Chapter 15: Three is a Crowd ?

Selene

I walk into the boardroom , and almost instantly feel the fire of Adrian and the other gentlemans gaze on me. Jon introduces me to him and I can't help the small gasp as he reaches for my hand.

John’s lips brush the back of my hand a second too long, and those gorgeous eyes stare into mine seductively. My heart leaps in my chest but I manage to smile professionally, even though I can feel the fire of Adrian’s gaze burning through me.

“Pleasure’s mine, Mr Wickem” I reply smoothly, pulling my hand back before he can try anything else charming.

"Please call me John, Selene... you don't mind if I call you Selene?" he asks is that husky voice. I smile and say "thank you John, and yes that's fine.."

The man is tall well built, stunning good looks, powerful and polished, but he’s got that hungry glint in his eye—the kind of man who is used to getting what he wants and having women falling at his feet. I’ve dealt with his type before and it would seem I’ve peaked his interest.

I can practically feel Adrian’s energy shift behind me. He’s silent, but his scowl is loud enough to fill the room. Seems like I'm not the only one who caught some feelings this weekend.

I move to take my seat beside Jonathan, pretending I didn’t notice the possessive flare in Adrian’s eyes or the way he clenched his jaw when John looked at me like I was dessert.

Jonathan kicks things off, his tone breezy and confident. “Let’s jump right in. Selene will be walking us through the initial projections. She’s the one who’s really going to be steering this ship.”

I stand, folder in hand, and move to the projector board and begin the presentation. My voice is steady, my pitch even, but my mind? It’s split. Half of me is locked into my slides and numbers, delivering polished talking points and fielding John’s smug questions and trying not to pay attention to how he is undressing me with his eyes. The other half?

It’s very aware of the way Adrian’s watching me.

I can feel it—his gaze trailing the curve of my neck, lingering when I lean forward to pass a graph across the table. It’s maddening. Distracting. Delicious.

And worse, I’m enjoying it.

John keeps interjecting with subtle compliments masked as questions, and it’s clear he’s trying to impress. Adrian’s expression is unreadable now, cold and composed—classic businessman mode. But his knee bounces under the table, just once, like his restraint is fraying.

When I finish, Jonathan nods with approval. “Brilliant, as always. Selene, why don’t you take the lead on walking John through the projections in more detail? Adrian and I will step out to prep for the next round.”

Wait—what?

I shoot him a quick look, but he’s already standing, collecting his coffee. Adrian hesitates. Just a flicker. Then he rises, giving me a look I can’t quite interpret.

“Call me if you need anything,” he says casually, but there’s a roughness to his voice. Possessive. Warning.

“I’ll do that, thanks ,” I say, even though part of me wants to yell don’t leave me alone with this shark. But I nod professionally and turn back to John with a smile.

As soon as the door closes behind them, John leans back, crosses his legs, and offers me a smug little smile. “You’re quite impressive. Beautiful and brilliant. That’s a rare combination.”

I force a pleasant professional smile, pretending that in not affected by his obvious and blatant interest in me. “Thank you. I prefer to let my numbers speak for themselves.”

He chuckles. “They do. But I can’t help noticing—you seem like someone who could go far. Not just here, but beyond. Have you ever thought about consulting privately? Or relocating? A woman with your talent shouldn’t be buried in office.”

Buried? Did he just—?

“I’m actually very happy where I am,” I say coolly. “Jonathan gives me complete freedom to lead the way I want, and the team trusts me. That’s rare.”

He hums. “I see. Loyalty. Admirable. Though sometimes… loyalty gets in the way of ambition.”

Oh, I’ve had enough of this.

Before I can reply, the door swings open again—and thank God, it’s Adrian.

“Selene,” he says, voice clipped. “Can I steal you for a second?”

John opens his mouth to protest, but Adrian shoots him a look so sharp it could cut steel. I gather my notes, suppressing a smile and excuse myself .

Outside in the hallway, Adrian waits until the door shuts, then pins me with a look that makes my breath catch.

“What the hell was that?” he asks.

“What?” I blink innocently. “You mean the part where I gave a flawless presentation or the part where your brothers new investor was mentally undressing me in the middle of a financial pitch?”

His jaw ticks. “You handled it like a pro.”

I cross my arms, feigning nonchalance. “Why, thank you. I am a pro.”

“I wanted to kill him.”

My stomach does a stupid little flip.

“Well, technically that would be considered bad for business,” I say lightly.

Adrian steps closer. Too close. I can smell his cologne, feel the tension humming between us like a taut string. “Come to Cali with me.”

“What?” My voice comes out a little breathless.

“I want you to come with me. Just for a few days. We’ll fly back together this weekend.”

“I can’t just—Adrian—my work—”

“I already talked to Jonathan. He’s fine with it. Says you can work remote.” He gives me a crooked grin. “He also said to tell you not to forget your charger this time.”

I stare at him, stunned. “You really asked him?”

“Yeah.”

“Why?”

“Because I like you, Selene. And not just for the weekend or a one time thing. I want to see where this goes. I can't get you off my mind."

His eyes hold mine, and suddenly I feel naked in a way I didn’t when he had me against the wall two nights ago.

“Come with me,” he says again, quieter this time. “Please.”

I take a deep breath.

And nod.