Chapter 5 business deals disguised as polite exchanges

The evening progressed in a blur of conversation, business deals disguised as polite exchanges, and the subtle but constant presence of Darren by Liana's side. He played the perfect host, his charm effortless, his authority undeniable. But beneath the surface of their carefully curated image, the tension between them continued to simmer.

Liana knew the world was watching. The whispers had already begun, speculation spreading like wildfire. Who was she? What was her connection to Darren Vaughn? The scrutiny didn't bother her-she had dealt with worse. But what did unsettle her was the man standing beside her, the way he maneuvered through the crowd with an ease that suggested complete control, even when she knew better.

Darren Vaughn was many things.

Untouchable. Dangerous. Tempting.

But controlled? No.

Not when it came to her.

She could feel it in the way his fingers brushed against her lower back, in the way his gaze lingered just a second too long, in the way his voice softened when he spoke her name.

It was maddening.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" His voice was quiet, meant only for her.

Liana took a sip of her champagne, not bothering to look at him. "Are you?"

Darren's lips quirked. "That depends."

"On?"

His gaze dropped to her lips for the briefest moment before he met her eyes again. "You."

Liana's breath hitched, but she recovered quickly, forcing a smirk. "Careful, Darren. Someone might think you actually care."

His smile didn't falter, but there was something unreadable in his expression. "Let them think whatever they want."

Before she could respond, an older gentleman approached, his sharp eyes filled with familiarity.

"Darren," he greeted with a firm handshake. "It's been a while."

Darren's expression remained polite but cool. "Robert."

Liana didn't miss the way Darren's grip tightened ever so slightly. There was history here, something unspoken but heavy.

"And who is this lovely woman?" Robert turned his attention to Liana, his eyes assessing.

"Liana Brooks," Darren said, his voice giving nothing away.

Robert hummed, nodding slightly. "I see. So, she's the reason you've been distracted lately."

Liana raised an eyebrow, but before she could say anything, Darren's grip on her waist tightened slightly. A warning.

"You assume too much," Darren said smoothly.

Robert chuckled, clearly amused. "Perhaps. But I know you, Darren. And you don't bring just anyone to these events."

Darren didn't respond.

Liana, however, smiled. "Maybe he just needed a change."

Robert gave her a lingering look before nodding. "Maybe he did."

The moment he walked away, Liana turned to Darren, keeping her voice low. "Who was that?"

Darren exhaled slowly. "A man who likes to think he knows everything."

"And does he?"

Darren looked at her then, something dark flickering behind his eyes. "Not everything."

Liana didn't know what to make of that, but before she could press further, the lights dimmed slightly, signaling the start of the main event.

A hush fell over the crowd as the host took the stage, welcoming the guests and giving a speech filled with the usual pleasantries. Darren remained perfectly composed beside her, his expression unreadable.

But Liana could feel it.

That underlying tension.

That weight of unspoken words.

And then, as if the universe wasn't already playing a cruel game, Victoria returned.

This time, she didn't approach alone.

A man stood beside her, his presence just as commanding as Darren's, though his features were softer, more refined. He looked at Liana with interest before his gaze shifted to Darren, a slow smirk forming.

"Darren," the man drawled. "It's been too long."

Darren's expression didn't change. "Nathan."

Liana felt his fingers flex against her waist.

"And who might this be?" Nathan's eyes flickered to her.

Before Darren could speak, Liana answered for herself. "Liana Brooks."

Nathan's smirk widened. "Ah. The infamous Liana Brooks."

She stiffened. "Infamous?"

Victoria laughed lightly, tilting her head. "Oh, darling, you didn't think people wouldn't talk, did you?"

Liana met Victoria's gaze head-on. "I don't particularly care what people say."

Nathan chuckled, clearly amused. "Interesting. I see why you like her, Darren."

Darren's jaw ticked. "I don't need your approval."

"Of course not," Nathan mused. "But you do like to keep people guessing, don't you?"

Liana wasn't sure what game was being played here, but she had the distinct feeling that she was a piece on the board.

Victoria sighed dramatically. "Well, as fun as this is, I do believe we should return to our table. But Liana, do try to keep an eye on him. Darren has a habit of making things... complicated."

With that, she and Nathan walked away, leaving Liana with more questions than answers.

She turned to Darren. "What the hell was that?"

Darren sighed, rubbing his temples. "Nothing you need to worry about."

"That's not an answer."

He looked at her then, his expression unreadable. "No, it's not."

Liana clenched her fists. "Darren-"

"Not here," he interrupted, his voice low.

She exhaled sharply, knowing better than to push him in public.

But this wasn't over.

Not by a long shot.

-

The car ride home was just as tense as the ride there, though this time, Liana was the one who broke the silence.

"Who is Nathan?"

Darren didn't answer immediately. His fingers drummed against his knee, his jaw tight.

Finally, he spoke. "An old friend. If you can call him that."

Liana frowned. "And Victoria?"

His lips pressed into a thin line. "Someone who likes to play games."

"Games that involve me?"

Darren's gaze flickered to her. "Yes."

Liana's stomach twisted. "Why?"

He hesitated. "Because you're with me."

The words shouldn't have affected her.

They shouldn't have made her heart race.

But they did.

And she hated it.

Liana inhaled sharply, turning away. "Well, if they're trying to get under my skin, they'll have to try harder."

Darren studied her for a long moment before chuckling. "Good."

They didn't speak for the rest of the ride.

When the car finally pulled up to her building, Liana moved to open the door, but Darren caught her wrist.

She turned back, startled by the sudden contact. "What-"

"Be careful, Liana," he murmured.

She frowned. "Of what?"

His grip tightened slightly. "Of them. Of me."

Liana's breath hitched.

For the first time that night, Darren Vaughn looked... vulnerable.

It was gone in a second.

He released her hand, leaning back. "Good night, Liana."

She hesitated, then stepped out of the car without another word.

But as she walked into her building, her mind raced.

Darren Vaughn was dangerous.

She had always known that.

But tonight had confirmed something else.

She wasn't the only one who could be hurt.

Darren was just as vulnerable.

And that?

That was even more dangerous.