"Adrian Blackwood?" I muttered under my breath, the name slipping past my lips as the boardroom doors swung open.

The air shifted the moment he stepped in and I almost forgot how to breathe for a second. He was nothing like Ethan who carried an icy, controlled authority.  Adrian exuded an effortless, dangerous confidence that seemed to flood the room before he even opened his mouth. He wore a tailored dark suit that hugged his broad shoulders perfectly, the top buttons of his crisp white shirt undone just enough to reveal a glimpse of a chiseled chest. His hair was slightly tousled, as if he'd run a hand through it on purpose, and his sharp, assessing eyes swept the table.

He was devastatingly attractive in a way that felt seductive, almost forbidden. He was the kind of man who screamed trouble, and yet, you couldn't help but want to get yourself in his web. His gaze landed on me. It wasn't a polite flicker, not a brief acknowledgment, it was deliberate, almost intimate. It lingered, like he was stripping away layers I didn't even know I had. Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I quickly dropped my eyes to my tablet, pretending to type. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw his lips curve into a faint, knowing smile, as if he'd caught my reaction and found it amusing.

He moved to Ethan's side, gripping his brother's shoulder lightly. "Good morning, everyone," he said, his voice deep and smooth, laced with a hint of amusement. "I'm Adrian Blackwood, as Ethan already introduced. I look forward to working with each and every one of you."

He flashed a smile, revealing those perfect white teeth, killer dimples that deepened just enough to make my stomach flip. The room instantly responded, as introductions followed, each executive taking their turn to stand, announce their title, and subtly brag about their shares or influence. Typical corporate shenanigan.

Then Adrian took the empty seat beside me and the  subtle warmth of his body heat reached me, along with the intoxicating scent of his cologne. It was warm, woody, and expensive. As the meeting dragged toward the end, I struggled to focus because every time Adrian directed a question to the room, his eyes stayed locked on me unwavering, like they were meant for me.

To my own surprise, I answered them flawlessly, going beyond what he expected. Even the table fell quiet a few times, as heads turned in mild shock. Even Ethan glanced at me once, eyebrows raised. Each time I finished speaking, Adrian's gaze sharpened, as if he was memorizing every detail of my face, committing it to memory.

When the meeting finally wrapped up, everyone filed out with Ethan leading, of course. I stayed behind to clear the room, stacking empty water bottles, gathering stray wrappers. "You know," a low, velvety voice said behind me, "you're wasting your talents hiding behind a laptop."

I jumped, spinning around with a handful of bottles. I hadn't heard him slip back in. Adrian leaned casually against the doorframe,his hands in his pockets, watching me with that same intense amusement. "I'm sorry-what?" I asked, my voice softer than intended, confusion flickering across my face.

He pushed off the frame, closing the distance slowly, as he slightly bent to read my name badge pinned to my blouse. His proximity sent a shiver down my spine. "Lena, is it?" he said, straightening with a slow smile. He extended his hand. "I'm Adrian Blackwood."

I took it nervously, my palm brushing against his warm, firm grip. A jolt shot through me. "Yes, I know, Mr. Blackwood," I managed, forcing a professional smile. "You introduced yourself earlier. It's nice to meet you. It's Lena Marsh." I correctly politely, pulling my hand away quickly as I felt it tremble. 

He chuckled softly. "Please, call me Adrian. 'Mr. Blackwood' makes me feel ancient, and honestly, I'm not that old." His tone was light, teasing, as he stepped closer, his hands sliding back into his pockets.

"Right Mr Blackwood-I mean Adrian," I corrected, meeting his gaze again despite the flutter in my chest. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

He shook his head, leaning against the conference table and folding his arms across his broad chest. The movement pulled his shirt tighter. "Not at all. I'm just impressed at how you handled those questions earlier. Honestly, I wasn't expecting your answers to be thorough, which is why I say you're wasting your talents being just an assistant to Ethan. With your knowledge and insight, you could easily run a department yourself."

I smiled politely, nodding as I gathered the last empty wrappers and tossed them into the bin. "Thank you for the compliment, Mr Blackwood but I have Mr Blackwood to thank for pushing me to be this efficient. I love my job and I'm okay being his assistant."

Just as he opened his mouth to respond, the door swung open again. "Lena," Ethan's sharp voice cut through the air. He stood in the doorway, one hand in his pocket, posture rigid. "What are you still doing here? I need those emails forwarded to the clients before close of business. Stop slacking and get back to work."

I nodded quickly. "Yes, sir. Right away."

I brushed past Adrian on my way out, our arms grazing for a split second and I caught the faint smirk on his lips as I hurried out the door. My cheeks turned red the moment I stepped into the hallway. Heat crawled up my thighs, as I practically fled to my office. I shut the door firmly behind me, leaning against it for a moment to catch my breath.

Why did he look at me like that? Like I was a woman he wanted for himself. Like he saw me, the real me, not just the invisible assistant in the corner. I replayed every moment, the flash of desire in his eyes when he leaned down to read my badge, the genuine admiration in his compliments, that knowing smirk as I left. All the things I hadn't felt in years with Noah, being seen, being desired, being alive, all came suddenly rushing back with this stranger. Adrian Blackwood. The infamous black sheep of the family, notorious for his various scandals, and irresistible to women who threw themselves at him without hesitation.

Was wanting him wrong? Was craving every inch of my body being explored by this dangerously seductive man a betrayal? I couldn't tell, but one thing was crystal clear, for the first time in forever, I felt desired, intoxicatingly desired. I straightened my blouse, smoothed my hair, and unlocked the door. I sat at my desk, opened my laptop, as I sat smiling, lost in that whirlwind of painful desires and forbidden pleasures. Then my phone buzzed on the desk. It was an sms from Sophia, Noah's mother.

I exhaled heavily, as a knot formed in my stomach. Anything from her always made me anxious, jumpy, maybe that's because she never liked me, or because she thinks I stole her son away from her, or because she blames me for being the reason why we hadn't had children yet, the obstacle to her perfect plans for him.

I opened the message as my eyes scanned it. 'Leave my son alone, you witch. Since you aren't ready to bear him children, let him move on and find someone who will. The clock is ticking, Lena'.

The phone slipped from my hand, and landed on the desk. And for a moment, the world blurred. My office suddenly felt suffocating, as I began to have a panic attack. I stood up abruptly, pushing the chair back, I fled to my safe haven, a quiet stairwell corner on a rarely used floor. I collapsed onto the cold concrete stairs, burying my face in my hands as I sobbed uncontrollably.

Sophia never really liked me even when I was just dating Noah. She'd accused me of brainwashing him into marriage, and that I didn't fit into the plans she has for him. After our first year, that's when it became more serious. Insinuations about my "failure" to get pregnant, subtle jabs at family gatherings. I'd told Noah countless times, begged him to intervene but he always brushed it off by making it seem like I was overreacting, or that I should give her some time to come around. It's been 3 years and rather than getting better, it got worse.

I don't know how long I sat down there, lost in the storm of tears and ragged breaths that I didn't realize when a warm presence settled beside me. I was startled as I made to stand up but a gentle hand caught mine, pulling me back down tenderly as he lifted my chin to his face, those piercing eyes gleaming now with concern. 

"Anyone or anything that makes you shed tears like this," Adrian said softly, his voice low and steady, "isn't worth being in your life."

"Uh, I'm sorry, sir," I stammered, hastily wiping my cheeks with the backs of my hands. "I didn't mean to be such a mess. I just needed some air."

Adrian waved it off gently, his expression softening further. "You don't have to explain anything to me, Lena. It's clear you've got something going on, and we all need space to breathe sometimes and clear our heads. So don't worry, your secret's safe with me."

He nudged me lightly with his elbow, a playful gesture that made us both laugh despite the heaviness in my chest. Then he reached into the inner pocket of his suit jacket, pulled out a crisp white handkerchief embroidered with subtle initials and handed it to me.

"You look pretty scary right now," he teased, eyes twinkling. "You might want to wipe those tears before you frighten off the investors."

I managed a genuine smile, taking the soft fabric from him. "Thank you sir," I murmured, dabbing carefully at my eyes and mascara-smudged cheeks.

"I think we're going to have a problem very soon, Lena," he said suddenly, leaning in closer. His voice dropped, turning serious.

My heart lurched. "A problem? I'm sorry did I do something wrong sir?"

"There!" he exclaimed, a grin breaking across his face. "You just did it again, calling me 'sir.' I told you it's Adrian."

I chuckled, instantly feeling relieved that I'd panicked over nothing. "I'm sorry. That might be hard for me to get used to and since we're at work, it's only professional I address you that way but I'll try. No promises."

We fell into a comfortable silence for a while, then he spoke again, his tone shifting into something lighter.

"Since we're on the topic of being professional... how about I take you to dinner?"

I shook my head quickly. "I'm sorry, Mr.-Adrian, but I can't. I don't mix work with pleasure and as a matter of fact, I'm married." I lifted my left hand flashing my ring at him, clearly to serve as a boundary, but he didn't even glance at it. Instead, his eyes stayed locked on mine, unwavering.

"It's nothing personal," he said smoothly. "Nothing serious. It's just dinner between two colleagues, and If it makes you feel better, just think of it as a work dinner. Besides..." He paused, his gaze softening. "You look like you could use a friend right now."

He bit his lower lip unconsciously and my eyes betrayed me, by dropping to them. My heart raced, as my pulse throbbed in my throat. "Come on," he pressed further, clasping his hands together. "Just say yes. Pretty please?"

Damn! He had that charming, boyish, irresistible look which made him adorable. 

"Okay, fine," I finally gave in, as the words came out before I could overthink them. "But just this one time, it's just dinner between colleagues. Nothing more." I repeated it like a mantra, to myself and to him. He grinned victoriously, standing and dusting off his trousers before slipping his hands back into his pockets. I rose quickly, holding out his handkerchief.

"Keep it," he said, shaking his head. "I think you'll need something of mine to remind you of me. How about 7 p.m.? I'll pick you up. No objections." He winked and walked away casually, as if he hadn't just flipped my entire world upside down.

I sat there for a few minutes, gathering my composure, before heading back to my office. My first priority, those emails Ethan had demanded. The last thing I needed was for him to scold me for tardiness. Once I was done, I went back to the rest of my tasks, although my mind kept wandering off to what I'd wear, how I needed to look really good. I keep telling myself it wasn't a date, but deep down? I wanted it to feel like one.

At exactly 5 pm, I grabbed my bag, stuffed my laptop inside, and headed home. Less than two hours to prepare for this "colleague dinner". Luckily for me, Noah wasn't home. I went straight to the shower, letting the hot water pour all over me as I took my time exfoliating, shaving, and moisturizing. I came out wrapped in a towel, applied my skincare serums, creams, the full routine I rarely bothered with now suddenly mattered. 

For makeup I went with light, natural, but enhancing. A soft glow which defined eyes, a hint of shimmer. Something I hadn't done in ages because Noah never noticed anyway. I chose a free-flowing beige gown, elegant silk that skimmed my curves, with an open back that dipped just low enough to feel daring. I loosened my hair, letting it fall in bouncy waves. Put on simple jewelry, my favorite red lipstick, and sprayed the cologne I loved.

Taking a look in the mirror, doubt crept in. Was this too much? Or was I reading meaning into something that wasn't there? But just then Maya's voice echoed in my head. 'It's never too much to look beautiful.'

At precisely 7 p.m, I glanced out the window and spotted a sleek red Porsche parked outside. Adrian leaned against it, looking effortlessly handsome in a tailored black shirt and trousers. He looked up, caught my eye through the glass, and waved with a grin. I blushed, waving back shyly before grabbing my small matching purse and headed down. He opened the passenger door like a perfect gentleman, helping me gather the flowing fabric of my dress as I slid in. Then he climbed behind the wheel, and we were off.

The drive was quiet all through, but I caught him stealing glances, his eyes lingering on my legs, that satisfied smile playing on his lips like he'd won a prize. My palms got sweaty as I felt giddy, nervous, and excited like a teenager going on her date with her crush.

We arrived at an exquisite restaurant tucked away in the city's most exclusive district. As we stepped out of the car, we headed inside and that's when I realized we were the only guest. Inside, it was breathtaking and absolutely gorged. Crystal chandeliers casting soft golden light, marble floors, tables draped in white linen, fresh orchids everywhere. This was a place I could never have afforded, not even in a lifetime.

A distinguished older man approached with a silver champagne bucket, placing it on our table with a warm smile. "Good evening, Mr. Blackwood. It's an absolute honor to have you here tonight."

"It's been a while, Rich," Adrian replied coolly, grinning. "Thank you for making time for me on such short notice."

Rich poured the bubbling champagne into our glasses, bowed politely, and left.

"Oh, wow," I said, raising an eyebrow as I settled into my chair. "I guess the Blackwood name really does carry that much power, renting out an entire restaurant last-minute."

Adrian chuckled, lifting his glass. "It's not quite like that. Rich is an old family friend and yes, maybe the name does help, but I'd like to think my charm played a part too." He smirked, taking a sip. "I'm pretty irresistible, you know."

"Yeah, right," I teased, rolling my eyes playfully. "You're charming, alright. I'm not disputing that." His eyes widened in mock surprise as he clutched his chest dramatically. "Is that a compliment, Lena? Because I really don't mind if it is."

He leaned forward with his elbows on the table, his gaze intense and unwavering. If I had stared at him for too long, I'd lose myself so I reached for my champagne, sipping slowly to hide behind the glass. He leaned back, smirking like he knew exactly what he was doing to me.

"So," I ventured, curiously, "may I ask why you rented out an entire restaurant for a colleague? Not like I'm complaining, but I'm just really curious."

My eyes betrayed me again, tracing his strong jaw, then dropping to his perfectly shaped full lips which I was just noticing how tempting they were tonight.

"Well," he said softly, "I thought you might appreciate the privacy. I wasn't sure if crowded places were your thing. I'm a gentleman, obviously."

Just then rich returned, wheeling a silver tray filled with dishes I'd only seen in magazines. A truffle risotto, seared foie gras, lobster thermidor exquisite, rare courses I'd never tasted in my life.

As we ate, Adrian steered the conversation effortlessly. He asked about my life outside work, what I did for fun, my favorite books, my travel dreams, everything which pointed to the fact that he was really interested in getting to know me. And that stirred something deep inside me, something that I thought was once buried. And just when I thought he was done, he leaned in once more, his voice low and deliberate.

"I want you Lena Marsh," he said, his eyes burning with quiet intensity. "And I'm gonna get you." The words hung in the air, freezing me in place as my heart pounded wildly.

The drive home went by in a blur, as Adrian's words echoed relentlessly in my mind. 'I want you Lena Marsh, and I'm gonna get you'.  How could he say something like that? So bold, so unapologetic, especially after I'd clearly told him I was married. He was crossing a line, no doubt, but God, it felt intoxicating. Heat had pooled low in my belly the moment he leaned in, his hand sliding gently over mine, his breath warm against my ear as he whispered it.

I loved Noah and I can't leave him for anyone. Not even for the dangerously irresistible, heartbreakingly gorgeous brother of my boss.

The taxi pulled up to my building, and I hurried upstairs, fumbling with the keys. My cheeks were bright red, like a tomato. When I caught my reflection in the hallway mirror, my hand drifted absentmindedly to my lips. I traced them slowly, imagining how his lips would have tasted had he leaned in and kissed me at the restaurant.

Shaking that thought, I stripped off the beige gown, as it fell to my feet, and wrapped myself in my soft robe. I turned the faucet on, stepping under the icy spray. It poured all over me, shocking my heated skin, cooling the flush on my face and the ache throbbing between my thighs.

"Fuck," I whispered aloud, my voice echoing. "Did I just get wet for Adrian Blackwood?"

I exhaled shakily, running wet hands through my hair. I shut off the water, slipped the robe back on, and moved to the bedroom. I chose my favorite red nightwear, the silky one that hugged my curves like lingerie, thin straps and lace trim that always made me feel secretly sexy. I applied my lip balm, put on my bonnet to protect my curls, then walked to the kitchen.

I checked the time and it was 9:30 p.m and there were countless missed calls and texts from Noah, both from yesterday and today. I'd been ignoring them because I didn't feel like talking to him. I opened the fridge, pulled out the leftover creamy pasta and chicken wings, scooped out some and microwaved it, because I knew he would be late again. I set the table neatly, like the supportive wife I kept trying to be.

Just as I finished, my phone buzzed on the counter. I picked it up and it was a message from an unknown number. 'Did I cross the line today?' My breath caught as my fingers trembled as I stared at the screen. I hadn't given Adrian my number-how did he...? Before I could process it, another message popped up. 'Because if I did, I don't regret it'.

A thrilling smile crept across my face before I could stop it. Just then the front door clicked open and Noah walked in, looking exhausted, but his eyes lit up the second he saw me in the red nightwear. "Baby," he said softly, dropping his bag and crossing the room in three strides. He pulled me into a tight hug, his arms wrapping around my waist like he was afraid I'd vanish. "I'm truly sorry about yesterday. No matter how busy I was, I should never have forgotten our anniversary and I shouldn't have taken you for granted. I'll be better, I swear I'll do better. Just please forgive me."

His words were honest, nervous, and pleading, but they barely registered in my head. My mind was still on those texts, as Adrian's bold confession kept replaying on loop.

When I didn't respond immediately, he pulled back, studying my face with concern. "Lena? Babe?"

"Uhn sorry," I blinked, forcing myself back. "I zoned out for a second. It's fine. I'm not upset anymore. It's in the past." I stepped away, and headed to the bed. He didn't push or argue, he just smiled gratefully and started unbuttoning his shirt. I climbed into bed, with my phone in hand, staring at Adrian's messages.

"Did anything happen at the office today?" he asked lightly, nodding toward my screen. "You were staring at your phone and smiling when I walked in. I can't remember the last time I saw you smile like that. It's... really good to see." He said as he stood there, stark naked and unselfconscious, waiting for my answer.

I chuckled softly, locking the screen. "It was just Maya. She sent me something funny. That's all." He accepted it with a nod, and headed to the shower. The moment the bathroom door closed, I leaned back against the headboard, biting my nails, as my heart raced, I typed. 'Are you flirting with me, Mr. Blackwood?' Then I hit send. 

His reply came almost instantly. 'Is that what it is? I never knew. But is it working?' Smiley emoji. I chuckled quietly, warmth spreading through me. He was trouble, a dangerous, sweet, addictive trouble, and hell-I wanted every bit of it. 

Noah came out from the shower minutes later, already dried up. He sat at the table, digging into the dinner I'd warmed. I stayed in bed, my attention glued to my phone, as I exchanged teasing texts with Adrian. Every buzz sent a thrill through me, a part of me wished I was still with him laughing over champagne, lost in those intense eyes, rather than being here.

I was paying no attention to what Noah was saying until his voice sharpened. "Lena? Baby, are you listening at all? I feel like I've been talking to myself for the last fifteen minutes."

He stood, carrying his empty plate to the sink. "Uh-sorry," I said quickly, setting my phone face-down. "Just got distracted, what were you saying?"

He turned, drying his hands, his brow furrowed. "Are you okay? You've been acting weird since I got home. Is it because of what happened? I said I was sorry, I really didn't mean-"

"No, Noah," I interrupted gently, faking a yawn and stretching under the covers. "It's not that. I just had a really stressful day at work, so I'm exhausted. I think I should head to bed now."

He nodded, just as his smile returned. "Alright. That's fair. I'll join you as soon as I'm done here."

That bright, hopeful smile made my heart feel guilty, like I was already cheating on him with every secret text, every forbidden fantasy. But my body screamed the opposite,  that this pull I felt toward Adrian was right, alive, and electric.

I rolled away from Noah's side of the bed, facing the wall, as I slid my phone under the pillow. Soon the bed dipped as he climbed in. His arm wrapped around my waist, as he pulled me back against his warm chest. He nuzzled my neck, as his lips trailed soft kisses down my skin.

"I missed you," he murmured, his hand sliding lower, slipping beneath the lace of my panties. His fingers found my clit, as he started rubbing slow circles.

I moaned softly, arching into his touch. I turned to face him now, kissing him deeply hungry, and intense. His pace quickened around my entrance, teasing. My hand slipped under his shorts, stroking him slowly until he hardened fully. He moved above me swiftly, taking  my panties off in one quick move. He trusted inside hard, and fast. I gasped, my nails digging into his back as he drove deeper. He lifted my legs to his shoulders, as he pushed further, the rhythm alternating, fast, then slow, then faster again.

I kissed him desperately, like I was drowning and he was the air I needed. Craving him more, I needed him to take me deeper, to make me scream until my vision blurred and my eyes rolled back, but that didn't happen. With Noah, foreplay was always rushed, and minimal. I'd tried for years to spice things up, I suggested sex toys, different positions, lingering touches, anything but he never quite got it. For him, it was about release. Quick, and straightforward. He came with a low groan, collapsing beside me, breathing hard. He kissed my forehead tenderly. "Love you," he whispered, as he turned his back facing the other side.

I lay there panting, body still thrumming, still wet, horny, aching, unsatisfied, angry and frustrated that this was what our my sex life had become. Boring, predictable, always leaving me wanting. But despite my unmet need, only one face filled my mind. One man I imagined above me, inside me, driving me to the edge I'd been chasing for years. One man whose name I wanted to scream until my voice broke. Adrian Blackwood.

Little did I know, he wasn't the only one who wanted me for himself, and I was stepping blindly into a war I never knew existed.