Page 55 of Serena (Shattered Queens #1)

The relaunch party is taking place in an estate right by the beach.

It’s one of the oldest in Veridian Bay. The interior has been renovated, and a modern crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling.

Looking around, the new logo is on display.

It’s modern and fresh, showcasing a new era at Kayde Investments.

I turn to the man who’s holding me close. Ian reeks of power and wealth. As soon as we walked into the room, all eyes were on us. I push my insecure thoughts down.

“They are looking at you, not me,” he whispers in my ear.

He’s in his signature tailored black suit and bowtie.

When he raises his arm, I can see the black ink on his wrist. That’s such a huge turn on.

It’s like a peek into the other side of Ian.

One that is only for me. I’m wearing a tight black off-the-shoulder dress.

It makes me feel sexy, and by the look on Ian’s face when I walked out of the bedroom earlier, he loves it too.

More like he’d love to rip it off me, and I'd let him.

We moved on from our earlier argument. I know he wants to protect me, and I decided to go all in and let him. I was still going to come. With or without him. I see Gabe and Veronica from across the dance floor. I wasn’t expecting Gabe to attend. They walk over to us, and Vee gives me a hug,

“Serena! You look so sexy in that dress. I’m surprised my brother let you out!”

“Don’t give him any ideas. He almost locked me in the bedroom so no one else would see me in this dress.”

She gives her brother a scolding look. “Gabe.” I hug the younger Kayde. “It’s great to see you.”

“You as well. How’s it living with this one?” He motions to his big brother.

“Living? Uh.”

“Well, well, isn’t this nice?” I turn to see Mila standing in front of us. “All the Kayde siblings together.” She looks at Ian’s hand that's now around my waist. “Seems like you’ve been busy, Ian.”

“What are you doing here, Mila?” His tone is clipped.

“I’m here with the media. I wasn’t going to miss this.

It’s going to be your legacy.” She looks at me with so much hate in her eyes.

“So, now you’re fucking your employees?” She keeps going.

"Come on, Ian. I know you’re still mad, but don’t you think you’ve punished me enough?

Wait.” She puts her finger to her lips. “I remember you quite like punishing.” She smiles.

What a fucking bitch. “Mila, you need to leave. You're not welcome here.” Gabe reaches for her arm, but Mila pulls it away.

“Don’t you fucking touch me, Gabriel. You don't want me to create a scene, do you? I’ll leave whenever I’m ready.”

“Ms. Nerva, is this how women climb to the top now?” She looks Ian up and down. “Or climb on top?” I know what she’s insinuating. That’s what everyone here will think.

Ian doesn’t hesitate to grab Mila by the elbow. He raises his voice, but it’s still only loud enough for us to hear. “If you don’t leave right now, I will have security come and drag you out in front of all these hundreds of people.”

We are interrupted by Claudia. “Serena!” I turn to her, but instead of her rushing to me, I rush to her. I pull away from Ian and walk away. I don’t look back. He can deal with his crazy ex-whatever. I feign indifference as I move around the room.

It’s been about an hour, and I'm ready to go. I haven’t returned to Ian, but I feel his eyes following me around.

I spent time mingling among the crowd, and fuck, it’s exhausting.

I’m speaking with David, my Chief Financial Officer, when I feel Ian’s arm wrap around my waist. He closes the distance between us and looks at David, who notices but doesn't say anything.

“Mr. Kayde, I was telling Serena that she’s doing such an amazing job. The last quarter’s reports are great. Your father and the board will be very pleased." Ian kisses the crown of my head.

“Yes, Kayde Investments and I are grateful to have her.” I don’t miss how he separated both.

“Hello, Serena.” I turn to see Elias and Theo approaching. I feel Ian tense at the sight of Elias. David excuses himself and leaves the four of us standing here. I put my hand on Ian's chest, and he seems to relax.

“Theo, Elias, I’m glad you could make it.” That's all he says, and for Ian, it's as good as they’ll get. He has too much pride. They silently acknowledge him, and I smile at my friends so we can move on.

I face Ian. “Thank you. That meant more than you will ever know.” In front of everyone, I rise on tiptoes and wrap my arms around his neck to kiss him. He enfolds me with his hands and deepens the kiss, then pulls away and smiles.

“Serena, I—” He’s interrupted by Damon.

“I’m going to the ladies’ room.” Ian nods, and before I walk away, he pulls me in for another kiss. I start walking and feel everyone looking at me. I glance at a group of women that includes Selma, Maggie, and Claudia, and they all smile at me.

I exit the bathroom stall and find Mila waiting for me. “Can I help you?”

“Actually, yes, Ms. Nerva. You can leave Ian Kayde alone.”

Again with this. “And why would I do that, Ms. Livingston?” I match her condescending tone.

“Isn’t it obvious? Because he and I are supposed to be together. Our families have history. Ian and I have history… Or did he not tell you?”

I assumed Mila and Ian had history. Otherwise, why the fuck would she be so obsessed with him? We both have a past when it comes to partners, good and bad. Granted, mine aren’t cornering him in a bathroom stall.

“Listen, Mila, if he told me he wanted to be with you, I’d let him go.

Why would I want to be with someone who doesn’t want me?

” I’ve been there before. I pinch my nose, already losing my patience.

“But he doesn’t want to be with you. Mila, I’ve always prided myself on being a girls’ girl, but you are testing me.

Please leave us alone and move on with your life. ”

“Us? There will be no ‘us.’ I’ll make sure of that.” I cautiously approach her.

“Listen, Mila, stop while you’re ahead. I’m sick of people who think they can come into my life and threaten me. Like I said, he doesn’t want you. Desperate doesn't look good on you.” I repeated my friend's words to her.

“You bitch.” She swings her hand, but I grab it and push her back.

“Move on,” I tell her and exit the bathroom. I hear her screams. I know Ian is waiting for me back at the party, but I need some fresh air.

I make it outside and find a labyrinth. The foliage is accented by a variety of colored roses; it's breathtaking. I inhale the scents in the hopes their calming effects will help my current mood. There’s a clear sky.

I can hear the waves crash into the rocks.

I take a walk around, taking in the view.

The ground is concrete; I hear the tap of my heels with every step I take.

I walk and stop to admire the roses, and that’s when I hear footsteps coming from the same direction I came.

The uneasy feeling of being watched comes over me again.

I start to move, and the echo of someone moving follows me.

They don’t sound like heels; no, they are dress shoes.

There’s a mild odor that I can't put my finger on. I’m so caught up in my own thoughts that I’ve somehow strolled into the labyrinth.

I speed up, and so does whoever is behind me, so I pull out my phone.

My finger fumbles as I dial Ian’s number.

“Ian.”

“Serena, where are you?”

I try to stay calm, but my panic is setting in. “Outside in the—” I hear him.

“Pretty girl.” No, it can’t be. This can’t be real. They’re dead. Both of them are dead!

“Pretty girl.” He sounds close. I look at my phone.

The call dropped. Fuck. I quickly take off my heels.

“X marks the spot." I’m being hunted. “Pretty girl, I thought you were dead.” He’s close.

Respira, I tell myself. He screams, not caring who hears.

“How’s the scar!?” I look around and take my chance.

I turn right. “Oh, pretty girl,” he singsongs.

I'm not sure where to go. “Serena!” It's Ian. I hear my name again.

“Ian,” I scream out for him. My knife. My hands fumble as I dig through my clutch. “Ian,” I scream out again. The smell. He’s close.

“Serena!” I don’t reply; I don’t want to give away my location. I hear him close.

“Don’t worry, pretty girl. I’ll see you real soon.” And I know he’s gone.

My legs give out. My vision is blurry. “Serena!” I hear Ian.

“Ian!” I cry for him. He gets on his knees and wraps me in his arms. “Ian, there was someone else that night.” I cry into him. “He-he was there. There was someone else there.” I turn and vomit.

I hear Gabe shout out orders. “Check everywhere.”

“Shut it down,” someone else yells. Everything is turning hazy.

“Serena, stay with me. Baby, look at me.” His voice is stern. “I said look at me.” I look into those dark-green eyes. “Good girl. Did he hurt you?”

“No.”

“We’re going to go home. I’m going to call the doctor to take a look at you. Okay?”

“Okay,” I repeat.