The air inside the venue felt heavier as Ken continued his toast. Bianca, fighting the ache in her chest, forced herself to focus on Robert instead. His playful grin and easy demeanor were the perfect distraction. Reaching out, she fingered the lapel of his suit, her touch deliberate.
Robert's eyes widened, then narrowed as his smile shifted into something sharper. "What's on your mind, Bianca?" he asked, his voice low enough that no one else could hear.
She smirked. "What would you say to upping the ante on your little game with Ken? See how far we can push him tonight? Just for fun, of course."
He gave her a long, thoughtful look, poking his tongue against the inside of his cheek before a chuckle escaped him. "I like where your head's at, Bianca."
Wrapping an arm around her waist, he pulled her close, and Bianca leaned into him without hesitation.
Ken's voice continued in the background, steady but strained. "As I was saying, Imelda is an incredible woman…"
"Forget Imelda," Robert murmured to Bianca, his breath warm against her ear. "You're the easiest woman to pretend-flirt with I've ever met."
Bianca laughed softly, the sound laced with mischief. "Really? I always thought you were too experienced to even notice me." She bit her lip, looking up at him with wide, innocent eyes. "I'm just a simple girl, ready to learn and eager to please."
Robert arched a brow. "You'd be surprised how far those traits can get you in life."
Turning slightly, Robert positioned himself so that he was fully between her and Ken, his smirk deepening. "Let's take this up a notch, shall we?"
Across the room, Ken's voice faltered as his eyes flicked toward them. "…Imelda always makes the time fly by, like the most pleasant dream."
Bianca giggled, playfully slapping Robert's shoulder. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Ken shifting uncomfortably, clearly trying to get a better view of them.
"But what I like most about Imelda is…" Ken paused, his irritation spilling into his voice. "Ugh, move, you big oaf."
"What?" Imelda exclaimed, her face a picture of confusion.
"Whoops," Robert whispered with a laugh, barely containing his amusement.
Ken quickly recovered, flashing the crowd a strained smile. "I meant…you're as smooth as merlot. Because you've always had such sophisticated taste…in everything except men."
The crowd laughed politely, though Bianca didn't miss the tension in Ken's tone.
"Always manages to stick the landing," Robert said, shaking his head.
Ken pushed forward, his words pointed. "I know I'm a lucky man for someone like Imelda to pick me…"
Bianca leaned closer to Robert, her smirk unwavering. "Maybe, but we're just getting started."
Robert's grin widened. "I like the sound of that. What's the plan?"
Before she could respond, Ken tapped the microphone, his glare fixed firmly in their direction. "A-hem. I know some of you are busy smooth-talking your 'flavor of the week,' but all eyes need to be up here, thanks."
Robert raised a hand in mock apology, turning back to the crowd, though he leaned close enough to whisper to Bianca. "Uh-oh, I think we're making the boss mad. But you know what would make Ken really jealous?"
Bianca tilted her head, intrigued. "Enlighten me."
"Seeing us leave together," he said, his voice teasing but his eyes serious.
Bianca plucked the drink from Robert's hand, her smile coy. "As tempting as that sounds, I think I've already gotten what I was looking for."
Robert reached for his drink, but she held it out of reach, and in the process, their faces ended up just inches apart. His cologne enveloped her, a warm, heady mix that only heightened the tension between them.
Across the room, Ken's glare darkened. His words stumbled as his focus broke completely.
Bianca turned back to Robert, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest. "Kiss me."
Robert blinked. "Seriously? Now?"
"Don't you want to?" she asked, her tone daring him to refuse.
"Hell yeah," he said without hesitation.
Before either of them could second-guess, Robert's arms wrapped around her, pulling her close as his lips crashed against hers. The kiss was electric, bold and unrepentant.
"Robert!" Ken's voice cut through the moment like a knife.
The room fell silent. All eyes turned to the trio.
Robert broke the kiss, grinning as he turned toward his brother. "What? I was focused."
"Not on the right thing," Ken growled. "Just…try to behave yourself, alright?"
The tension in the air was palpable, but Robert simply shrugged, his grin intact. "Sure, sure."
Ken exhaled sharply, visibly working to compose himself as he returned to his toast. "Where was I? Right…Imelda is a woman of grace, and I only hope tonight lives up to her high standards. To you, Imelda."
The guests raised their glasses in unison, their chatter resuming as the awkward moment passed. Imelda beamed, basking in the attention.
"To me!" she declared with a laugh.
Bianca drained a glass of champagne in one gulp, setting it down harder than she intended. "Excuse me," she said, her voice clipped as she turned and slipped out of the room.
She wandered through the dimly lit hallway until she found the women's restroom. Inside, the cool, quiet space felt like a sanctuary. The marble counters gleamed under soft lighting, and a faint floral scent filled the air.
Leaning against the sink, Bianca stared at her reflection. "Okay. Deep breath. In…out…in…out. Everything's going to be fine."
The door swung open, and Imelda's sharp heels clicked against the tiles.
"Oh, it's you," Imelda said, her voice sugary-sweet as she joined Bianca at the mirror.
Bianca tensed but forced a neutral expression. "Enjoying the party?"
Imelda hummed, touching up her lipstick. "It certainly looked like you and Robert were enjoying yourselves."
Bianca clenched her jaw. "We're just friends."
"Hmm. If you say so." Imelda smiled, but there was no warmth in it. "You seem a bit…overwhelmed. This isn't really your scene, is it?"
Bianca's stomach churned as Imelda's words dug deeper.
"Don't worry," Imelda continued, patting Bianca's arm in a mockingly reassuring gesture. "Once Ken and I are married, you won't have to deal with these events. We'll make sure you stay comfortable…at home."
The venom in her voice was barely disguised, and Bianca had to fight to keep her composure.
"Thanks for your concern, Imelda," Bianca said, her voice cold.
Imelda smirked, leaning in to air-kiss both of Bianca's cheeks before strutting out of the restroom.
Alone again, Bianca exhaled shakily. "I need some air."
Minutes later, she emerged onto the rooftop. The cool night breeze hit her skin, soothing her frayed nerves. She leaned against the railing, staring out over the city.
Behind her, the door creaked open.
"There you are," Robert said, stepping beside her.
He joined Bianca by the railing, leaning casually against it. His presence, calm and steady, felt like a balm against her frayed nerves.
"You okay? I know I'm not the most mindful guy, but even I noticed Imelda was getting to you back there," Robert said, his voice gentle.
Bianca huffed out a weak laugh. "Yeah, right. You were too busy turning up the heat with your antics."
Robert's grin was unapologetic. "Guilty as charged. But seriously, if you need someone to talk to, I'm here. Not to push or anything."
Bianca's defenses crumbled, and she stepped toward him, wrapping her arms around his waist. He didn't hesitate to pull her into a comforting embrace. His arms were strong, his touch steady as he rubbed her back soothingly.
"It'll get better, Bianca. You'll see," Robert murmured.
"You don't know that," she said, her voice muffled against his chest.
"No, but I know you. And you're a fighter. That's why I know you'd also be great in bed."
Bianca snorted, stepping back just enough to glare up at him. "Seriously, Robert? Read the room!"
He laughed softly, the sound warm and genuine. "Sorry, couldn't resist."
She shook her head, but a small smile tugged at her lips. Before she could fully step out of his arms, the rooftop door creaked open again.
"Seriously, Robert?" Ken's voice rang out, sharp and accusing.
Bianca flinched, stepping out of Robert's embrace. Ken stood in the doorway, his expression a mix of anger and disbelief.
"What did I tell you about spending time with Bianca?" Ken demanded, his gaze locked on his brother.
Robert raised his hands in mock surrender. "Calm down, Big Shot. I was just cleaning up your mess."
Ken's brow furrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Robert stepped closer to him, his grin gone. "Don't play dumb. It's not a good look on you."
Turning to Bianca, Robert's tone softened again. "You okay if I leave you two to talk? Or do you want me to kick his ass first?"
Bianca, caught off guard by the absurdity of the offer, let out a surprised laugh. Despite the tension, she managed a nod. "I'll be fine. Thanks, Robert."
Robert gave her a wink before brushing past Ken. "Try not to screw this up more than you already have," he muttered as he left.
Now alone, Ken turned to Bianca, his anger melting into concern. "Are you okay?"
Bianca crossed her arms, her tone defensive. "I'm fine. I can take care of myself, you know. I was at the top of my grad program, I'm financially independent, and I even take the subway alone sometimes."
Ken smiled faintly. "I know. You're amazing."
Her anger flared again. "Damn right, I am. And I'm too good for this back-and-forth 'will they, won't they' bullshit!"
Ken stepped closer. "I know that too."
Bianca jabbed a finger at his chest. "You can't pretend nothing happened in that limousine."
"I'm not pretending," Ken said, his voice strained. "It's all I've been able to think about."
"Oh, really? Were you thinking about it while you were writing that ridiculous speech?"
She jabbed him again, but this time, he caught her wrist, his grip firm but not harsh.
"No," he said softly. "I was thinking about you. I wanted you here tonight, Bianca. For once, I wasn't thinking ahead. I just…wanted you."
Her breath hitched, and her resolve faltered. She wanted to believe him, but doubt clung to her like a shadow.
"This isn't fair, Ken," she whispered. "Maybe I should make it easier for both of us and quit."
"Don't do that," he said, his voice breaking slightly.
"It'd be better for both of us. No more daily awkwardness. No more fighting to ignore…whatever this is."
Ken's hands moved to her arms, his touch gentle now, his gaze searching hers. "Every day, I fight not to let myself get carried away. I fight not to touch you. I fight not to do this…"
His hand slid up to the back of her neck, his fingers tangling in her hair. Her breath caught as her head tilted back, her lips parting in anticipation.
"We can't," she whispered, stepping out of his reach at the last second.
The space between them felt like a chasm. They stared at each other, both breathing hard, their emotions raw.
Ken sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry. But at least…we've talked about it now. Even if it doesn't solve anything."
From below, Imelda's voice called out. "Ken! Where are you, boo-bear?"
Bianca flinched, the sound snapping her back to reality. "You should go," she said quietly.
Ken hesitated, his eyes lingering on her face. "Right. See you at home."
She turned away, unable to watch him leave.
Moments later, she saw him through the rooftop railing as he stepped onto the sidewalk below. Imelda was waiting for him, her expression expectant.
"Finally," she said, looping her arm through his.
Imelda tilted Ken's face up toward hers and kissed him, her movements slow and deliberate. "I had a fabulous night, darling. I can't wait to spend more time with you, now that I'm back in New York for good."
Ken smiled weakly. "Yeah, me too."
As they climbed into the limo together, Bianca's heart twisted painfully. It was the first time she'd ever seen them kiss.
She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.
"Well, that's a sight I refuse to see again," she muttered to herself. Squaring her shoulders, she straightened and stared out over the city.
"Whatever it takes, I'll fight for this. I know Ken cares about me too. It's not all in my head. And there's still time before the wedding."
Her jaw set with newfound determination.
"This is far from over."