Chereads / Tangled in Desire / Chapter 16 - Chapter 16: Commanding the Spotlight

Chapter 16 - Chapter 16: Commanding the Spotlight

The flash of cameras nearly blinded them as they made their way through the entrance, the press snapping pictures at every step. The reporters buzzed with excitement, the whispers of their appearance spreading like wildfire. The two of them, Zara and Xavier, were the undeniable focal point of the night—both commanding attention, both impossible to ignore. Together, they looked like a power couple, a pair that the media was sure to obsess over.

As they entered the grand banquet hall, the atmosphere shifted. Conversations paused, and all eyes turned in their direction. The crowd, already dazzled by the elegance of the event, now seemed captivated by the entrance of the two people who had stolen the spotlight before even stepping foot inside.

Zara's hand was wrapped around Xavier's arm, a perfect fit, as if they had done this a thousand times. She couldn't help but feel the strength beneath her fingers. His muscles were firm, his body well-built, and she couldn't deny the power in his presence.

He was every bit the man she had expected him to be—cold, commanding, and seemingly indestructible.

She caught herself, her thoughts drifting to the moment, and she smirked, her eyes narrowing playfully. She didn't need to look up at him to know he could sense her gaze.

"Finished sizing up my arms yet?" he said, his voice cool but with a faint edge of amusement, as though he could feel her examining him.

Zara, not one to be caught off guard, didn't skip a beat. "You shouldn't flatter yourself," she retorted, her tone dripping with casual indifference. "I'm just trying to figure out if the rest of you is as stiff as your attitude."

He didn't respond immediately, but she could tell his lips twitched slightly, like he was about to say something sarcastic. Instead, they both continued forward, their strides in perfect sync as they walked deeper into the room.

 

Their presence was undeniable. As they strode down the center of the room, the crowd parted to make way for them. The atmosphere around them shifted, as if the very air had thickened with their authority.

Zara and Xavier moved through the sea of well-dressed individuals, their heads held high, their faces expressionless, each carrying the silent power of those who were used to being in control.

It was clear to anyone watching: they weren't just attending the charity ball; they were owning it. 

Zara let out a breath, feeling the power of the moment surge through her. Despite the icy tension between them, the chemistry, the energy between them was undeniable. Together, they commanded respect, their every move drawing attention and admiration. 

As they reached the heart of the room, Zara allowed herself a moment to glance over at Xavier, her smirk returning. The world around them didn't matter. In that moment, they had everything they needed: control, respect, and the spotlight.