The storm rolled in before sunset — a heavy, brooding thing that hung over the city like an omen. By the time Lena left the office, the wind was already howling through the glass towers, carrying the taste of rain and electricity.
She wanted to go home.
She wanted to forget the photograph.
She wanted to stop wondering if the man she worked for was a savior… or a threat.
But when she stepped into the elevator, her phone buzzed.
> A.Blackwood: My office. Now.
The doors closed before she could even think of saying no.
---
He was standing by the window when she entered, his back to her, the lightning outside slicing across his reflection. The storm lit up the room in flashes of silver and shadow, making him look almost unreal.
"Close the door," he said quietly.
She did. "If this is about—"
"Who gave you that photo?" he interrupted, his tone sharp enough to cut glass.
Her heart lurched. "You know?"
"I know everything that happens in this building," he said, turning toward her. "So I'll ask again — who gave it to you?"
She hesitated. "It was left on my desk. No name."
"Then you should've brought it to me."
"I didn't think it was your business."
His eyes flashed. "Everything that touches you is my business."
The words made her pulse race — half fear, half something she couldn't name. "That's not how this works, Adrian. You don't own me."
He stepped closer, his voice low, dangerous. "Maybe not. But someone out there wants to use you against me, and I won't let that happen."
"You can't protect me from everyone!"
"I can try," he snapped.
The thunder cracked so loud it shook the windows. For a long moment, they just stood there — two storms staring each other down.
Then she whispered, "You're hiding something."
He didn't deny it. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"Try me."
His jaw tightened. "The man who warned you — Ethan — he's not what you think he is."
She frowned. "He's my ex. That's all."
"No," Adrian said, his tone colder now. "He's working for someone who wants to destroy me. And now, they'll come for you."
Her blood ran cold. "That's impossible."
He stepped even closer until she could feel the heat of him through the storm-cooled air. "I've seen the files, Lena. The photos, the messages. You were never supposed to be in my world. But now you are — and that makes you a target."
"Then why keep me here?" she demanded. "Why not fire me, or send me away?"
His eyes softened, just slightly. "Because I can't."
Her breath caught. "You can't what?"
He didn't answer. He just looked at her like the truth was burning behind his ribs.
Lightning flashed again, and for a second she thought he'd step back. Instead, he whispered, "You shouldn't have come into my life, Lena Hart."
"Then why do you look at me like you can't let me go?"
That broke something in both of them.
In one heartbeat, the air between them shifted — thick with everything unsaid. His hand brushed her arm, just enough to make her shiver. Her pulse leapt.
He hesitated — for a fraction of a second — then stepped back, breaking the spell.
"This can't happen," he said, voice rough.
"You mean you won't let it."
"I mean it would destroy you."
Her voice trembled. "You think I'm that fragile?"
"I think you have no idea what kind of man I am."
She met his gaze steadily. "Then show me."
For the first time, Adrian Blackwood — the man who controlled everything — looked uncertain.
But before either could speak again, his phone buzzed violently. He checked it — and his face went pale.
"What is it?" she asked.
He looked up. "Ethan's been here. He broke into the parking level."
"What?!"
Adrian grabbed his coat. "You're not going home tonight."
"Excuse me?"
"You'll stay where I can see you. My driver will take you to my penthouse."
"I'm not—"
"This isn't a request," he said, his voice dark as thunder. "It's the only way to keep you alive."
---
Outside, the storm finally broke, rain pounding the streets as they rushed to the car. Lena sat beside him in silence, her thoughts spinning faster than the windshield wipers.
When they reached his building, lightning flashed again — revealing a shadow near the entrance. A man in a hood, watching.
Adrian saw it too. His jaw clenched. "Get inside."
Lena obeyed, heart hammering, as security surrounded the car. But even as she stepped into the elevator, she knew nothing would ever be the same again.
Because for the first time, she realized two things at once —
She was falling for him.
And she might not survive it.