness tingled my nape and without doubt, I knew he was watching me from a distance. Calm, calculating and sinful.

The scent of leather and amber replaced oxygen the moment he stood behind me, warm strong and powerful. “You look lovely as always, Aria.” He rumbled softly against my ear. A hot finger traced the diamond-sapphire necklace on my nape as his voice turned thoughtful, “ I wasn’t sure you’d show.”

I turned to meet his dark stare with an icy. smile. “Let’s just get this over with.”

Daniel studied my face for a moment before nodding. He slid a hand to rest at my exposed waist and I flinched at the touch as he led to a group of people. “Here we go, Aria. Smile and wave.” I urge mentally.

I ignored the hidden sneers and flirted shamelessly with everyone, getting lost in my character as Daniel’s eye candy. No one dared ask about the media scandal or my past, not with Daniel standing next to me. But I saw it in their eyes.

Eventually I left Daniel, taking another glass of champagne before wandering off to stare at the expensive canvases that looked ridiculous to me. Modern art is weird, honestly.

One of the guests moved next to me, staring at the art before us. “You think you’re special? You’re just his latest experiment. Soon he’ll get tired of you.”

I glanced at her with a confused frown. “I’m sorry, do I know you?”

A scornful smile stretched the other woman’s lips. “You don’t belong here, or by his side. So enjoy it while it lasts.” She concluded with a condescending smirk before strutting off.

“What the hell…” I scoffed bitterly, draining the last of the champagne before I did something horrible like smash the champagne flute against a painting that’s way above my tax bracket.

The woman’s perfume lingered long after she walked away, cloying like poison in the air. You don’t belong here. Her words scratched at my skin until I wanted to peel it off.

A warm large hand closed over my arm, and anxiety spiked my blood as I hastily glanced up to see Daniel’s calm, unreadable face. “Come with me.”

His hand slid from my arm and settled on my back as he led us to a secluded area with enough privacy. His hand fell away as he put a good distance between us. The air between us thick and uncomfortable.

“I was just called a slut by a total stranger,” I muttered, eyes fixed on the blank wall behind him. My voice sounded hollow, even to me. “That’s all anyone sees when they look at me now. Your son made sure of it.”

A muscle in his jaw ticked. “I didn’t know he’d do that. I’m so sorry.”

I let out a sharp laugh, one without humor. “A little late for apologies, don’t you think?” I inquired faintly, watching the older man standing just inches away. “Do you know why Ethan and I broke up?”

“Aria…”

“He cheated on me with my cousin then broke up over a call.” I continued detachedly with a faint smile, finally meeting his hardened expression. “But you already knew that, don’t you, Daniel?”

He took a couple of steps forward. “Aria, I —”

“No, not another step!” I hissed, glaring angrily at him. “I tried seducing you for revenge against Ethan. To make him feel how devastated and awful I felt, but I ended getting burnt in the process.” My voice broke as silent tears streamed freely down my cheeks.

Daniel was in front of me faster than I could blink, cupping my head in his large hands as his lips sealed over mine, licking my mouth open even as I remained frozen in shock in his arms.

Instincts and rage filled me as I struggled against him. Only for Daniel to pull me flush against him and deepen the kiss.

He tore his lips off mine, panting harshly. “Fuck, I’ve always wanted to do that. Let me in, sweetheart.”

The kiss this time was blinding, heated and filled with hunger, lust and gut-punching want. Daniel’s kisses possessed me in a way that wiped my head clean of all thoughts and emotions, breathing back life and hunger into my lungs.

He wasn’t just dangerous in daylight; he was devastating in the dark.

“Fuck, wait—” Daniel growled, nibbling at my neck, chasing shivers down my body and moans from my lips. “We can’t do this here, sweetheart.”

I whimpered as he pulled away from me and put much needed distance between us, eyeing me with reluctant hunger and want burning in his dark eyes. I felt hot all over and I needed him.

Daniel restrained the stark hunger on his face as he watched me. “I’m so sorry for everything. I sincerely didn’t know about Ethan’s plans and how badly he’d react to us being together.”

I slipped back the thin straps of my dress over my shoulders. “We aren’t together.” I grumbled.

Daniel shot me a knowing smile and I cursed inwardly.

“Whatever you say, sweetheart.” He cooed, stalking slowly back to trap me between him and a wall, leaving no space for escape. His hand snaked up to my throat and gripped lightly in casual dominance, his dark voice forbidden and sinful as he stared down at me as he whispered. "If you want me, Aria, you'll have to survive everything that comes with me."

His thumb dragged over my lower lip as his bottomless eyes swept up to meet mine, coaxing me into submission like that devil he was. “Can you do that?”