Chapter 10 Lines Meant to Be Crossed

Elena barely slept that night.

Her body still hummed with the aftermath of Damien's touch, the heat of his breath against her ear, the way his fingers had wrapped around her wrist like a silent warning.

Or was it a promise?

She hated that she couldn't tell the difference.

By morning, she had forced herself back into control. She would not let Damien Sinclair get under her skin. She had a mission, and no amount of stolen glances, lingering touches, or dark smirks would distract her.

But then she walked into the dining hall-and froze.

Because Damien wasn't alone.

Sitting at the table, sipping from a delicate crystal glass, was Vivian Kensington.

Vivian, the gorgeous, perfectly styled socialite. Vivian, the woman who had been Damien's on-again, off-again lover for years.

Vivian, the woman who wanted him back.

Elena's stomach twisted, but she pushed it down, keeping her expression neutral. It didn't matter.

She was here to ruin Damien Sinclair. Not to care about the women in his life.

"Ah," Vivian drawled, noticing her. She set down her glass and smiled-a sharp, practiced smile. "You must be the little maid everyone's been talking about."

Elena didn't blink. "Would you like anything, ma'am?"

Vivian's gaze flickered with amusement. "No need to be so stiff. I'm just... curious." She tilted her head, eyes glinting. "Damien doesn't usually pay attention to the help."

Elena's fingers curled into fists, but before she could respond-

Damien leaned back in his chair, watching her with unreadable eyes. "She's not your concern, Vivian."

Vivian's lips curled. "Oh, Damien," she purred, dragging a manicured finger along the rim of her glass. "You're so protective. That's new."

Elena exhaled slowly. Ignore them. Play your role.

"Excuse me," she murmured, stepping back.

But before she could escape, Vivian spoke again-sweeter this time, but no less cruel.

"Careful, darling," she said. "You wouldn't want to get ideas about your place here."

Elena's heart pounded.

She turned slightly, locking eyes with the socialite. And then, she did something reckless.

She smiled. Soft. Submissive. Obedient.

"Of course not, ma'am," she said smoothly. "I know exactly what I'm doing."

Something flashed in Vivian's eyes-surprise, suspicion.

But Elena was already turning away, retreating before she could say something she'd regret.

She could feel Damien's gaze burning into her back the entire way out.

She had crossed a line today.

But the truth was...

She didn't care.

Because something inside her whispered that Damien Sinclair was about to cross it too.