Bianca stood in Robert's office, her cheeks burning as she dabbed at the spilled drink on her shirt with a napkin.
"Here, let me help you with that," Robert offered, stepping closer and grabbing a handful of napkins.
"Thanks," she muttered, focusing on the damp fabric and trying not to feel awkward.
Robert leaned in, his hand brushing against hers as he tried to blot the stain. "You know, this stain might come out easier if…"
"Robert!" Bianca cut him off, shooting him a look. "No way you're getting me to take my top off in your office."
He smirked, unfazed. "Hey, just offering a practical solution. Can't blame me for trying."
Before Bianca could retort, a voice sliced through the air like a blade.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
Bianca's head whipped around, and her stomach dropped. There, standing in the doorway, was Ken, his piercing gaze locked on them.
"Ken! It's not what it looks like!" she stammered, taking a step back.
Ken arched an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "And what, pray tell, does it look like?"
"Relax, Kendrick," Robert said smoothly, gesturing toward Bianca's shirt. "She spilled her drink, and I was just helping her clean up. See?"
Bianca glanced down at her damp blouse, realizing how suspicious it all must have seemed. Ken's eyes flickered between her and Robert, something hard and unreadable glinting in them.
After a moment, Ken cleared his throat and turned to her. "So, how's the party planning coming along?"
Bianca let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "We're actually done," she replied, trying to inject some cheerfulness into her voice. "It wasn't easy. Imelda was something else…very specific instructions."
Ken chuckled dryly. "Ah, yes. I'm familiar with Imelda's lists. She's..."
"...Obnoxiously high maintenance?" Bianca interjected.
"As her betrothed, I think I'd better plead the fifth."
"How diplomatic of you," Robert teased, grinning at his brother. "If Dad does end up disowning you, you've got a future in politics."
Ken shot him a withering look. "And now I'm certain I've left you alone with Robert enough for one day. I hope he hasn't spilled all our family secrets already."
"Don't worry," Robert said with a wink at Bianca. "She still doesn't know about the band we were in…"
"Okay, wow, would you look at the time?" Ken cut him off. "I actually came by to offer Bianca a ride home. Unless..."
His gaze flicked to Bianca, lingering just long enough to make her heart race.
"...You still have unfinished business here?"
Bianca hesitated, catching the strange tension crackling between the two brothers. Was Ken jealous? She decided to test the waters.
"We're done here," she said lightly, grabbing her bag. "I'd love a ride home."
Ken nodded and stepped back, gesturing for her to follow. As she passed Robert, she turned and gave him a playful smile.
"Catch you later, cutie," she teased, throwing in a wink for good measure.
Robert chuckled, leaning back against his desk. "How's the old adage go? I hate to see you go... but I love to watch you leave."
Ken's jaw tightened. "Aren't you supposed to be on the clock right now?" he snapped.
"You know I'm salaried," Robert quipped with a grin.
Ken didn't reply, instead striding out into the hallway. Bianca hurried to catch up, but before she could leave, Robert grabbed her arm gently.
"What are you doing?" she whispered.
"What am *I* doing? What are *you* doing?" he whispered back, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I've never seen him this rattled over my flirting. It's my new favorite thing."
"...Bianca?" Ken's voice echoed down the hallway.
"Coming!" she called, pulling her arm free and rushing after him.
In the backseat of Ken's sleek black town car, Bianca tried to compose herself. The interior was luxurious, with smooth leather seats and subtle ambient lighting. Richard, the driver, glanced at her through the rearview mirror.
"Hello there, Ms. Martins. I trust your engagement party brainstorming was productive?"
"Surprisingly, yes," she replied, flashing a smile. "Despite working with Robert."
Richard chuckled knowingly. "I do see the conundrum there. Would you like some music, Mr. Schuyler?"
"Yes, something soft, please," Ken replied.
Ambient music filled the car, and Richard rolled up the tinted partition, leaving them in private.
Ken turned to her, his expression serious. "Now that we're alone, you can tell me how your day with Robert really went. Was he that flirty with you all day?"
Bianca laughed nervously. "Honestly? Robert behaved himself. I think he just likes to see you squirm."
"Was I squirming?" Ken asked, his tone both amused and curious.
"You tell me," she teased, meeting his gaze with a sly smile.
Ken stared at her thoughtfully, then casually rested his hand on her knee. Bianca's breath caught as a spark of tension flared between them.
"Let me know if Robert ever crosses the line," he said softly, his fingers tightening slightly. "Or anyone else, for that matter... myself included."
"Ken," she whispered, her heart pounding. "You're being awfully possessive."
His grip tightened just a fraction more, sending a thrill up her spine.
"I'm not… It's not…" He exhaled sharply, clearly struggling to find the right words. "I just don't want to see you hurt."
"You don't want to see me hurt," she said slowly, "or you don't want someone else to touch me?"
Ken's gaze bore into hers, intense and unrelenting. For a moment, the air between them felt charged with something unspoken.
"...Both," he admitted finally.
Bianca's pulse raced as she placed her hand over his, guiding it gently up her leg. His fingers brushed her inner thigh, tracing delicate circles that sent shivers through her.
"Ken..." she moaned softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Tell me to stop," he murmured, his voice thick with desire.
"I don't want you to," she replied, her eyes fluttering closed.
Ken's hand slipped higher, his touch igniting a fire within her. "God, I want to taste you," he breathed.
His fingers brushed the edge of her panties, and she gasped, her body trembling with anticipation.
"Ken!"
Suddenly, the car slowed to a stop, and the soft music cut off.
"We're home," she blurted, sitting up abruptly.
Ken quickly withdrew his hand, straightening his posture just as the partition rolled down.
"We've arrived," Richard announced. "I'll let you out here and then park the car. Unless you need something else?"
"No, that will be all," Ken replied, his voice steady.
"Thanks, Richard," Bianca added, her voice a little shaky.
Ken stepped out first, then turned to offer Bianca his hand. She hesitated for a moment before taking it, the spark between them undeniable.
"Shall we?" he asked, his tone calm, though his eyes betrayed a storm of emotions.
Bianca nodded, her mind spinning as she tried to act like nothing had happened. But the tension lingered, electric and impossible to ignore.