Chapter 15

Stella's POV

"Miss Winston?" The Waiter's voice caught me just as I was preparing to leave the gala.′′M. Anderson is waiting for you outside."

I paused, adjusting my evening gown. The night had been...interesting, to say the least. I remembered I just had met him once,why he waited for me?

The cool night air hit my face as I stepped outside, a welcome relief after the stifling atmosphere of the gala. Mark stood by his car, looking impeccable as always in his tailored suit. His usual smirk was replaced by something more contemplative.

"Thank you for letting me use that beautiful piano tonight," I said carefully. It had been exquisite - the kind of instrument most musicians only dreamed of touching.

Mark's eyebrow arched. "Mrs. Lancaster, you're thanking the wrong person." My heart skipped a beat at the title."What?" Not him? Then Who? Adam? Impossible. "That piano?" His smile turned knowing.′′Ionly agreed because your husband insisted." Husband. The word still felt foreign. "Adam... asked you?"

"First time he's ever requested something like this for anyone."Mark studied me with new interest.′′Don't worry, I'll keep your marriage quiet. Though I must say..."He paused meaningfully. "Adam's never gone to such lengths for anyone before."

My mind raced. Is he so kind to me ? A secret marriage? But why would Adam want to keep it hidden? Unless...

\---

The sleek black car was impossible to miss in the parking area.Before I could think better of it, I stepped into its path.

"Sir," Taylor's voice carried a note of surprise.′′It7's Mrs.Lancaster."

"Blocking my car?" Adam's voice held that dangerous edge. "Do you have a death wish, Miss Winston?"

"Weren't you waiting for me?" The words tumbled out before I could stop them. "Mark told me about the piano."

His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "And?" "I... wwanted to thank you." Why did my voice sound so breathy?"For letting me use it.""Just a thank you?" He practically purred the words, making my skin tingle. "Such empty words, Miss Winston."

Heat crept up my neck at his tone. MMaybe I should invite him to dinner? At least that would show some real gratitude.

The thought of sharing a meal with him made my heart race in a way I refused to examine too closely. He probably wouldn't even accept.

"I... I could treat you to dinner?" The words tumbled out before I could stop them, my voice embarrassingly uncertain."To show my appreciation properly?"

"Dinner?" His hand shot out, catching my wrist and pulling me closer until I was practically falling against him. "How...innocent." His breath ghosted across my ear, making me shiver."I can think of more... interesting ways for you to show your gratitude."

His other hand traced a deliberate path from my shoulder to my waist, each touch sending sparks of electricity through my body. I tried to steady my breathing, but being this close to him made it impossible to think straight. "Mr. Lancaster-" I gasped as his fingers found the sensitive spot just above my hip. "Yes?" His voice dropped to that dangerous whisper that always made my knees weak. "Something wrong, Mrs.Lancaster?" The way he emphasized my title sent heat pooling in my stomach.

"I... I should go," I managed, though my body betrayed me by meltinng further into his touch.

"Get in." His command left no room for argument, though his hand remained possessively on my waist.

"What?"

"Now." His eyes flickered past me, and I caught a glimpse of familiar faces approaching- the Winston crowd. "Unless you'd prefe another meeting with them?" He knew I hate that family.

I slipped into the car just as Lucy's shrill laugh carried across the parking lot. The leather seats embraced me like liquid silk,and that maddening cologne of his filled the enclosed space.

"Playing the victim at the gala?" His voice dropped dangerously low. "Is that your new strategy?"

I met his gaze steadily. "Mr. Lancaster, when have I ever lost my composure? Everyone knows I'm the epitome of grace." A small smile curved my lips. "Besides, they didn't get the better of me, did they?" Something dark and hungry flashed in those green eyes before he could mask it. The manor's study always felt like Adam's personal domain.Even at this late hour, papers were spread across his desk.I heard Mark's voice from his phone, curiosity burning through me.

"Adam!" Mark's voice carried clearly through the speaker. "First time asking for something from me-starting get soft for your wife?"

"Bored?" Adam's tone impatient.

I slipped away before I could hear more, my mind whirling.What exactly was Adam planning?

The kitchen staff had not retired, so I asked them to make some dishes for Adam and prepared to send them to his study.

My cooking is so ...Uh, everyone has something they can never do well.

"A midnight snack?" I placed the tray on his desk."Joseph mentioned you like these."

His eyes narrowed slightly.′′Using my own chef's cooking to thank me?" A dangerous smile curved his lips. "How...resourceful." Heat crept up my neck. Of course he'd know his own kitchen's style."Ijust wantedtO−′′ "To what?" His fingers wrapped around my wrist as I turned to leave, spinning me back against him with surprising strength.

The sudden movement knocked the breath from my lungs.leaving me pressed against the solid wall of his chest. "Show your gratitude? Or is this another one to please me?"

How shameless! He even force me straddle on him, I just wanted to eat with him. How can he have that thought?

His free hand slid up my spine, leaving trails of fire in its wake."You know," his lips brushed my ear, making me shiver, "if you really want to thank me,there are more... entertaining ways than cooking."

I tried to steady my racing heart. "Mr. Lancaster-"

"Stella." The way he said my name, low and commanding,made my heart race. "When will you learn?"

His each movement making it harder to think straight.′′Iwasn't trying to-"

′′Deceive me?" His other hand found my waist, drawing me closer until I could feel the heat radiating from his body. "How about I teach you tonight?" "I just wanted to thank you properly." My God, why his word is so ambiguous? "I just wanted to thank you properly." My God, why his word is so ambiguous? Before I could respond, the door barely clicked shut and he grabbed my chin to face him. His green, smoldering gaze locked onto mine, and the tension that had been simmering between us all evening reached its breaking point. I wanted to resist.but my voice faltered, and my heart melted as his lips crashed down on mine-demanding and hungry.

I gasped against his mouth, my hands instinctively reaching up to grasp his shoulders. I clung to him as he pressed me back against the wall. My mind was blank at the moment Adam deepened the kiss, his tongue sweeping into my mouth...