A Dance with Danger

Chapter Twenty-Eight

**Estelle POV**

The air felt cooler than I expected as I stepped out of the room, my feet carrying me in a lazy, unsteady rhythm down the stairs. The party had been a blur-loud music, flowing drinks, and the faces of people I barely knew, all merging together in a chaotic haze. Half-drunk and half-humiliated, I navigated the evening with the girls-well, except for Olivia, who had decided it was time for Tiberius to come get us.

I barely remembered the moments after that. Rielly had somehow ended up on top of one of the tables, and Magnus, ever the amused one, had escorted her to the car like she was some kind of celebrity. Meanwhile, Olivia and I had found our way home with minimal fuss, though the journey was long enough for me to try to piece together the fragments of the night.

The house was quiet as I stumbled into the kitchen, the faint scent of coffee and something more warm and inviting lingering in the air. My gaze shifted to Tiberius, who was sitting at the island, his fingers loosely holding a cup of coffee. His dark eyes met mine, and he quirked a brow, his mouth twitching into an almost-smile.

"Rough night?" he asked, sounding more like a joke than a genuine question.

I rolled my eyes and waved a dismissive hand. "Don't mention it," I muttered, already reaching for the chocolate on the counter, the familiar comfort of something sweet easing my discomfort.

Tiberius chuckled, clearly finding my state amusing, but his expression shifted when he leaned forward, his tone growing a little more serious.

"I have something to tell you," he started, drawing my attention back to him as I served myself some chocolate. Without another word, I moved to sit on the stool across from him, the only barrier between us being the island in the middle of the kitchen.

Before I could even ask what it was, the door creaked open, and a man walked in-tall, imposing, with tattoos littering his arms and a serious, almost intimidating air about him. I didn't have to guess who he was. His presence alone said everything.

"This is Helio," Tiberius said, his voice taking on a more formal tone. "Head of security. He'll be your temporary personal bodyguard until we can find someone else."

I couldn't help the eye roll that slipped out. It wasn't so much out of annoyance as it was the sheer absurdity of the situation.

"Really?" I muttered under my breath, tapping the edge of my cup against the counter in a rhythmic pattern as I studied Helio's stoic face. He stood tall and firm, unwavering as he locked his gaze on me.

"Helio, can I get a refill?" I asked, trying to regain some normalcy in this ridiculous scenario.

He didn't break his stance. "Of course, Donna," he said, bowing his head slightly, as if we were in some kind of military operation. It was surreal.

As Tiberius left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts, I leaned forward, resting my chin in my hand. Another day of work. Another day of being treated like I was part of some grand plan. A plan that no one ever asked for my input on, but here I was, a pawn in a game I didn't entirely understand.

I felt the weight of Helio's presence behind me as I tried to push my thoughts aside. The TV was on, and I watched as Inessa hummed along to the sound of pancakes sizzling on the stove. Elijah was busy scolding Magnus and Rio, and it seemed like everything was operating at the usual chaotic speed. But I was too tired to care.

"You had a rough night?" Inessa asked, her voice playful as she flipped a pancake over, her eyes catching mine with a knowing glint.

I took a long sip from my chocolate cup, savoring the rich sweetness as it slid down my throat. The heat of it was comforting against the cold knot that had formed in my stomach. I let out a sigh. "Had too much to drink," I confessed, my voice distant, as if I was trying to distance myself from the events of the night.

Helio remained stationed in his position, but I didn't feel his gaze on me. He was waiting for instructions, and I had no intention of giving him any.

As Inessa finished up breakfast, I casually glanced at the built-in screen beside Helio. "Helio, what's the temperature for today?" I asked, partly out of habit, partly out of curiosity.

"Sixty degrees, Donna," he replied immediately, his voice firm but respectful. I sighed, thinking it would be another chilly day spent indoors, locked away in this house while the rest of the world carried on outside.

I scrolled through my phone, my thumb grazing over the pictures Olivia had snapped throughout the night. I nearly choked on my drink when I came across a photo she'd taken of the garter removal. My cheeks burned at the memory.

The night had taken a turn I hadn't expected. I remembered the garter removal clearly-the way the music had paused for a moment, drawing all eyes to the center of the room. A chair had been placed for me, and without much fanfare, I had sat down, the spotlight suddenly on me.

Ilya had taken charge of the situation, announcing the garter removal as if it were some kind of grand event. That was when I saw Tiberius emerge from the crowd, looking impossibly handsome, the suit coat he had worn earlier now discarded. The sight of him was jarring, and for a second, I thought I might collapse. But then he was there, kneeling in front of me, the whole room's attention now focused on us.

"Who thought I'd see my boss on his knees for me?" I teased, not thinking as the words slipped out. His eyes, dark and filled with something unreadable, locked onto mine, and for the briefest of moments, I thought I saw a flash of amusement behind the intensity.

His hands came up, roughly gripping my thighs, pushing them apart in one swift, calculated move.

"How far are you trying to go, Tiberius?" I asked, my voice trembling with a mixture of anger and excitement. I had no idea why I had said it-perhaps it was the alcohol or the strange mix of emotions that had been building up all night. But the challenge in my voice was undeniable.

Tiberius didn't say a word, his grip tightening just enough to remind me that he was in control. His green eyes never left mine as he leaned in closer, his breath warm against my skin.

"I'm not sure you're ready for that kind of question," he murmured, his voice low, almost a growl. The intensity of his gaze made my heart race, and for a moment, I didn't know what to do with myself.

My breath hitched has he lifted my dress, I felt the rough graze of his stubble against my thigh. The sensation was electric, each movement deliberate.

When his teeth closed around the garter, a collective gasp echoed through the room. The intimacy of the act, performed before an audience, was both scandalous and exhilarating. My breath hitched, my body reacting in ways she hadn't anticipated.

Tiberius drew back slowly, the garter held triumphantly between his teeth before he transferred it to his hand. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, but all Estelle could focus on was the smoldering look in his eyes, a promise of something more.

As he stood, he leaned in close, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, "This is far from over." The words sent a delicious shiver down her spine.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of laughter, dancing, and stolen glances. The air between them crackled with unspoken desire, each interaction laced with the promise of what was to come.

But before I could respond, Ilya had already ushered me up, and the moment had passed. I was pulled away, my pulse still racing as I tried to regain my composure.

Now, sitting in the kitchen with my thoughts scattered like broken glass, I couldn't stop replaying that moment in my mind. What was I doing? What was I supposed to feel?

And more importantly, what the hell was I supposed to do with Tiberius?" Donna you have to meet don in his office later." Helio informed.

As I glanced over at Helio, still standing firmly, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease settle in my stomach. How long would this last? How long would I be stuck in this strange dance of power and desire with a man who held all the cards?

I wasn't sure anymore.