Chapter 10 The Gala

Elise Harper's reflection in the hotel ballroom's gilded mirror was a stranger's-a woman in a sleek, midnight-blue gown that hugged her curves, her auburn hair swept into an elegant updo. The Kane Enterprises annual gala was a spectacle of wealth and power, Manhattan's elite mingling under chandeliers that cast a golden glow. But beneath her polished exterior, Elise was a tangle of nerves and anticipation. Alexander Kane's touch from last night, his whispered confession-I can't stop wanting you-burned in her memory, a flame she couldn't extinguish.

The ballroom buzzed with laughter and clinking glasses, but Elise felt the weight of every glance. Her rapid rise as Alexander's secretary had made her a target, and Victoria Langston's relentless taunts-You can't have him-echoed like a warning. Tonight, she was more than an employee; she was Alexander's plus-one, a role that blurred lines and invited scrutiny.

She spotted him across the room, his tailored tuxedo accentuating his broad shoulders, his dark hair catching the light. He was surrounded by investors, his charisma effortless, but his gray eyes found hers, a silent pull that made her breath catch. He excused himself, crossing the room with a predator's grace, and stopped before her, his gaze sweeping over her gown.

"You look... breathtaking," he said, his voice low, meant for her alone. The compliment sent a shiver through her, and she caught the flicker of hunger in his eyes.

"Thank you, Mr. Kane," she said, her tone teasingly formal, though her heart raced. "You clean up well yourself."

His lips curved, a rare smile that softened his edges. "Dance with me," he said, offering his hand. It wasn't a request.

The orchestra swelled, and Elise placed her hand in his, the contact electric. He led her to the dance floor, his arm circling her waist, pulling her close. The world faded as they moved, their bodies in sync, each step a conversation of desire and restraint. His breath grazed her ear, and she felt the heat of his hand through the thin fabric of her dress.

"You're dangerous," he murmured, his voice rough. "I'm trying to keep this professional, Elise, but you make it impossible."

Her pulse quickened, and she tilted her head, meeting his gaze. "Maybe I don't want professional," she whispered, the admission a spark in the dry tinder of their attraction.

His grip tightened, a silent acknowledgment, but before he could respond, a ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd. Elise followed his gaze to the ballroom's entrance, where Victoria Langston stood, a vision in scarlet, her blonde hair cascading like a crown. Her green eyes locked onto Alexander and Elise, narrowing with predatory intent.

"Speak of the devil," Alexander muttered, his jaw clenching as Victoria approached, her smile a polished weapon.

"Alexander, darling," she purred, ignoring Elise. "You didn't tell me you'd bring... staff to the gala." Her gaze flicked to Elise, dripping with disdain. "Though I suppose she's more than a secretary now, isn't she?"

Elise's spine stiffened, but she kept her voice cool. "Miss Langston, always a pleasure."

Victoria's laugh was sharp. "Charming. But let's be honest, Elise. You're out of your depth." She leaned closer to Alexander, her hand brushing his arm. "We need to talk, Alex. Alone. It's about the merger-and our future."

The word future hit Elise like a blow, echoing the damning note she'd seen on the server. Alexander's expression was unreadable, but he stepped back, breaking Victoria's touch. "This isn't the time, Victoria," he said, his tone icy. "Enjoy the evening."

Victoria's smile didn't waver, but her eyes promised retribution. "Oh, I will," she said, then turned to Elise. "A word of advice, dear. Alexander's heart isn't won-it's leased. Don't get too comfortable."

As she sauntered away, Elise's chest tightened, doubt creeping in. Alexander's hand found hers, squeezing gently. "Ignore her," he said, his voice low, fervent. "She's trying to get under your skin."

Elise nodded, but the seed was planted. The dance resumed, but the magic had frayed, Victoria's presence a shadow over them. As the song ended, Alexander led her to a quiet corner, his gaze searching. "You're pulling away," he said. "Talk to me."

She hesitated, then met his eyes. "I want to trust you, Alexander. But Victoria... she's not just a rival. She's a ghost in your past, and I need to know where I stand."

His jaw tightened, but he nodded. "You'll know everything. Tomorrow, my place. No interruptions."

The promise was a lifeline, but as Elise glanced across the room, Victoria's knowing smile met her, a challenge that whispered of battles yet to come. The gala was a stage, and Elise was no longer just a player-she was the prize in a game where desire could destroy them all.