Chapter 5 The Gala Trap

Raymond Carter sat in his car, the engine humming softly as he watched the black glass doors of Sienna Dean's penthouse slide open. She stood there, stunning in a scarlet dress that caressed her contours, the deep slit tantalising the smooth length of her thigh as she walked forward under the entry lights.

"Mr Carter", she whispered, tilting her head, her hair flowing down one shoulder. "You're late."

He glanced at the time, jaw tightening. "Two minutes."

She raised a brow, a smile ghosting her lips. "Don't let it happen again."

As she slid into the backseat of the sleek black automobile, Raymond waved to the driver and turned to peek back at her. She was peering out the window, tapping her fingers on her phone. Her reflection in the glass was cold, distant, and achingly lovely.

What she didn't know was that he had already made plans before arriving here. Three guys were parked a block away, cameras ready, preparing to follow her after the event to dig up any detail about the child he suspected she was harbouring. They had instructions to catch any trace of a child, an address, a name – anything that could confirm what he needed to know.

He needed to know.

***

The celebration took place at The Clarion, a high-rise with glass walls that captured the city lights like diamonds. Wealthy investors, tech executives, and celebrities filled the ballroom, the air thick with perfume and the murmur of whispered agreements.

Sienna stormed through the room, her heels clicking fiercely, her presence imposing. Raymond followed half a step behind, watching her hair sway and the way others parted for her. She was a queen, and he was the knight who had betrayed her, now compelled to stalk behind her like a shadow.

He desired her. God, he still wanted her.

But it was more than that now. It was the boy in the photo, the unsettling familiarity in that child's eyes that kept him awake at night.

As the evening went on, Sienna's glass was never empty. Champagne, red wine, and another flute of something clear and bubbling. She took each in leisurely sips at first, but as the conversations dragged on, she drank quicker.

He caught her sight across the room, her eyes unfocused, a flush on her cheeks. She swayed slightly, grabbing the edge of a table.

"Enough," he muttered when he finally reached her side.

"Don't tell me what to do," she mumbled gently, a smile twisting on her lips. "Remember, you're just my plus one."

She stumbled, and he gripped her elbow, steadying her. She smelt like flowers and champagne, and for a moment, he forgot the crowd, the cameras, and the secrets.

"Take me home," she muttered, her eyelids drooping.

He didn't hesitate.

***

The ride back was peaceful, save for the occasional hiccup as she pressed her forehead against the cool glass. Her dress had slipped, displaying more of her thigh, and he forced himself to keep his eyes on the city lights outside.

When they arrived, he pulled her out, her arm thrown around his shoulder as she chuckled, fumbling with her keys. They finally got the door open, and she kicked off her heels, practically collapsing on him.

"Upstairs", she said, her voice gentle but forceful.

They reached her bedroom, a large chamber of glass, silk sheets, and low lights. She turned to him, her eyes glinting, and without warning, she grasped the straps of her dress and tugged them down, letting the cloth pool at her feet.

"Fuck me," she muttered, coming closer, forcing her body against his.

Raymond's breath caught, his hands reflexively going to her waist. "Sienna-"

"Don't speak," she hissed, pushing his head down, her lips slamming into his.

He kissed her back passionately, his hands sliding over her naked back, feeling the warmth of her flesh, the softness that haunted his nightmares. She whimpered into his mouth, moving closer, her nails burrowing into his shoulders.

His hands slipped lower, holding her thighs as she wrapped her legs around him, and he carried her to the bed, placing her down, his body pushing against hers.

"Tell me you want this," he rasped, his lips on her neck.

"I want this," she murmured, pushing him closer, her eyes wild.

He began to give in, his self-control sliding as her hands struggled with his belt, pulling at his shirt, her lips on his jaw, his neck, and his chest.

Her body arched against him, frantic and demanding, and he was ready to lose himself, to forget everything for just one instant of her.

***

The door opened.

Raymond halted, his lips on her shoulder, his pants half undone, his body shivering with hunger.

"Surprise!" a happy voice called.

Sienna's eyes widened, but she didn't move, her lips twisting into a deep, dangerous smile.

In the doorway stood Greg Anston, a bouquet of white lilies in his hand, a pleasant smile on his lips that slowly faded as he took in the scene – Raymond's half-naked form hovering over Sienna, her flushed face, the blankets tangled around them.

"Greg", Sienna purred, as if nothing was wrong. She pulled Raymond off her gently, sitting up, tucking the sheet around her body. "You're early."

Raymond lurched back, his face pallid, straining to fasten his pants, his thoughts spinning.

"What the hell is this?" Greg's voice was low, deadly calm.

Sienna stood and went over to him, kissing his cheek as if they were alone. "You weren't supposed to see this," she whispered, pulling the bouquet from his motionless palm.

She took the card from the flowers, reading it with a sweet grin. "Aw, to the love of my life, can't wait to spend forever with you.' That's very sweet, Greg."

Greg's eyes moved to Raymond, murder in them, before returning to Sienna. "Who the hell is he?"

"Oh, him?" She waved a hand dismissively. "Just a work thing."

Raymond felt like he was going to get sick. The perfume of her flesh still clung to him, and the taste of her lingered on his tongue.

Greg's hands clenched, but he didn't move. "We'll talk about this later."

She grinned, going up to kiss him on the lips, slow and deliberate, her eyes shifting to Raymond as she did.

"Of course, darling," she said gently.

Greg turned and went, the door slamming shut behind him.

Sienna let out a deep sigh of relief.

***

Raymond stood there, shirt hanging open, belt undone, guilt and wrath boiling in his chest.

"What the fuck was that?" he demanded.

Sienna turned to him, dropping the flower on the table, her eyes cold once more. "That was none of your business."

"You set me up!" he yelled.

She tilted her head. "Did I? Or did you let your dick drive your decisions again, Mr. Carter?"

He felt the blood drain from his face.

"You're engaged," he replied, voice shaking. "You're engaged, and you-"

She went forward, pushing a finger to his lips. "Leave."

"Don't do this," he muttered, the desperation in his voice startling even him.

"Leave", she said, her voice like steel.

Raymond turned and went, the door slamming shut behind him, the echo booming in his ears as he stumbled into the chilly night air.

***

He climbed into his car, his hands squeezing the wheel so hard his knuckles became white. He pushed the car into drive, rushing through the streets of Manhattan, the lights blurring past him.

What the hell was he doing?

Why did he still want her, even after everything?

The image of her laughing as she kissed Greg was etched into his consciousness, blending with the recollection of her body under his, her voice urging him to take her, and the way she looked at him when no one else was watching.

He slammed the brakes at a red light, his chest heaving, sweat beading on his brow.

He had paid people to follow her, to pry into her life, and to learn the truth about the child she was hiding.

Now, he wasn't even sure what he wanted the most. The child or his ex.