The Sicilian sun bathed the island in gold, but Melanie Scott barely noticed. Her mind churned with thoughts of the dinner from the night before, the cryptic text message, and the unnerving undercurrent between Rhys and Steven.
She sat in the villa's garden, a notebook on her lap, trying to focus on drafting strategies for Scott Enterprises. But her thoughts kept drifting back to two men who had no business occupying her mind.
"Lost in thought, Mel?"
Steven's smooth voice interrupted her reverie. She looked up to see him striding toward her, his tailored shirt unbuttoned at the collar, exuding effortless charm.
"Just working," she replied curtly, closing the notebook.
"Work?" Steven sat down uninvited. "You're in Sicily. Isn't this supposed to be about relaxation and inspiration?"
"I find work inspiring," she retorted.
Steven chuckled. "That's what I like about you. Always so driven. You know, most people in your position would have crumbled by now."
Melanie arched an eyebrow. "Are you trying to compliment me or insult me?"
"Can't it be both?" he teased.
Before she could respond, another voice cut in.
"Does he always talk this much?"
Rhys Edwards stood at the garden's edge, his dark suit contrasting with the vibrant flowers. He stepped forward, his gaze locked on Steven.
Steven smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Jealous, Edwards?"
Rhys didn't rise to the bait. Instead, he turned to Melanie. "I need a word with you. Alone."
Melanie sighed, sensing the tension crackling between them. "If this is about work, it can wait."
"It's not about work," Rhys said firmly.
Steven stood, his grin never faltering. "Careful, Edwards. You're starting to sound possessive."
"And you're starting to sound desperate," Rhys shot back, his tone icy.
Melanie stood abruptly, stepping between them. "Enough. Both of you. I don't have time for whatever this is."
She stormed off, leaving the two men glaring at each other.
---
Dana's Observations
Dana watched the scene unfold from the villa's kitchen window, her unease growing. She couldn't put her finger on it, but something about the rivalry between Rhys and Steven felt dangerous.
"Mel doesn't need this," she muttered to herself, pouring another cup of coffee.
"Need what?"
Dana jumped, nearly spilling the coffee. She turned to see Lena Carter, Melanie's longtime friend and confidante, leaning against the counter.
"God, Lena, you scared me."
Lena smirked. "What's got you so jumpy?"
Dana hesitated. "It's just… Rhys and Steven. They're both so—intense when it comes to Mel."
Lena nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Yeah, I noticed. But Mel's tough. She'll handle them."
"I hope so," Dana said quietly.
---
Steven's Bold Move
That evening, Melanie found herself cornered by Steven at a local café. He'd texted her earlier, claiming he had important news about GreenTech.
"Why am I not surprised you lied?" she asked, crossing her arms.
Steven chuckled. "It wasn't a lie. It was a tactic. Sit down, Mel. You'll thank me later."
Reluctantly, she sat across from him, her skepticism evident.
"I'm serious," he said, his tone softening. "You're fighting a battle on too many fronts. Let me help you."
"Help me?" she repeated, incredulous.
"Yes," Steven said, leaning forward. "You're brilliant, but even you can't do this alone. Let me take some of the weight off your shoulders."
Melanie studied him, searching for hidden motives. "Why? What's in it for you?"
Steven's gaze didn't waver. "You."
Her breath caught, but before she could respond, Rhys appeared, his presence as commanding as ever.
"Am I interrupting?" he asked, his tone deceptively calm.
"Actually, yes," Steven replied, his grin returning.
Rhys ignored him, focusing on Melanie. "We need to talk."
Melanie groaned. "You two are unbelievable. Do I get any say in this?"
"No," Rhys and Steven said in unison.
---
The Unraveling
Back at the villa, tensions boiled over. Rhys cornered Melanie in the hallway, his frustration evident.
"Why are you even entertaining him?" he demanded.
"Excuse me?" she snapped.
"Steven," Rhys clarified. "He's playing games with you, Melanie. You're smarter than that."
"Right, because you're so straightforward?" she shot back.
Rhys took a step closer, his voice dropping. "I don't play games when it comes to you."
Her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly masked her reaction.