UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT Chapter 11

I sat beside her, fighting the pull in my chest. “Serena, you’re strong. Stronger than I imagined.”

She gave a wan smile, bitterness tucked into the corners. “Strong? It’s just a performance.”

She set down her glass and leaned into me. The neckline of her dress fell open, a deep line of cleavage framing the faint edge of lace. My breath hitched; desire roared in my chest like a caged animal.

She reached up, fingertips tracing my cheek, gliding to my neck, her voice a whisper. “Liam, you’re the only person in this industry who makes me feel warm. Tonight… can you help me forget all the ugly stuff?”

Her lips found mine—soft, urgent—her tongue slipping in with a hint of red wine.

My mind went blank. My arms wrapped around her of their own accord, drinking in her warmth, her soft curves melting into me.

Her hand slid under my shirt, skimming my chest; her nails traced lightly over my skin, sending a tremor through me.

We stumbled onto the bed, peeling away clothes one after another.

Her skin gleamed pale in the light, the rise of her chest like a sculpture come alive.

I kissed her throat, her collarbone, her stomach—every inch felt aflame.

She sighed, a sound smooth as silk. “Liam, don’t stop…” Her hand guided me, down the inside of her thigh; the wet heat there set my blood on fire.

She moaned, arching to meet the oncoming storm.

Our rhythm quickened. Sweat mingled; breath and low cries echoed through the room.

Her nails bit into my back, leaving burning trails, like she was staking a claim.

When release crashed over us, she trembled, every taut line blossoming in my arms. I went with her into the surge, my mind washing out to white.

Afterward, we lay in silence.

Her head rested on my chest, her breathing even, like a sleeping child.

I stroked her hair, while something hollow yawned inside me like a black hole.

“Serena, we…”

I started, not knowing where to go.

She lifted her face—clear-eyed, but tired. “Liam, don’t overthink it. This is our secret. Don’t tell anyone.”

She rose, slid into a robe, graceful, regal—like a queen.

“You can go. I need to rest.”

I dressed and left the hotel, the fire in me half-doused by her coolness.

I knew this wasn’t love—just two lonely people groping for a moment’s warmth in the dark.

But her silhouette—the feel of her—stamped itself into me like a brand.

Thinking about Serena hollowed me out. My mind replayed her low moans and that furious night.

Reality didn’t give me time to breathe.

A few days later, Mr. Warren called me into his office and tossed me an invitation.

“Liam, Mr. Zane’s hosting a private party this weekend. You and Serena are going. Don’t make trouble.”

“A private party?” My stomach dropped. I remembered the greed in Zane’s eyes and felt sick.

“Mr. Warren, can’t we pass?”

He sneered. “Pass? Are you out of your mind? Zane’s a key client. You want to pack your desk for offending him? Stick close to Serena and keep your mouth shut.”

He patted my shoulder, warning in his tone. “This industry runs on quid pro quo. Learn fast.”

I lowered my head. “Understood.” But it sat on me like a stone.

I knew what Zane’s parties meant—an arena where desire and power went to war. Serena had to go. And I had to go with her.

Gilded Shadows