Page 62 of Knot Heirs: Serenity's Reign

Serenity accepted his handshake, noting the surprising warmth of his grip against her skin. "Mr. Blackthorn. Your reputation precedes you."

His smile was all charm and sharp edges. "All good things, I hope."

"Hardly," she replied, matching his smile with one of her own.

Something like genuine amusement flickered in his eyes. "Honesty. How refreshing." He turned to Darius. "The Vetra acquisition? I'd be interested in Ms. Vale's assessment, given her... unique perspective."

The tension between the two Alphas was palpable, crackling in the air like static electricity. Darius's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.

"We're just finishing up," he said. "Perhaps you can join us for lunch."

"I have other obligations," Lucian replied smoothly. "But I'll walk Ms. Vale to the elevator. I'm sure you have calls to return, Darius."

The dismissal was so subtle it was almost elegant. More surprising was Darius's acquiescence—a short nod that nonetheless conveyed a wealth of unspoken warning.

Minutes later, Serenity found herself in the elevator with Lucian Blackthorn, the enclosed space amplifying his presence and the subtle notes of his scent—amber, cedar, something uniquely Alpha that made her Omega instincts stir despite her suppressants.

"You've made quite an impression," Lucian observed, standing close enough that she could feel the heat radiating from his body. "Darius isn't easily impressed."

"I wasn't trying to impress him," she replied, keeping her tone neutral.

Lucian's laugh was low and knowing. "Of course not. You're just playing a dangerous game, entering the lair of the Alpha who's been hunting you." His voice dropped lower. "The same Alpha who had you against that kitchen counter, begging for his knot."

Serenity's head snapped around, shock momentarily displacing her composure.

"How did you?—"

"Know?" His smile was predatory. "Darius and I share many things, Serenity Vale. Information. Resources." His eyes traveled over her face with disturbing intensity. "Occasionally, interests."

The elevator doors opened before she could respond, revealing the marble expanse of the main lobby.

"Until next time," Lucian said, stepping back to allow her exit. "And there will be a next time, little queen."

The cryptic words followed her as she made her way back to her office, mind racing with implications. Lucian's presence had added another layer of complexity to an already precarious situation. His obvious knowledge of her history with Darius suggested a level of complicity she hadn't anticipated.

Back in her office, Serenity found herself unable to focus on the acquisition documents spread across her desk. Her thoughts kept returning to Lucian's words, to the possessive way Darius had introduced her to the team, to the undercurrents of danger and desire that seemed to permeate Castellano Tower.

The connecting door opened without warning, and Darius entered, his expression unreadable.

"Your analysis was accurate," he said without preamble. "The Vetra deal needed re-evaluation."

"I know," she replied, rising from her desk. "That's why you hired me."

"Is it?" He moved closer, the professional veneer slipping as his eyes darkened. "Is that really why you think you're here, Vale?"

The air between them seemed to thicken, charged with unspoken tension.

"I'm here because I chose to be," she countered, refusing to back away despite his proximity. "Just like I chose to leave your penthouse that night."

His jaw tightened. "You left because you were scared. Not of me—of what I make you feel."

"You don't make me feel anything except irritation," she lied, the words hollow even to her own ears.

Darius moved with preternatural speed, closing the distance between them. His hand tangled in her hair, tilting her face up to his. "Liar," he growled, the word hot against her lips.

Then his mouth was on hers, hard and demanding, breaking down the barriers she'd constructed with brutal efficiency. Serenity's body responded before her mind could intervene, her hands grasping his shoulders, nails digging into expensive wool as heat exploded between them.

The kiss wasn't gentle. It wasn't romantic. It was a battle for dominance, for control, for something neither of them was willing to name.

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