Four

There were worse things than being stranded in the middle of nowhere in the pouring rain.

For instance, she could get hit by a drunk driver… or kidnapped by one of her father’s enemies, dragged into a dark basement, and forced to listen to Aqua’s “Barbie Girl” on repeat until she lost her mind.

Right now, things could get a lot worse… especially since she’d snuck out of the mansion to attend her friend Maya’s party, disguised as a maid, and had left without her bodyguard.

He must be furious, she thought, picturing Darius’s expression sent shiver down her spine.

Stop! Postive thought only

She fished her phone out of her bag. She dialed Maya again, praying she’d answer this time.

No response.

She tried a text. she picked up.

Christ, Maya. Where the hell did you throw your phone?”

A rustling sound came from Maya’s end, followed by a low groan.

Amara froze, frowning. Did she really just hear that? Another moan confirmed it. Her eyes widened in horror. “Girl… are you having sex right now?” she whispered-shouted, even though no one was around to hear.

Her stomach churned at the thought. There was nothing grosser than listening to a friend mid-coitus. She almost gagged at the memory of the sandwich she’d eaten earlier.

“Technically, no,” Maya replied, completely unapologetic.

“Technically?” Amara repeated, her mind racing. That word never bodes well. Maya had always been the queen of wild escapades. Amara had zero desire to find out what “technically” meant this time.

“Maya Zhang.”

“Hey, you called me,” Maya said, muffled this time… probably covering her phone with her hands. Soft masculine laughter followed by a groan leaked through. Amara winced, wishing she could unhear it.

“Don’t worry. I’ve sent someone to come pick you up. You’ll love it. Drop your exact location and keep your phone close. Do you still have the pepper spray I got you for your last birthday?” Maya instructed.

“Yes… I do,” Amara replied, still mortified.

“Okay… just hold on. He’s almost there,” Maya said before hanging up.

Amara exhaled, relief mingling with disbelief. Just as she let out a long sigh, headlights swept across the driveway.

A sleek car pulled up, and she froze. Her jaw dropped. The driver wasn’t just anyone….it was Alex Ryder, the guy everyone knew from college. Hot, effortlessly charming Alex, the one who could silence a room with just a look.

She blinked, hardly believing her luck.

“Amara?” he asked casually, his confident smile making her pulse skip. Somehow, he made it feel like she was the only person in the world.

“Uh… yeah,” she stammered, trying to look less flustered than she felt.

He held the door open, and she slid in, stealing a glance at her phone one last time. I can’t believe Maya actually sent Alex to pick me up.

The car hummed smoothly as they drove off. Before long, they arrived at the party… music thumping, lights flashing, laughter echoing all around. Alex offered his arm with a grin, and Amara, a thrill of excitement… and maybe a little mischief… tingling through her, slipped her hand into his.

Tonight was already turning out far more interesting than she’d planned.

The party was alive… lights pulsing to the beat of music, laughter spilling out across the balcony, and the faint scent of champagne and perfume mingling in the air.

Amara let out a soft laugh as Alex led her through the crowd, his hand brushing hers in that casual, confident way that made her pulse quicken.

“So,” Alex said, tilting his head, eyes sparkling under the colorful lights, “i never knew the damsel in this distress was this beautiful as you. I’m glad Maya sent me I would have missed this beauty.””

Amara smirked, shaking her head. “I think she just knew I’d lose my mind trying to find my way here alone.”

He chuckled, that effortless, magnetic laugh that made her stomach flutter. “Well, I’m glad I got here first. Though… you seem to have a knack for trouble.”

“Trouble follows me,” she admitted, leaning just a little closer so her words were almost lost in the music. “I’m glad you came to pick me up.”

Alex’s grin widened, but before he could reply, the crowd parted subtly, and the energy in the room shifted.

Amara’s chest tightened almost instinctively.

Darius.

Broad shoulders squared, black coat perfectly cut, eyes scanning the room with cold precision. Every step he took exuded control, authority… and anger.

Amara froze mid-smile.

She had been expecting him to be mad, but not… this…..

He looked furious .. blazing

Darius moved with a predator’s ease, his gaze locking on her as if she were the only thing that mattered… and the only thing in danger.

Alex noticed her pause, following her gaze. “Uh… someone you know?” he asked, a playful curiosity in his voice.

“Sort of,” she muttered, biting her lip. Her pulse spiked as Darius stopped a few feet away, scanning the room like a hawk.

Amara felt a surge of panic mixed with an odd thrill. She tried to focus on Alex, who was still smiling, oblivious to the tension radiating off Darius, but it was impossible. Her eyes kept flicking back.

Darius’s hand brushed the side of his coat as he walked toward her, deliberately slow, surveying everyone around like he was claiming the territory.

He stopped near the bar, just within were she could see him and without looking at Alex, his gaze pierced through the crowd, locking hers.

Amaranth pulse raced. She could almost hear his thoughts: You think you could sneak out of this house without me knowing.

Alex, unaware of the storm brewing, offered his arm again. “Care to dance?” he asked, leaning closer.

Amara hesitated, torn between excitement and the sudden, sharp reminder of Darius’s presence. “I… I think I should… check on something first,” she said, forcing a calm smile, even though her stomach was twisting.

Darius’s eyes didn’t leave her, and she felt the weight of his scrutiny like a physical touch. Somewhere deep down, she knew he wasn’t here just to watch….. but to scold and to remind her of exactly what she’d risked by sneaking out.

Alex raised an eyebrow, but said nothing, letting her slip away as she moved toward the balcony, trying to act casual while her heart hammered against her ribs.

Darius was already there when she stepped out, leaning against the railing, eyes fixed on the crowd below.

He didn’t speak at first… he didn’t need to. His presence alone told her everything… he was furious, disappointed, and fully aware of every danger she might encounter tonight.

“Do you always make things this difficult?” he asked finally, his voice low, rough, controlled.

Amara swallowed, heat rushing to her cheeks. “I… wanted a little fun,” she admitted.

“Fun,” he repeated, a hint of incredulity in his tone. “Do you have any idea what could have happened to you tonight?”

She hesitated, knowing she’d pushed the line… but before she could answer, Alex appeared behind her, casual, smiling, oblivious to the tension crackling between them.

Darius’s gaze shifted briefly toward Alex, cold and sharp, before snapping back to her. Amara felt herself caught between two worlds: the thrilling, carefree pull of Alex, and the dangerous, commanding presence of Darius, who had no intention of letting her out of his sight again.