Page 54 of Masked Seduction

The elevator doors click shut, silence slamming down like a hammer.

I stand there, heart pounding, ears ringing. Jenna’s still in the doorway, arms wrapped tightly around herself, her expression unreadable. My stomach twists, guilt pooling low and hot. I hate that she had to hear any of that, especially Daria’s venomous words. I can handle Daria’s cruelty. But Jenna shouldn’t have to.

“Jenna—” I start softly, taking a step forward.

She lifts her chin, eyes bright with unshed tears. “I’m fine.”

“You’re not.” I move closer, gently gripping her shoulders. “She had no right to say that.”

She shakes her head, stepping out of my grasp, her gaze dropping to the floor. “It’s nothing I haven’t heard before.”

“Not from me,” I say firmly. “You’re stunning and she knows it. She’s lashing out because she’s jealous.”

Jenna’s expression softens slightly, though pain still flickers behind her eyes. “I don’t want your pity, Abram.”

“It’s not pity. It’s honesty.”

She hesitantly meets my gaze, searching. “You didn’t tell me you had an ex-wife.”

“Because she doesn’t matter,” I state firmly. “Not anymore.”

“Clearly, she thinks she does,” Jenna replies. “Or she wouldn’t have come here.”

I sigh heavily, running a hand over my face. “She’s poison. I made a mistake marrying her. She’s manipulative, selfish, and thrives on drama.”

“Then why did you?” Jenna asks softly. “Marry her, I mean.”

It’s a fair question, one I’ve asked myself a thousand times. “Because at one point, I believed she was someone else. I fell for an illusion.”

She nods slowly, absorbing my words. Her guard seems to lower slightly, vulnerability softening the set of her shoulders. “She mentioned Nico Agosti. Should I be worried?”

My jaw tightens again. “Yes. Not about Daria but about Agosti. He’s dangerous. He’ll use anyone to get to me, even her.”

She swallows hard, a shadow of fear crossing her features. “What does all of that mean?”

“It means,” I say, reaching out to gently touch her cheek, “you need to be careful. Stay close, do exactly as I say, and trust me.”

She searches my eyes, then nods. “I trust you.”

The relief that floods me is intense and unexpected. “Good. Because I won’t let him or Daria hurt you.”

She gives me a faint smile. “If you didn’t scare the hell out of me, I’d say you’re trying to be romantic.”

I chuckle softly. “Maybe I am. In my own fucked-up way.”

She lets out a small laugh, genuine this time. The sound makes something inside me loosen just a bit.

“I’m sorry you had to deal with Daria’s shit,” I tell her sincerely. “I promise it won’t happen again.”

She nods, looking down briefly before meeting my eyes again. “Thank you.”

We stand there for a long, quiet moment. I sigh, glancing down at my coffee-soaked sleeve. “Guess I need a new shirt,” I mutter.

Jenna smiles softly, amusement returning to her eyes. “I might know where to find one.”

I smile back, feeling the warmth return. “Good. I’ll need it before the next meeting.”

She turns toward the door then pauses, looking back at me. “Abram?”