obsessively mine

CH#22 HER

The night air was crisp, a cool breeze brushing against my skin, making the anticipation inside me even more electric. Vince sat silently beside me as the car pulled into the venue, the low hum of the engine the only sound between us. The quiet wasn't awkward-more like the calm before the storm, a moment suspended in time. I smiled, remembering his earlier words, feeling the tension that had been building since we left.

As we came to a halt, I let out a slow breath, turning to look at him with a knowing smile.

"Are you ready for the show?" I asked, my voice soft but laced with confidence.

He arched a brow, the corner of his lips curling into a familiar smirk. "A show of power and reputation?"

"Yeah..." I leaned in just a fraction. "A show where I'm the only one anyone focuses on. A show where I lead."

His gaze lingered on me for a second longer than necessary before he responded, his voice low and teasing, "You're... unusual."

"I know." My smile widened as I opened the door and stepped out into the cool night, the barrage of camera flashes hitting me instantly.

The air buzzed with murmurs, the crowd unsure of what they were seeing. I could hear their voices, distant but growing louder as they saw me and him. Vince stepped out of the car, tall and composed, joining me at my side. I smoothed my silk dress, feeling its tight fit accentuate every movement as I stood tall, the camera flashes never letting up.

"Who is he?" "Are they together?" "Is she with someone?"

The whispers came from all directions, a mixture of curiosity and awe as eyes darted between us. Vince was an enigma to them, and their confusion only made me smile harder. They wondered who the man by my side was, but for now, I let them guess.

Turning to Vince, I lowered my voice, keeping it just between us. "See you around, Mr. Vince. Enjoy the party."

For a moment, he didn't respond, just staring at me with that dark, unreadable expression he wore so well. It felt like there was a current between us, pulling and twisting in ways neither of us could control. He wasn't the type to be left standing, watching from the sidelines, but tonight wasn't his night-it was mine.

Without another glance, I walked ahead, leaving him behind. My heels clicked against the pavement as I made my way through the crowd, feeling their gazes still heavy on me. The air inside was alive with chattering voices, their excitement mixing with awe as they took in the sleek, luxurious interior of the shop. I moved gracefully through the sea of faces, my head held high, the practiced smile never wavering.

"Who is he?" someone murmured behind me.

"Why is he with her?" another voice asked.

I didn't need to turn around to know who they were talking about. It was always the same. I thrived on this attention, the whispers, and the power of commanding a room. Each handshake and greeting was automatic, part of the role I'd perfected over time. But there was always that shadow, that presence at my back.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Vince. He had entered the venue, blending in and yet standing out all the same. His sharp gaze followed me through the crowd, and for a fleeting second, our eyes locked. There was something in his look, something dark and intense that sent a jolt of excitement through me. He didn't have to say a word; the tension between us spoke volumes.

I forced myself to break eye contact, turning my attention back to the guests, and keeping the charade alive. But deep down, I knew this night wasn't just about me-it was about what was brewing beneath the surface.