The Gathering

~SERENA'S POV~

Ryker's hand rested on my lower back as we walked into the big ballroom.

Anyone watching us would have thought we were the picture of a perfect couple.

The wealthy heir and his quiet, devoted wife.

I almost laughed.

The air was filled with the smell of expensive perfume, old wine, and soft violin music. Golden chandeliers hung from the tall ceilings, shining on crystal champagne glasses held by the city's wealthy people.

I straightened the front of my silk gown and kept a calm expression.

I knew Ryker was a liar. I knew he had come home straight from another woman's bed.

And now, I was walking into a room where both the husband who betrayed me and the man I slept with were going to be under the same roof.

"Stay by my side tonight, Serena," Ryker whispered near my ear, his tone warm and affectionate. "The board members are watching us."

"Of course," I replied quietly.

Within minutes, Ryker slipped into his familiar social role. He smiled at investors, shook hands with senior executives, and laughed at jokes that weren't funny.

He was charming, polite, and perfect.

He played whatever role kept him on top. And standing here beside him, watching him pretend that everything in our world was normal felt completely strange.

---

A sudden silence spread through the crowd near the entrance.

I turned my head toward the archway, and my breath caught in my throat.

Cassian walked in.

He wore a well-fitted dark suit, and his dark hair was neatly styled. He did not look for approval from others.

He moved with the relaxed, dangerous confidence of a man who owned every room he stepped into.

My heart raced.

My fingers tightened around the stem of my wine glass until my knuckles turned white.

I expected him to look nervous or careful. Instead, Cassian was completely unbothered. He greeted a group of businessmen with a casual smirk, accepting a flute of champagne from a passing waiter as if he hadn't spent the previous night ruining my life.

Then, as if sensing my gaze across the crowded room, Cassian turned his head.

Our eyes locked across the sea of tuxedos and evening gowns.

He didn't look surprised to see me. His gaze slowed, scanning me from my heels to the top of my pinned hair.

The corners of his lips curved upward into the faintest, most ruthless smile.

He knew. I knew.

And neither of us could let anyone else know.

Ten minutes later, I felt a change in the air behind me. A familiar, clean cologne mixed with the scent of dark cedar filled the space.

"Serena."

The voice was low, rich, and dangerously smooth.

I froze before turning slowly. Cassian stood less than two feet away, holding his drink casually.

"Cassian," I said, keeping my voice utterly even.

Ryker turned away from his conversation with an older board member, noticing his brother's presence and stepping beside me. He placed a possessive arm around my waist.

"Enjoying the evening?" Cassian asked, taking a slow sip from his glass. His eyes flicked briefly over my lips.

'Are you still thinking about last night?'

"Very much," I replied, staring back without flinching.

Cassian's smirk widened. "Good. It would be a pity if you were uncomfortable."

Ryker looked between the two of us, a slight frown touching his forehead. "You two seem to be getting along."

"She's more interesting than I expected," Cassian swirled his liquid, his tone entirely casual.

Ryker gave a light laugh, his grip on my waist tightening. "She's my wife."

Cassian met Ryker's eyes over the rim of his glass. "I know."

The word stayed between them, full of meaning Ryker did not understand.

"If you'll excuse us," Ryker said smoothly, turning me toward the private dining area. "Dinner is being served."

---

The long table was set for twenty people. By pure chance...or deliberate design...Cassian sat directly across from me. Ryker was to my right, deep in conversation with a corporate lawyer.

I kept my eyes fixed on my plate, determined not to give Cassian a reaction. Suddenly, I felt something touch my silk dress under the thick linen tablecloth.

It was the tip of a leather shoe, lightly trailing up the side of my ankle.

My hand jerked, nearly spilling my water glass.

I lifted my head sharply.

Cassian sat across from me, leaning back in his leather chair, resting his chin in his hand. He looked completely relaxed, as if he were simply listening to the background music.

His foot pressed gently against my calf.

He was enjoying this.

I reached down beneath the table, grabbed his ankle, and shoved his foot away with all the force I could muster without making a scene.

Cassian's eyebrow twitched slightly in surprise.

I leaned forward, rested my elbows on the table, and looked him straight in the eyes.

"You're enjoying this far too much," I murmured, my voice low enough that only he could hear.

A low, dangerous chuckle escaped his throat. "You have no idea."

"Careful," I warned softly, raising an eyebrow. "Fire burns everyone involved."

For the first time all night, the teasing smirk disappeared from Cassian's face. His eyes darkened, his gaze growing intense as he studied me. He hadn't expected me to bite back.

"I don't mind getting burned, Serena," he murmured softly.

"Cassian, dear," Mrs. Jessica called out loudly from down the table, drawing the attention of half the room. "When are you finally going to settle down?"

The surrounding guests laughed softly, joining in on the familiar topic.

"Yes, Cassian," Ryker chimed in, turning away from his conversation. "The family board is waiting for you to pick a respectable woman and stop making headlines."

Cassian swirled his wine, completely unbothered by the collective scrutiny. "I'm not exactly looking."

"Really?" Mrs. Jessica pressed with a warm smile. "A handsome man like you? That's hard to believe."

Cassian's eyes slowly flicked across the table.

They stayed on my face for a bit of a second—just long enough for my heart to stop completely.

"I've been occupied lately," Cassian said smoothly.

A collective murmur of curiosity ran through the guests.

Ryker chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Occupied with what? Another model from the fashion week circuit?"

Cassian didn't look at Ryker. His dark, piercing eyes were fixed directly on mine. The room went quiet around me.

My blood ran cold, my breath trapped tightly in my chest.

'Don't do it,' I pleaded silently, staring at him. 'Don't you dare.'

Cassian set his glass down on the table with a quiet, deliberate clink.

"Who is she, Cassian?" Mrs. Jessica asked, leaning in with a playful grin. "Do we know her?"

Cassian never broke eye contact with me. A slow, terrifying smile spread across his lips.

"Ryker's wife."