Saturday night found Nancy in a dress she couldn't afford, at a gala she hadn't been invited to, wondering how her life had become a romance novel.
"You're fidgeting," Adrian murmured, his hand warm at the small of her back as they navigated the crowded ballroom.
"Your security tried to stop me at the door. Three times."
"They didn't recognize you without your power suit." His eyes swept over her midnight-blue gown, appreciation evident. "Though I must say, the transformation is striking."
Nancy had borrowed the dress from her roommate, spent an hour on her hair, and practiced walking in heels that threatened to break her ankles. She felt like an imposter among New York's elite.
"Why am I here, Adrian? This isn't part of my job description."
"Consider it... professional development." He snagged two champagne flutes from a passing waiter, pressing one into her hand. "I need someone who can handle herself in rooms like this. Consider this a test."
"A test," Nancy repeated flatly. "You could have warned me."
"And miss your expression when Henderson's wife asked if you were my 'latest diversion'?" Adrian's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Priceless."
Nancy nearly choked on her champagne. "That's why I'm here? Entertainment value?"
"Partially." He guided her toward a quieter corner, his body shielding her from the crowd. "Also, I wanted to see you in something other than navy and white. The blue brings out your eyes."
Before Nancy could formulate a response—something witty, something that would put him in his place—a voice like honeyed poison interrupted.
"Adrian, darling! There you are."
The woman who approached was perfection personified. Tall, blonde, wearing a red gown that left nothing to imagination. She kissed Adrian's cheek with familiarity that made Nancy's stomach twist.
"Sonia," Adrian's voice cooled noticeably. "I didn't realize you were on the guest list."
"Your mother insisted." Sonia's smile didn't reach her eyes as they swept over Nancy. "And who is this... quaint little thing?"
"Nancy Clark, my executive assistant." Adrian's hand tightened at Nancy's waist. "Nancy, Sonia Van der Berg. An old... acquaintance."
"Childhood friends," Sonia corrected, linking her arm through Adrian's with possessive ease. "Our mothers have been planning our wedding since we were in diapers, haven't they, darling?"
Nancy felt the blood drain from her face. Wedding?
"Exaggeration," Adrian disentangled himself smoothly. "Sonia enjoys dramatics."
"And Adrian enjoys collecting strays." Sonia's gaze raked over Nancy's dress, her hair, her everything, finding each flaw with surgical precision. "Tell me, Ms. Clark, do you normally attend your boss's social functions? Or is this a... special occasion?"
"Ms. Clark is being groomed for senior management," Adrian interrupted, his tone warning. "She's here to observe."
"How... progressive." Sonia's smile sharpened. "I do hope she observes carefully . These events can be so dangerous for little girls who don't know their place."
Nancy straightened her spine. "I find," she said sweetly, "that my place is wherever I decide to stand. Tonight, that's beside Mr. Thorne. Tomorrow, who knows? Perhaps running a division that competes with your father's company. I believe Thorne Enterprises is considering expansion into tech?"
Sonia's smile faltered. Adrian's grip tightened, and when she glanced up, he was looking at her with something like wonder.
"Excuse us, Sonia," he said, already steering Nancy away. "We have business to discuss."
As they moved through the crowd, Adrian leaned close, his breath warm against her ear. "That was magnificent."
"She was horrible."
"She's always horrible. But you..." He paused near a balcony door, turning to face her. "You were magnificent. Do you know how long I've waited for someone to put Sonia in her place?"
"About thirty seconds?"
Adrian laughed, the sound drawing attention from nearby guests. "God, Nancy. Do you have any idea what you do to me?"
The balcony doors opened behind them. Cool night air rushed in, carrying the scent of rain and possibility. Without thinking, Nancy stepped outside, Adrian following.
The city spread below them, a constellation of lights and dreams. Nancy gripped the railing, her heart racing.
"I shouldn't have said that," Adrian admitted, standing beside her. "About what you do to me. Unprofessional."
"Everything about tonight is unprofessional." Nancy didn't look at him. "I'm wearing borrowed shoes, Adrian. I don't belong here."
"You belong everywhere you choose to be." He turned her gently, his hands framing her face. "Nancy, look at me."
She did. And in his eyes, she saw the same confusion, the same hunger, the same dangerous attraction that had been building all week.
"This is insane," she whispered.
"Completely." He smiled, that rare, genuine smile. "Shall we be insane together?"
When he kissed her, the city lights blurred. The noise of the gala faded. There was only Adrian—his taste, his heat, his hands pulling her close as if he couldn't bear an inch of space between them.
It was perfect. It was terrifying. It was the beginning of everything.
And somewhere inside, a door opened, and Sonia Van der Berg watched them with eyes full of hatred.