Two weeks passed.
Since the Lily incident, Nancy and Adrian had shifted. There was less tension, fewer sharp words. They were starting to see each other. And that was the most terrifying part of all.
But one thing hadn't changed—jealousy still lingered in the shadows.
---
Friday Night – Charity Auction Event
Nancy was dressed in a deep emerald gown, simple but stunning. Adrian hadn't been able to look away from her since she stepped into the room.
"You clean up well," he said, offering his arm.
Nancy smirked. "That almost sounded like a compliment."
"Don't get used to it."
They were laughing—actually laughing—when a man approached.
Tall. Handsome. Confident.
"Nancy Carter?" he asked with a warm smile. "I almost didn't recognize you. Wow."
Nancy's face lit up. "No way… Jake?"
"Jake Evans," he confirmed. "From college. We had Political Theory together. You used to beat me in every debate."
Jake glanced at Adrian briefly, then back to Nancy. "You still as sharp as ever?"
Adrian's jaw tensed.
Nancy laughed. "Only when provoked."
Jake leaned in. "We should catch up sometime. I'm working nearby now."
Adrian stepped forward, slipping an arm around Nancy's waist—possessive and unmistakable. "She's a bit busy these days. Married life, you know?"
Jake looked between them. "Right… well, it was great seeing you."
When he left, Nancy turned to Adrian, amused. "That was subtle."
"I didn't like the way he looked at you."
She raised a brow. "What way?"
"Like he wanted you."
She smirked. "And what if he did?"
Adrian leaned in, his voice rough and low. "Then he'd better learn to want from a distance."
Nancy's breath caught.
It wasn't fake anymore. That fire in his eyes? It was real.
---
Later That Night – Blackwood Penthouse
Nancy was brushing her hair when Adrian stepped into the room, no tie, shirt undone at the collar.
"You were jealous," she said without looking at him.
"I was… protective."
"Same thing," she replied, meeting his gaze in the mirror.
He walked toward her slowly. "What about you?"
She frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Lily. Jake. Jealousy isn't a one-way street, is it?"
Nancy stood, facing him. "Yes. I was jealous. Because for a moment, I thought maybe I wasn't the one you wanted."
Adrian stepped closer. "You are. You have been. I just didn't want to admit it."
They stood there—breathless, burning.
And then he kissed her again—but this time, it wasn't out of anger or desperation.
It was slow. Intentional. Like a man claiming what he was afraid to want.
Nancy broke the kiss, whispering, "What are we doing, Adrian?"
He cupped her cheek. "Something dangerous."
She rested her forehead against his. "Then let's not pretend it's anything less."