Chapter 3 Seduced by power

Melissa walked into her flat, the faint click of the door reverberating through the solitude. The invitation's beautiful gold writing shone in the soft lighting on the envelope that she still had in her hand. The celebration. The invitation to the year's most elite event. She had heard about it; just the privileged were invited.

Hesitation clouding her mind, her fingers hovered above the envelope. Alex had invited her. No, not only requested; ordered her to go. When he requested earlier, she had heard his voice clearly; his tone was strong but tinged with something else she couldn't quite identify. Could it be expectation? Power? Or perhaps something more profound that she was unprepared to accept?

Walking towards the window and looking down at the city below, she breathed out softly. Though none of them looked as dazzling as the world Alex lived in, the lights of the skyline sparkled like a thousand little stars. A world she had no option but to enter.

Her phone buzzed; she looked at the screen to see Alex's name.

Will you be there? As always, his voice sounded smooth and assured, but there was a slight sharpness to it. This gala matters. You have to be there.

The truth of the circumstance hit her, so she swallowed hard. "Yes," she said, pushing the word out despite her gut knot. I will be there.

When the call finished, she glanced at the invitation one last time. Her part in Alex's world was become more obvious, and the idea of it made her shiver. This was a preview of the power he had more than a straightforward occurrence; she would be at the centre of it all.

The night of the event came, and the location sparkled with riches. Laughter and talk wafting in the air like perfume filled the huge hall of neatly manicured people dressed in sharp suits and gorgeous gowns.

In the throng, Melissa felt little and out of place among the riches. Every gaze that momentarily rested on her made her feel heavy. Alex had ensured she was seen. Even when he remained still, his presence was a force that drew attention.

They walked together throughout the room, his hand gently resting on her back guiding her past groups of well-dressed people. His contact made her feel warm and shivery, and she immediately attempted to ignore it. This was work. Nothing else.

Alex said softly and personally as they paused close to a table brimming with gourmet wine and nibbles, "You look stunning."

Melissa looked at him, surprised by the praise. "Thank you," she replied, but she couldn't help but think that his remarks carried more than only courtesy.

He then looked at her, his eyes keeping her captive. "You belong here, Melissa," he continued, his eyes steady and fierce. "You fit in my world."

The words struck her like a punch to the chest, forcing her to turn away. Despite herself, she could feel the pull, the magnetism of him.

Alex unexpectedly came closer, his breath warm against her ear, causing her to shudder. "You belong in my world, Melissa," he said again, his voice like velvet but with a force that quickened her pulse.

Her heart missed a beat. Though she fought to maintain the barricades, she could feel her body reacting to him.

Alex withdrew, his typical assured grin fading into place, before she could respond. Enjoy the evening.

But Melissa couldn't help but believe that something far more hazardous was developing between them as they interacted with the other visitors.

Alex was all over. He walked the gala with the king's grace and authority. His presence was unmistakable as Melissa saw him shake hands, speak words, and deftly manage several talks at once. Everyone in the room was obviously respectful of him. But what really caught her was his dominance over everything and everyone. The room appeared to change about him, yielding to his will even in silence.

Melissa trailed him through the throng, her own anxiety fading a little as she became used to the event's hum. It was Alex, not the people or the glittering decorations that caught her eye. He was the focus of all, and despite her efforts to remain away, she felt compelled to be near him.

As they stopped to converse with another visitor, Alex's palm brushed against hers, a short contact, but it was enough to send a thrill through her. The unmistakable chemistry between them both thrilled and scared her.

Though he ignored the touch, it hung in the air between them as if all had changed. She looked up to him, eyes locking with his. His gaze held something dark and unspoken that made her spine tingle.

"Is everything to your taste?" He enquired, his voice silky smooth yet his gaze fixed on hers with such intensity it was impossible to look away.

Melissa, unable to speak, nodded. Certainly. It's... too much.

Alex's lips formed a little grin. It's all included in the universe you're entering.

He shifted his focus to another discussion just as fast as the moment passed. But the touch, the words, the heat of his presence, it all remained with her.

The more she saw him, the more she understood how little power she really had. Alex's world was a hurricane sweeping everyone in its path; she was already entangled in its wake.

The celebration was in full flow. Crystal glasses reflected the lights, and the air was filled with a murmur of courteous talk. Standing close to the magnificent marble columns, Melissa attempted to take in the event's beauty, but her mind kept returning to Alex. His gaze's tightness and the way he drew attention had made her uncomfortable in a way she could not describe.

She hadn't even seen Dalton coming until he was next to her, his words slicing through the commotion like a knife.

"Quite the night, isn't it?" Smooth and slightly sarcastic, Dalton's voice was Dark and calculating, his gaze was fixated on the throng yet sometimes flickered back to her. He seemed as polished as Alex, yet there was something about him, an ease, a risky appeal, that felt more accessible.

Melissa sat up straight, now conscious of the guy beside her. "Yes, it's... remarkable," she said, struggling to find the words to convey the tornado of feelings she was experiencing.

Turning to face her completely, Dalton locked eyes with her. Melissa, you seem out of place here. His smile was leisurely, almost amused, as if he were seeing right through her. I would reply "not quite the world you are used to."

She became rigid. I am alright.

"Are you?" Dalton's remarks hung around like smoke. You see, Alex Vance is not the guy he seems to be. His frigid surface conceals something far more sinister, something hazardous. You don't know him like I do.

Her heart raced. Though his remarks were unsettling, she couldn't stop her growing interest. Could you clarify?

Dalton's grin grew, but it didn't touch his eyes. I wouldn't be surprised, let's say, if he's playing a game with you. His speech was a quiet whisper as he leaned in somewhat. "And believe me, you don't want to get caught in it."

He turned away, leaving Melissa to deal with the weight of his enigmatic remarks. Though the remaining feeling of unease remained with her as he mixed back into the throng.

Melissa was unable to relax the tightness in her chest. Navigating the ocean of visitors, her mind raced with each interaction seeming more oppressive than the last. She required a time to think clearly and breathe. Dalton showed up again, more direct this time, but first she had to leave.

His touch was gentle but intentional as he grabbed her by the arm. "Melissa," he murmured playfully, as though he had all the time in the world. You and I, I believe, might become rather good allies.

She drew back a little, but Dalton held on. His fingers stayed on her arm, a little squeeze that seemed nearly possessive. "I'm not sure I get it," she said, maintaining her voice steady even while a wave of heat coursed through her body.

Dalton's smile faded, but his eyes remained sharp and calculating. You know, I could assist you. You need not be a pawn in Alex's game. Should you separate yourselves from him, I might promote you. Ensure you excel in ways Alex could never.

Though the lure was present, Melissa subconsciously shrank back. His words were tempting, a promise of power and control she could not deny. She was not naive. She understood what it was to be at the mercy of a guy like Alex. Dalton, though? His proposal appeared unique. Perhaps more hazardous, but distinct.

Power for power's sake doesn't interest me, she answered, attempting to look away from him.

Pulling her closer, Dalton's fingers gripped her arm. His breath hot against her skin, he said, "You're not as immune to it as you think." All you have to do is leap of faith. Melissa, I can assist you to raise. Alex cannot.

His remarks cut deep and awakened something within her. Melissa sensed her own uncertainty. Did she desire power or anything more? Something Alex could provide, but Dalton, Dalton had a whole other grip on her.

Though it was difficult to overlook the spark of something darker in Dalton's gaze, she broke the link and stepped back. I'll consider it.

Dalton's lips twisted into a knowing grin. Certainly. You don't have to make this hard, so keep that in mind.

The burden of his offer clung around her as he went away. Caught between two guys, each promising a different sort of future, she had no clue which one would save her or ruin her.