I Let Her Go, Now She's Unattainable

Only two people's quiet breathing filled the air, the silence broken by nothing else. They were utterly alone. A mischievous glint flickered in Elliana's eyes. Without warning, she lunged, her palm slicing through the air toward the man's throat. He bent out of reach, dodging her attack with almost unnatural ease. In one seamless motion, he caught her wrist and twisted, trapping her arm. "Not bad, Ms. Reed. You've got a few tricks up your sleeve," he said with a touch of admiration. His familiar voice made Elliana's eyes widen. She stared hard, her shock plain. "Greyson?" She never thought she would cross paths with him twice in one day. What was he doing in this place? For a heartbeat, she just blinked, confusion setting in. "Are you with ZR Conglomerate? Are you Karson?" she asked, suspicion coloring her tone. Greyson's lips twitched, but he said nothing. "You're a little late. Karson already slipped out," he finally answered. Pulling free from his grasp, Elliana narrowed her eyes. "So you're not Karson?" Maybe he really wasn't, but something about the way he moved told her he had ties to Karson—whether he would admit it or not. Greyson rolled up the cuffs of his black shirt, baring strong forearms. The simple luxury of his watch caught the light, but it was the nameplate—custom-engraved—that really stood out. He cocked an eyebrow. "So tell me, Ms. Reed, do you make a habit of sneaking into private homes dressed head-to-toe in black? Should I be worried about a burglary, or is there another reason you're here tonight?" She nearly coughed at his teasing, but suspicion flickered in her gaze. How could a so-called rich boy from a privileged family react to her ambush like a trained fighter? Elliana rubbed at her side, her voice low and sultry as she glided closer, a predatory confidence in every step. "If I told you my visit was for something more personal, Mr. Spencer, would you go along with it?" Her voice turned playful as her fingers hovered near his jaw, all confidence and mischief. She figured a little flirtation wouldn't hurt, especially since he was Dominic's uncle and far too good-looking to ignore. Instead of stepping back, Greyson held her gaze, a daring spark in his eyes, openly inviting her next move. Elliana nearly let her guard slip under his intense stare. Right then, he struck with lightning speed, his hand darting for her side. Reflexes kicked in, and she twisted away just in time. They fell into a blur of motion, trading quick, powerful blows. Furniture splintered, and the chandelier above them rattled with every dodge and parry. Elliana's frustration simmered beneath the surface. She never expected this man to match her move for move. Determination surged inside her. With a flick of her wrist, she launched a silver dart. It zipped upward, shattering the chandelier's chain and sending it swaying. Greyson's warning rang out. "Get down!" His arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her clear of falling glass. She flashed a triumphant grin, taking advantage of the chaos to press her fingers against his throat. "Looks like I win, Greyson. Why not call Karson to pick up the pieces, unless you want me to—" Before she could finish, Greyson shifted, his body twisting as he pinned her beneath him in a single, fluid move. A sly smile touched his lips. "I'll set up a meeting with Karson. But first, why don't you tell me who you really are?" Elliana twisted hard, but her body refused to cooperate. Every angle she tried met precise resistance, as if he had already calculated her next move. Fire flashed in her eyes as she snapped at him, "You seriously don't recognize me? I'm Dominic's ex-wife. What kind of uncle pins down his nephew's former spouse? Are you trying to take advantage of me?" Her blunt accusation left Greyson momentarily stunned, as though he had not expected her to be so direct. He shifted as if to release her and speak properly, but something inside him snapped without warning. A violent shock pierced his chest, knocking the breath out of him. A wave of scorching heat rushed through his body, drowning out any trace of logic. His eyes darkened with a strange, dangerous hue that Elliana failed to notice in the dim light of the room. The sudden weakness in his hold allowed her to twist out from under him. She reversed their positions in one swift motion and pinned him to the mattress, her jaw set with determination. She refused to leave until she got answers. Karson was not escaping her tonight. The fierce clash of their bodies shattered whatever restraint Greyson had left. Something inside him snapped clean open. A raw, animalistic force surged through him as he seized control of the struggle, his power rising so abruptly that Elliana felt the shift like a shockwave. A ragged groan tore from his throat as he dropped his forehead against the curve of her neck, his breath burning hot against her skin. He tore off her clothes, his hands finding their way to her breasts. The moment shifted so quickly that Elliana could hardly grasp it. Before she could steady herself, his scorching lips already captured her nipple. A tremor ran through her, and her body reacted before her mind could catch up, caught somewhere between fear and a pull she could no longer deny.