Tonight, I would set the world on fire. Or at least, I'd burn my way through Sinister's mind until he couldn't think of anything else but me.
The Romano Company party was the kind of event where money dripped from champagne glasses and power crackled in the air. Liam and I were attending together, and while I told myself this was just a casual outing, a small, wicked part of me wanted to see Sinister's face when he saw me in this dress.
A dress that screamed danger.
"Grace." Liam's voice had a teasing lilt as he held up the most sinful creation I had ever laid eyes on—a blood-red satin gown that hugged the body like a second skin. The material was so smooth it practically melted beneath my fingertips. The back? Completely bare. The neckline? A delicate plunge that hinted at temptation rather than giving it away. Paired with silver heels so high they flirted with recklessness, the entire ensemble was designed for one purpose—to make a statement.
"This is lovely, but I can't take it. It's too much." I shook my head, biting my lip. "I don't take expensive gifts, especially from friends."
Liam only grinned, undeterred. "You have no option. Let me do this for you." He placed the dress in my hands, his eyes gleaming with something unreadable. "I'll pick you up at 8:00." He winked before disappearing, leaving me standing there with a bag full of silk and seduction.
As I made my way home, a familiar presence made the air shift.
Sinister.
Leaning against the sidewalk, arms crossed, eyes dark. Watching. Waiting.
I tried to walk past him, ignoring the pull of his gaze, but he stepped into my path.
"So, I assume I'll be seeing you at the party." His voice was edged with something between anger and hurt. "Even though I told you not to go with him."
I smirked. The nerve of him.
"You don't get to tell me what to do, Sinister." I tilted my head, meeting his eyes with defiance I knew he hated. "And at least he's honest with me. Not like someone else."
His jaw clenched. "Did he tell you about his ex-girlfriend?"
"Ava?" I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, he told me."
That seemed to catch him off guard, but I didn't give him the satisfaction of a reaction. Instead, I left him standing there, seething, while I disappeared into the night.
Back in my room, I ran my fingers along the silky fabric of the dress, anticipation bubbling in my chest. This wasn't about Liam. It wasn't even about Sinister.
It was about me.
Tonight, I would walk into that party as the woman Sinister underestimated. The woman he thought he could break.
The woman he would regret losing.
I slipped into the dress, the fabric clinging to every curve like a whisper of sin. The blood-red satin shimmered under the soft light, shifting between deep crimson and wine, a colour so intoxicating it could drive men to madness. The open back left my skin bare, smooth and inviting.
My makeup was just as lethal. Dark, winged liner framed my eyes, making them look sharper, deadlier. A hint of shimmering champagne eyeshadow blended seamlessly, catching the light with every blink. My lips? Painted a bold, scandalous red—the kind that left stains on whisky glasses and sinful thoughts in men's minds.
My hair cascaded in loose waves down my back, an untamed contrast to the elegance of the dress. I slipped into the silver stiletto heels, their metallic sheen glinting like knives. The height made my legs look longer, my walk more deliberate.
I took one final look in the mirror.
Tonight, I wasn't the girl who had been hurt.
I was the storm he never saw coming.
And I couldn't wait to watch him break.
Liam: "Did Sinister message you or talk to you?"
Me: "Yeah, he tried to tell me about your ex-girlfriend who's attending the party."
Liam: "Lol, he tried to go against me. Anyways, I'm in the elevator."
Me: "Come inside directly; the door's open."
I stood before the mirror, making a few last-minute adjustments. The deep blood-red dress clung to me like a second skin, hugging my curves in all the right places. Its open-back design dipped daringly low, exposing the smooth expanse of my spine. The thigh-high slit teased just enough skin, and the silver heels that Liam had picked out elevated my posture, making my legs appear endless. I ran my fingers through my soft waves, my dark locks cascading over one shoulder, while my smoky eyes and deep crimson lips gave me a look that was both sultry and powerful.
Just as I was slipping my lipstick into my purse, Liam walked in. The moment his gaze landed on me, he froze. His eyes swept over me from head to toe, lingering on the curves the dress accentuated so perfectly. His tongue darted out to wet his lips as his smirk deepened, his eyes darkening with something unreadable.
"Damn, Grace," he breathed. "If you weren't Sinister's girlfriend, I swear I'd have made you mine."
I let out a laugh, shaking my head. "Good thing you know your limits, Liam."
He chuckled, but there was a flicker of something behind his playful expression—something deeper. Ignoring it, I grabbed my clutch, and we made our way downstairs to his sleek black car. As soon as we settled inside, he turned to me, his usual smirk replaced by something more serious.
"Alright, listen up. Let me give you a quick rundown about this party. First off, these people? They're sharks. Major flirts. They won't care if you're with me or if you have a boyfriend—they'll still try. Second, I'm not leaving you alone, not even for a second. Not with someone good, and definitely not with someone evil. Third, if anyone makes you uncomfortable, you tell me immediately."
I raised a brow, amused. "Liam, you sound more nervous than me."
"Because I know these people," he said, sighing. "Now, let's set some boundaries. Is it okay if I touch your waist or your hand? Can I kiss you on the cheek if needed?"
I tilted my head, watching the way he was overthinking every little detail. With a teasing smile, I leaned closer and whispered, "Liam, there are no boundaries tonight. We can be as convincing as we need to be."
He blinked, then grinned. "Alright then. No limits. Got it."
We pulled up to the Romano estate, the massive mansion glowing under the moonlight. The sound of music and laughter spilled from inside, and as we stepped out of the car, I could already feel the weight of several eyes on us.
The night had just begun.
As soon as we stepped inside, the air shifted—luxury oozed from every corner of the grand hall, filled with New York's most powerful elites. Crystal chandeliers dripped from the ceiling, their golden glow reflecting off the champagne glasses and glittering gowns. But my attention snapped back as a deep, familiar voice greeted Liam.
"Liam," a white-haired, well-dressed elderly man pulled him into a warm hug. His sharp, distinguished features hinted at the same dangerously good genes that ran in Sinister's family.
"Uncle, it's so great to see you," Liam responded with a grin, his voice carrying an ease that suggested familiarity.
I couldn't help but stare. This family is blessed with these unfairly attractive features. If this man were even a few decades younger, I would've considered running off with him.
His piercing gaze fell on me, a playful smirk forming on his lips. "My, my, who's this stunning young woman by your side?" His voice carried the charm of an experienced flirt.
Before Liam could answer, the older man turned towards someone standing nearby and called out with amusement, "Look what we have here, Sinister. Who exactly is this angel?"
Sinister.
At the sound of his name, my pulse spiked, but I forced my expression to remain indifferent. I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of knowing he still affected me.
The older man grasped my hand gently, his touch warm yet firm, before bringing it to his lips and placing a slow, gentlemanly kiss on my knuckles. A small shiver ran down my spine, and I fought the urge to blush.
"This is Grace, a student at Rosewood," Liam finally introduced me, his tone casual but possessive enough to make a statement. "Grace, this is Mr. Vladimir Sinister's uncle."
I smiled politely. "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."
"The pleasure is all mine, sweetheart," he murmured, eyes twinkling with mischief. He threw an arm around Liam, giving him a knowing look. "You've struck Painite tonight."
Liam chuckled, but I felt the slightest pressure of his hand sliding lower on my back. It wasn't entirely inappropriate, but it was enough that if I shifted, his fingers would graze a place Sinister had once claimed as his.
And I knew it wasn't lost on him.
Sinister stood a few steps away, a glass of whiskey in his hand, the muscles in his jaw twitching as he clenched his teeth. He was trying so damn hard to control his temper, but I could see the fire burning beneath his cold exterior.
I met his eyes, daring him to say something.
Instead, I smiled.
A slow, teasing smile that told him exactly what he needed to know—this was far from over.
And God, I loved every second of it.
The party buzzed with laughter and clinking glasses, luxury dripping from every corner of the grand hall. The rich and powerful mingled effortlessly, their polished smiles concealing deeper motives beneath the glitz.
For the first time that night, I found a quiet moment alone with Liam.
"Thank you for coming, Grace," he said, his voice low and sincere. "You have no idea how much you've saved me from this dull gathering. I'd probably be drinking myself into oblivion otherwise—"
He never got to finish.
A familiar voice cut through the air, smooth yet laced with something darker.
"How's it going, buddy?"
I didn't have to look up to know who it was.
Sinister.
He strolled up effortlessly, his arm wrapped around Veronica's waist like she belonged to him. His fingers skimmed the fabric of her dress in a way that was deliberate—calculated—to get under my skin.
And damn it, it was working.
Liam stiffened beneath my touch, but he kept his expression neutral. I, on the other hand, refused to let Sinister get the upper hand.
They exchanged a few words—fake pleasantries, shallow conversation—but I barely listened. There was only one chair next to me, and Sinister took it, leaving Veronica standing.
"Oh, Veronica, please take my seat," I said, my voice sweet as honey.
Veronica blinked in surprise, but before she could respond, Sinister's voice came low and dangerous beside me.
"Where do you intend to sit?"
I tilted my head, feigning innocence. "Right here."
And before I could second-guess myself, I slid onto Liam's lap.
He stiffened for a second before relaxing, wrapping an arm around my waist to support me. A light flush crept up his face, mirroring my own, but neither of us moved away. It wasn't romantic—it was instinct. Comfortable.
But to Sinister, it was something else entirely.
His grip on his whiskey glass tightened, knuckles white as his jaw tensed. He was a master at keeping his expression unreadable, but the way his eyes flickered toward Liam's hand on my waist—how he refused to let his gaze drop lower—told me everything.
He was seething.
"How about we take some time alone and go for a walk?" Liam suggested, his voice casual but laced with amusement.
Before I could answer, Veronica clapped her hands together, her voice sickeningly sweet.
"What a brilliant idea!" she chirped, eyes flickering toward Sinister. "We'll leave you alone."
She curled her fingers around his wrist, her grip possessive. "Let's go, bae."
Sinister didn't move right away. His gaze locked onto mine, sharp and unreadable. A silent challenge. A promise of consequences.
But I only smiled, shifting slightly in Liam's hold, letting my fingers skim his arm in an act of defiance.
Two could play this game.
And I wasn't about to lose.
Sinister said nothing. He just stared—dark, unreadable—as Liam and I walked toward the exit.
Just as we reached the door, a sharp voice called out.
"Liam."
Liam stiffened beside me, giving a sidelong glance before sighing under his breath.
I turned to see who had stopped us.
Ava.
She was stunning in a way that was almost intimidating. Tall and slim, her waist impossibly tiny, curves accentuated by a provocative pink V-neck dress that left little to the imagination. Her jet-black hair cascaded down to her waist, framing a pale, flawless face. But it was her eyes—cold, piercing dark blue—that made her presence feel suffocating.
"May we speak?" she asked, her gaze landing on me now, scrutinizing. "In private."
I held her stare, unbothered. "We?" I almost laughed.
But Liam sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Just a few minutes, I promise," he whispered, pressing a quick kiss to my forehead.
I gave a small nod and stepped aside. "Fine. But only a couple of minutes."
I found a seat at the nearest table by the door, giving them space but keeping them in sight.
I wasn't alone for long.
Sinister and Veronica appeared moments later, their expressions curious—no, entertained—before sliding into the chairs beside me.
"So," Veronica smirked, crossing her legs, "why are we third-wheeling a breakup?"
I didn't answer. My eyes stayed locked on Liam and Ava.
The conversation started quietly. Polite. Civil. But it didn't last.
Ava's voice rose, hands flying in the air as she gestured wildly. Meanwhile, Liam stood there like a statue—impassive, unreadable, completely unbothered. He didn't fight back, didn't react, just let her scream herself raw.
I leaned back, arms crossed. "I almost feel bad for him," I muttered, half to myself. "Dealing with that can't be easy."
Veronica hummed, tapping her nails against the table. "Should we step in?"
Sinister, who had been unusually silent, finally spoke. "I don't think Liam needs help." His voice was even, but something in his tone felt... tight.
Veronica, however, grinned. "Well, I think we should get closer. Just to eavesdrop."
We all stood, casually making our way toward them, but before we even reached earshot—
"And you have the audacity to parade this bitch in front of my face?!"
Ava's shrill voice sliced through the air.
"She's just a regular nobody! Why are you even with her? You jerk, we only broke up two weeks ago!"
The slap came fast.
A sharp crack echoed as Ava's palm collided with Liam's cheek, snapping his head to the side.
Everything stilled.
Ava's hand lifted again.
I moved without thinking.
Before her palm could connect a second time, I lunged forward, yanking her wrist back and twisting it behind her. She gasped in shock, stumbling into me.
"You disgusting bitch—don't you dare touch me with your filthy hands!" she shrieked, struggling.
I twisted her arm a little more, voice cold. "You just hit my boyfriend, you psycho!"
The words left my lips before I could think.
The silence that followed was suffocating.
A muscle in Sinister's jaw twitched. "Boyfriend?" His voice was low, sharp like broken glass.
My stomach dropped.
Liam and Sinister locked eyes.
Something passed between them, something unspoken and dangerous.
Before I could process it, Liam was behind me, his arms wrapping around my waist, pulling me away from Ava. My grip loosened, and she yanked free, stumbling back into Veronica's arms.
She was livid, trembling with rage, Veronica follwed Ava expecting Sinister to rush to her side.
But he didn't.
He just stood there, frozen.
His gaze burned into me, unmoving, unreadable.
"Are you hurt?" I asked, my voice softer now as I turned to Liam.
But Sinister was the one who answered.
And the way he said it made my pulse stutter.
"You tell me."