Crash into love

The party

As they walked to the car, Ryder's arm wrapped around hers, Anya felt a sense of security and warmth. She reminded herself: "Don't get lost in this. He's your boss. Keep distance."

Ryder stole glances at Anya, his gaze lingering on her curves. A sudden urge surged within him. Protect her, secure her. For him alone, no one else.

The car door opened. Ryder guided Anya in. He followed, sitting beside her. The driver pulled away from the curb. Ryder's hand brushed Anya's, electricity sparked, Anya pulled away. Ryder's eyes locked onto hers. "Sorry," he said. Anya's smile masked her turmoil. "No need." Their eyes held, tension simmered. The city lights blurred outside. As they sped toward Albert Winter's party.

Anya's gaze drifted outside, but her eyes betrayed her. She couldn't resist Ryder's magnetic pull. His tailored black suit accentuated his broad shoulders. Chiseled features, piercing eyes. He looked more handsome than ever.

Ryder's shameless gawking surprised her. Didn't he tell her to keep things professional? Yesterday's warning seemed forgotten. Today, his eyes devoured her. As if claiming ownership.

Anya's cheeks warmed. Her pulse quickened. She felt exposed, vulnerable. Ryder's gaze lingered on her lips,her neck, and her curves. Anya's thoughts swirled. What game was he playing? Was this a test? Or had his feelings changed?

The car's silence grew thicker. Tension crackled. Ryder's voice broke the spell. "Anya." Her name rolled off his tongue. Low. Sensual.

"Yes?" She replied. Her voice barely above a whisper. Ryder's eyes locked onto hers. "We're here." The car stopped. Albert Winter's mansion loomed ahead.

Anya attempted to walk behind Ryder. But he swiftly wrapped his arm around her waist pulling her close, guiding her toward the entrance. Camera flashes exploded around them. Reporters shouted.
" Ryder, who's the beautiful woman?"
"Is she your new girlfriend?"

Anya's cheeks burned. Ryder's grip tightened. A possessive gesture. "Smile," he whispered. Anya forced a smile trying to play along. Ryder's eyes crinkled. He flashed his famous charm.

"Tonight, Ms. Anya is my exclusive companion." The media frenzy intensified. Questions overlapped. Ryder expertly navigated shielding Anya from the chaos.

As they entered Albert Winter's mansion. The opulent interior enveloped them. Chandeliers sparkled, guests mingled. Anya's anxiety lingered. What did Ryder mean by "exclusive companion"? Was this a ruse for the media? Or something more?

Albert and his wife, Elizabeth, greeted them warmly.
"Ryder, delighted you could make it!"
"Anya, you look stunning!"

Victoria, Albert's niece, seethed in the background. Her fiance, Robert, a wealthy businessman, stood beside her. But even his wealth and status paled compared to Ryder's. Victoria's envy simmered.

Anya's poised and beauty drew attention. Every eye in the room seemed fixed on her. Victoria's resentment boiled over. She whispered to Robert.
"That woman is a gold digger."

Robert raised an eyebrow. "Anya? She seems genuine." Victoria's smile twisted. "You'll see. She's playing Ryder." Robert's expression turned sceptical. "I think you're misjudging  her, Victoria."

Victoria's eyes flashed. "Wait and watch." She began circulating, spreading whispered rumours. "Anya's just a social climber." "Ryder's being blinded by her beauty."

The seeds of doubt took root. Guests began to stare. Anya's confidence wavered. Ryder's protective instincts kicked in. He drew her close. "Let's mingle," he whispered. But Victoria's malicious plans had just begun.

Nicolas, a charming young entrepreneur, approached Anya. "May I have the pleasure of this dance?"

Anya smiled, grateful for the distraction. "Of course."

As they glided across the dance floor. Ryder's gaze followed them. His conversation with the businessmen faltered. Jealousy simmered beneath his polished facade. Who was this Nicolas? Why was Anya smiling at him? Ryder's eyes narrowed. His jaw clenched.

Nicolas's hand rested on Anya's waist. Ryder's possessiveness flared. He excused himself from the group and made his way toward the dance floor. His eyes locked onto Anya's. A silent message. Mine.

Anya sensed Ryder's approach. Her heart skipped a beat. Nicolas, oblivious to the tension, continued dancing.

Ryder tapped Nicolas's shoulder. "May I cut in?" Nicolas's smile faltered. "Of course, Ryder."

Ryder took Anya's hand pulling her close. Their bodies swayed. Tension crackled. Anya's eyes met Ryder's. "What are you doing?" She whispered. Ryder's reply. Low. Husky. "I'm making it clear." "You're with me."