Chapter 19 Chapter 19 The sun had set , leaving behind a velvet darkness . I stood in front of my mirror , smoothing down the black silk dress that hugged my frame . The fabric whispered against my skin as I adjusted the delicate gold necklace at my throat . A knock at my door . Three precise taps . " Come in , " I called , my heart picking up . speed . Adrian stepped inside , and my breath caught . He wore a perfectly tailored black suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and lean frame . The dim lighting cast shadows across his sharp features , making him look dangerous and irresistible . His gray eyes swept over me , darkening as they traced the curve of my waist , the slit that revealed a glimpse of leg . " You look stunning . " His voice dropped lower , rougher . 80 % 19:05 1/7 Chapter 19 " You clean up pretty well yourself . " I meant it to sound teasing , but my words came out . breathless . He crossed the room in slow , deliberate steps . The air between us crackled with electricity . His fingers brushed my bare shoulder , leaving a trail of fire in their wake . " Asteria … " The way he said my name made my knees weak for some reason . He leaned closer , his breath warm against my neck . A car horn blared outside , shattering the moment . We both froze , then turned toward the window . The sound of tires on gravel drifted up from the driveway . " Vincent , " Adrian murmured , though his hand remained on my shoulder . I met his gaze in the mirror , saw the same frustrated desire I felt reflected in his eyes . The horn sounded again , more insistent this time . 80 % 19:05 217 80 Chapter 19 I stepped back from Adrian , my heart hammering against my ribs . What the hell was that ? What was I doing ? That electricity between us , the way his touch had set my skin on fire - I couldn't afford these distractions . Not now . Not with everything at stake . My fingers trembled as I smoothed my dress again , more to keep my hands busy than from any real need . The memory of his closeness lingered like a ghost of warmth against my skin . " We should head down . " My voice came out steadier than I felt . " Vincent isn't known for his patience . " Adrian's expression shifted , that dangerous heat replaced by the cool mask of professionalism I'd come to know . He adjusted his cuffs . " Of course . " He stepped back , creating necessary distance between us . " This dinner is crucial . " 80 % 19:05 317 Chapter 19 I caught my reflection one last time . The woman staring back looked composed , elegant - nothing like the mess of confusion churning inside me . I had to get it together . Vincent Castellano wasn't just any dinner guest . His support could change everything . I couldn't let whatever this thing was with Adrian cloud my judgment . The heat , the tension , the way my body responded to his presence - it all had to wait . I'd built my plans too carefully to risk them crumbling now because I couldn't control my attraction to a man who somehow seemed as dangerous as he was compelling . " Let's go . " I moved toward the door , my heels clicking against the hardwood floor . Each step helped ground me , remind me of my purpose . Adrian nodded , all business now . He opened the door , gesturing for me to go first . As I passed him , I caught a trace of his cologne . I forced myself to keep 80 % 19:05 4/7 Chapter 19 walking , to focus on the evening ahead . The sound of another car horn cut through the air . Vincent was waiting . My father's voice carried from the foyer as Adrian and I descended the grand staircase . " Vincent , welcome to our home . " Vincent Castellano stood in his signature tailored Italian suit , radiating power and old - world sophistication . Four men in dark suits flanked him , their eyes scanning every corner of the entrance hall . My father's security detail mirrored them from the opposite side . " Marcus , the pleasure is mine . " Vincent's weathered face creased into a warm smile as he clasped my father's hand . I reached the bottom step , Adrian close behind me . Vincent's gaze shifted to us , those keen eyes missing nothing . " Asteria , you're a vision . " He stepped forward and took my offered hand , pressing a gentlemanly kiss to my knuckles . 80 % 19:06 5/7 Chapter 19 " Mr. Castellano , thank you for joining us tonight . " His attention moved to Adrian . " And Mr. Constantine . Your reputation in the art world precedes you . " Adrian gave a modest nod . " You honor us with your presence , sir . " " The dining room is prepared , " I gestured toward the east wing . " Please , follow me . " The grand table stretched beneath crystal chandeliers , fine china gleaming against . dark mahogany . Silver candlesticks cast dancing shadows across place settings that had taken hours to perfect . Vincent's security positioned themselves along the walls as we showed him to his seat at my father's right hand . Adrian pulled out my chair across from Vincent , his fingers brushing my shoulder as he helped me sit . The touch sent electricity down my spine , but I kept my expression neutral . Tonight wasn't about 80 % 19:06 6/7 Chapter 19 the growing tension between us . It was about Vincent Castellano and what his support could mean for our future . The sound of another engine rumbled up the driveway . I caught Adrian's eye across the table - we both knew who it was . My fingers tightened around my wine glass as the front door opened . " Primo . " You might also like