Serena didn't believe in jealousy.
Not the kind that made people act foolishly, cling to things that were never truly theirs. And certainly not the kind that would make her care about a man like Adrian Blackwood.
But as she watched him speak with Olivia, his expression unreadable, his posture all too comfortable, something twisted inside her.
Not jealousy.
Annoyance.
She took another slow sip of her champagne, forcing herself to look away.
The contract was clear. One year. No emotions. No complications.
And yet, here she was, tracking the way Olivia's perfectly manicured fingers grazed Adrian's wrist as she laughed at something he said.
It shouldn't matter. Olivia was the past. Serena was the present.
At least, that was the deal.
"Enjoying the show?"
Serena turned at the deep, mocking voice. A man stood beside her, tall and exuding confidence, dressed in a sleek black tuxedo that fit his lean frame like a second skin. He held a whiskey glass in one hand, the amber liquid swirling as he watched Adrian and Olivia with mild amusement.
"I don't know what you're talking about," she replied smoothly.
The stranger smirked, his sharp green eyes glinting. "Right. That's why you've been glaring at them for the past five minutes."
Serena arched a brow, unimpressed. "And you are?"
"Liam Calloway," he said, offering his hand. "Investor. Business rival. And, for tonight, your entertainment."
Serena ignored the offered hand.
Liam chuckled, unfazed. "Adrian's not the only one with secrets, you know. Olivia Kensington isn't just an ex. She's the woman who nearly ruined him."
Serena didn't react, but her pulse quickened.
Liam leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Careful, Mrs. Blackwood. You're playing a game with a man who never loses."
Before she could respond, a familiar hand slid around her waist.
"She doesn't need your advice, Calloway," Adrian's voice was low, edged with warning.
Liam smirked. "Just making conversation."
Adrian's grip tightened. "Find someone else to entertain."
Liam raised his glass in mock surrender, then walked away, disappearing into the crowd.
Serena turned to Adrian, unimpressed. "You didn't need to do that."
His eyes flickered with something unreadable. "Yes, I did."
"Why? Because you're possessive?"
Adrian's lips curved slightly. "Because I don't like vultures circling what's mine."
Serena's breath hitched, but she refused to let him see it.
"You don't own me," she said, voice steady.
Adrian leaned in, his fingers tracing lazy circles against her waist. "For the next year, I do."
The words sent a shiver down her spine.
Because the worst part?
She wasn't sure she minded.
Adrian studied her, his blue eyes dark with something she couldn't quite name. Then, as if sensing the storm in her thoughts, he reached for her hand.
"Come with me."
"Where?"
"Somewhere quieter."
She hesitated for a fraction of a second before slipping her hand into his.
Adrian led her through the ballroom, past whispered conversations and curious glances, until they reached a private terrace. The night air was crisp against her skin, carrying the distant hum of city life below.
The moment the doors closed behind them, Adrian turned, pinning her with that unrelenting gaze.
"You're upset," he said simply.
Serena exhaled. "I don't get upset."
His lips twitched. "Liar."
She crossed her arms. "Why do you care?"
Adrian stepped closer, invading her space, his voice dropping to a husky murmur. "Because I don't like seeing you look at another man the way you looked at Calloway."
Serena's heart pounded. "And I didn't like the way you looked at Olivia."
The admission slipped out before she could stop it.
Adrian stilled. Then, slowly, dangerously, he smiled.
"So you are jealous."
She refused to back down. "I don't like feeling second place. Even in a fake marriage."
Something shifted in his expression. His hand rose, fingers tracing the curve of her jaw. "You're not second place, Serena."
Her breath hitched as his thumb brushed over her lower lip, sending heat curling through her body.
"Then prove it," she whispered.
The air between them thickened, charged with something raw and undeniable.
Adrian didn't hesitate.
He cupped her face, his lips crashing against hers in a kiss that stole the breath from her lungs.
Serena melted against him, her fingers twisting into his jacket as he pulled her flush against his body. His kiss was demanding, possessive, as if staking his claim all over again.
She tasted whiskey and power, felt the controlled strength beneath his suit, the way he held her like he was afraid she'd slip through his fingers.
And God, she wanted more.
Her nails dragged down his chest, and he groaned, deep and rough, before spinning them so her back hit the cool stone of the terrace railing.
His lips trailed down her neck, hot and urgent.
"This shouldn't be happening," she whispered, but her body betrayed her, arching into him.
Adrian chuckled against her skin. "And yet, here we are."
His hands gripped her hips, his touch burning through the silk of her gown. "Tell me to stop, Serena."
She couldn't.
Didn't want to.
Instead, she pulled his mouth back to hers, sealing her answer with another desperate kiss.
Adrian growled low in his throat, his grip tightening.
The world outside the terrace faded.
It didn't matter that their marriage was a lie.
That they were playing a dangerous game.
Because right now, in this moment, Serena wasn't thinking about contracts or consequences.
She was thinking about him.
The way he kissed like he owned her.
And the terrifying realization that a part of her wanted to be owned.