UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT Chapter 10

Her fragility cut me to the bone. I took her hand, trying to give her a little warmth. “Serena, don’t be too upset. I’ll find a way.”

She shook her head, tears shimmering in her eyes. “Liam, you’re still too young. You don’t understand—some things can’t be solved by passion alone.”

She suddenly leaned in, resting her head lightly on my shoulder, her voice pleading. “Liam, could you hold me? Just for a moment—so I can feel there’s still a warm place left.”

Her hair carried a faint scent, soft strands brushing my cheek, her body heat seeping through the thin fabric and sending my heartbeat out of control.

I hesitated, then gently wrapped my arms around her. She felt so soft it seemed she might shatter at any second. The curve of her chest pressed against me, and my mind went blank.

I fought to rein in my impulse, telling myself: Liam, what she needs now is comfort, not your wandering thoughts.

“Thank you, Liam.” Her voice was barely above a whisper and trembled. “With you here, I don’t feel so alone.”

I didn’t know what to say; I just held her in silence.

Her breathing slowly steadied, while a pressure unlike anything I’d felt settled on me.

This industry is too complicated. I was afraid I couldn’t protect her—and afraid I’d fall in too deep.

On the way to take her home, she suddenly said, “Liam, you don’t have to worry about tomorrow. I’ve made up my mind.”

“You’ve decided?” My heart sank. “You’re going?”

She nodded, her gaze steady but tinged with helplessness. “Yes. I can’t let you get dragged down because of me. Mr. Carter has already warned me that if I don’t go, he’ll make sure you can’t get a foothold in this industry.”

Blood rushed to my head. “Serena, you can’t sacrifice yourself for me!”

She gave a faint, complicated smile. “Liam, you’re still young. Sometimes, sacrifice is the only choice.”

I had no answer. I knew she was trying to protect me, and that only made me feel more guilty.

Back at my studio apartment, I lay on the bed, her image filling my mind. The exhaustion in her eyes, that helpless smile, and the moment she leaned on my shoulder—all of it cut into my chest like knives.

I knew that tomorrow she’d go to that party, and I would have to watch her walk into the fire.

I clenched my fists and told myself: Liam, you need to grow up fast. You can’t keep being this powerless.

Her words were a spark, lighting a fire in me. After that night out, I felt hollowed out, my head full of her weary eyes and Mr. Carter’s disgusting smirk.

The next day, the company sent us to a brand event. After it ended, Serena said she was tired and wanted to rest at the hotel.

I rode up with her in the elevator, the air scented with her faint perfume, sweet enough to unsettle me.

The suite was spacious. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, Seattle’s night skyline shimmered like a sea of stars.

Serena kicked off her heels and collapsed onto the sofa. Her deep red gown had slid up to the tops of her thighs, revealing pale skin; her curves flickered in the lamplight like a soul-stealing painting. She rubbed her ankle, looked up at me, and in her eyes there was a trace of vulnerability. “Liam, have a drink with me.”

I took a bottle of red from the minibar and poured two glasses. Her fingertips brushed mine as she took one, warm and electric.

My heartbeat spiked; my throat felt like sand.

She took a sip, wine staining her lips, so sensual I couldn’t look away. “Liam, you know? This industry is filthy. Sometimes I really want to run.”

Her voice was low, with a slight tremor.

Into the Fire