Chapter 4 Lines Blurred, Hearts Shaken

The dimly lit bar hummed with energy, filled with the sound of clinking glasses and low chatter. Wyatt Walker sat at a corner booth with his two business partners, Nathan and Eric, a half-empty bottle of whiskey between them. The air smelled of expensive cologne and cigar smoke, but despite the lively atmosphere, Wyatt wasn't his usual self.

"Come on, Walker," Nathan teased, pouring himself another drink. "What's up with you tonight? You're the damn Party King of Texas. It's weird seeing you sit there all moody instead of taking over the place."

Wyatt exhaled sharply and swirled the liquid in his glass. "I've had enough for the night."

Eric let out a chuckle, shaking his head. "Man, I don't get you. Just a few nights ago, I saw you partying with that ridiculously hot chick, and now you're acting all serious?"

Wyatt shot him a warning glance. "I said I've had enough.

"Nathan smirked, leaning back in his seat. "Tell you what, Walker. If you outdrink me, I'll go IPO with you."

That got Wyatt's attention. His eyes narrowed, considering the challenge. Then, with a slow smirk, he grabbed the bottle. "Fine. You're on."

Shot after shot, they went head-to-head, the alcohol burning its way down their throats as the tension in the air thickened. The bartender watched warily, clearly familiar with Wyatt's drinking habits. Finally, after the last shot, Nathan groaned, slamming his glass onto the table in defeat.

"Alright, I agree," he admitted, rubbing his temples. "Nobody can outdrink the almighty Wyatt Walker."

Wyatt smirked in triumph, just as the bar doors swung open.

Outside the bar, Riley stood next to her car, her phone ringing in her hand. With a sigh, she picked up.

"Hey, boo," came Jay's voice from the other end. "Where are you?" he asked, his tone laced with impatience.

Riley rolled her eyes. "I'm sorry, I have to work late today. I need to pick up my boss from his dumb business meeting."

Jay chuckled. "I saw him on TV. Damn, that man is hot."

Riley scoffed. "Please, Jay. Wyatt Walker is an arrogant, entitled, self-absorbed prick."

Just then, the bar door swung open, and Wyatt stepped out, his piercing blue eyes locking onto her as he walked toward her.

Riley's face paled.

Her entire demeanor shifted in an instant. "Actually," she stammered, forcing a bright smile, "Mr. Walker is such an inspirational man. A genius, really. A true visionary entrepreneur."

Jay was silent for a moment before scoffing. "Wait... is he right there?"

"Okay, gotta go!" she blurted, quickly ending the call before Jay could say anything else.

Before she could process what had just happened, two familiar men-Nathan and Eric-stumbled out of the bar, clearly drunk.

Eric's eyes scanned her from head to toe, and a slow smirk spread across his face. "Well, well, well... who do we have here?"

Riley took a step back, her stomach twisting. "Excuse me.

"Nathan chuckled, taking a drag from his cigar. "Damn, Wyatt. You didn't tell us your secretary was this sexy."

Eric took another step closer. "Bet she'd be fun to have a drink with-maybe even more than that." His eyes darkened as he reached out toward her, but before he could make contact, Wyatt grabbed him by the collar and slammed him against the nearest wall.

"Shut the hell up," Wyatt growled, his voice low and dangerous. "Do not talk to her like that."

Eric choked out a nervous laugh. "Dude, relax. You're wasted."

Wyatt's grip tightened before finally shoving him back. His jaw was clenched as he turned to Riley. "Let's go."

As they walked away, Nathan scoffed. "You just lost yourself a fucking deal, Wyatt."

Without missing a beat, Wyatt threw a glance over his shoulder. "Yeah? Well, I don't do business with fucktards anyway."

As they reached the car, Wyatt swayed slightly before sliding into the passenger seat, his movements sluggish from the alcohol. Riley sighed, shutting the door before walking around to the driver's side.

She glanced at him as she settled in. "Mr. Wyatt, seatbelt, please."

Wyatt simply grinned at her, his deep blue eyes hooded with intoxication. He made no effort to move.

Riley huffed. "Of course," she muttered under her breath, leaning in to secure his seatbelt for him. Just as she reached over, Wyatt suddenly turned his head, his face mere inches from hers.

Before she could react, he tilted forward, trying to kiss her.

For a split second, she was frozen, locked in his intoxicating gaze. The warmth of his breath ghosted against her lips, and her heart skipped a beat.

But then, reality snapped back into place. She quickly pulled away and clicked his seatbelt into place.

"You're drunk, Mr. Wyatt," she muttered, shaking her head as she started the car.

The drive to his mansion was quiet, save for Wyatt's occasional drunken murmurs. Upon arrival, Riley sighed, realizing she had no choice but to help him inside.

"Mr. Wyatt, you need to work with me here," Riley grunted as she struggled to keep him upright, his arm slung lazily over her shoulders. His weight made it difficult for her to keep her balance, but she pushed forward, aiming for the couch in the dimly lit living room.

Unbeknownst to Riley, Ivy had just started descending the grand staircase. As soon as she spotted Riley holding up Wyatt, her breath hitched.

Riley?

Panic surged through Ivy's veins, but she quickly ducked into the shadows, choosing to observe instead of revealing herself.

With a final push, Riley managed to lower Wyatt onto the couch, exhaling in exhaustion. She was about to step away when his hand shot up, cupping her face with a gentleness that took her by surprise.

His thumb brushed lightly against her cheek, his touch warm.

"It's you," he murmured, his voice filled with something unspoken and intense, something raw. Riley stiffened. "You're mistaken, Mr. Wyatt," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not your girlfriend."

But before she could fully pull away, Wyatt's hand slid to the back of her neck, and in one swift movement, he closed the distance between them.

His lips pressed against hers-warm, firm, passionate, and unexpectedly tender.

It was a kiss that held a story.

A kiss that made Ivy's hidden eyes widen in shock.

Riley's heart pounded in her chest as she finally managed to pull away from Wyatt's lips. What the hell just happened?

Wyatt's gaze was hazy, his expression unreadable as he stared at her. "Riley..." he muttered, reaching for her again, but she took a sharp step back.

"You're drunk," she stated firmly, swallowing hard. She turned swiftly on her heels and made her way toward the door, inhaling deeply to steady her racing pulse.

Just as she reached the hallway, she nearly collided with the housekeeper, Mrs. Elizabeth, who was making her way toward the living room.

"Miss Riley," the older woman greeted with a curious glance between her and the drunken Wyatt sprawled across the couch.

Riley straightened, her expression quickly turning neutral. "Mr. Wyatt isn't feeling too well," she said, nodding toward him. "Please take care of him."

Mrs. Elizabeth gave a knowing nod. "Of course, Miss Riley."

Without another word, Riley walked out, closing the door behind her-

Standing in the dimly lit hallway, Ivy watched as Riley hurried out of the mansion. Her hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms.

"Riley, you little slut," she muttered under her breath, her voice laced with jealousy and irritation.

She had seen everything-the way Wyatt held Riley, the way he kissed her. That wasn't supposed to happen. She was the one moving in as his girlfriend, not Riley.

Taking a deep breath, Ivy flicked her hair over her shoulder and turned on her heels, making her way back upstairs.

As Riley stepped out of his building, the memory of their kiss flashed through her mind. She shook it off and continued on her way home.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Elizabeth carefully helped Mr. Wyatt into his room, managing to settle him onto the bed. Just as she was attempting to remove his clothes, Ivy entered the room.

"I'll take care of Wyatt. You can go back to bed," Ivy said to the housekeeper.

Mrs. Elizabeth nodded and left, leaving Ivy to tend to him. As she attempted to unbutton his shirt, Wyatt suddenly stirred awake.

"What are you doing here?" he asked groggily.

"I'm nursing you back to health, babe," Ivy replied.

"Just get out," Wyatt muttered.

Reluctantly, ivy left Wyatt's room.