"I thought we were heading to wherever Spencer was. So why," Melanie hissed suspiciously, her eyes catching movement on the side, "do I see Adam marching toward us?"
Her accusing gaze snapped to Laela, who only grinned, utterly unbothered, unrepentant, and practically radiating mischief. "Sis, I changed my mind," she announced, her voice dripping with amusement. "You were looking way too hot to be wasted on Spencer. It would be a crime to parade you in front of him when I could put you on display right here instead—" she tilted her chin toward the approaching man with a wicked gleam in her eyes, "—in front of Mr. Hotness himself."
Melanie stared at Leala promising retribution in future for the betrayal. The gaze, of course, was ignored by Laela who knew her best friend to be too much of a softie to do anything to her. As for Melanie, she watched Adam. The man had already cut across half the dance floor and was moving swiftly, irrespective of the crowd. How did he move so fast despite so many people. But now was not the time to curse Laela's nosiness or Adam's swiftness.
Heart leaping, she shot Laela a sharp look, pasted on a thin smile, and shoved her straight into the swirling mass of bodies before turning on her heel and making a beeline for the upper floor from the other side. If Melanie wanted to meet Adam, she would have not gone to Laela's house or agreed to come here.
Adam's expression darkened and his eyes narrowed as he watched her retreat. But just as he moved to change course and follow her, someone stepped into his path. Slim fingers curled around his arm, holding him in place, and then—before he could react—a pair of arms draped around his neck.
"Where are you running off to, Hottie?" A smooth, teasing voice interrupted his focus. "You came all this way so fast, and now you're trying to slip away?"
Adam turned slightly, shifting his attention away from Melanie to the woman who had so boldly captured him. Laela.
He studied her for a moment, then let a slow, knowing smile curve his lips. Amused. "Miss Laela. I think you know exactly why I'm here." He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice just enough to make her smirk falter. "Are you really going to let your dear friend escape after so cruelly throwing you into the fire?"
Laela merely shrugged, unfazed, her grin flickering back into place. If Adam Collins had gone out of his way to cut Melanie off from a man who was supposed to be her husband, then of course he had investigated her and everyone around her. It was expected.
"Oh, I don't mind a little heat," she said, flashing a careless smile. "Come on, let's dance a bit."
Adam shrugged and continued to stand there in the middle of the dance floor, making no move to hold her, his hands at his side as he looked down at her.
Laela arched a brow at him, intrigued. This was the man who had been pushing boundaries, taking liberties with her best friend and keeping her on the edge and nervous. And yet, now, when it was so easy, so natural to do the same with her, he was playing the gentleman?
Interesting.
The crowd suddenly shifted. A surge of movement sent her stumbling forward. She fell against him—but even then, even as she was pressed against his solid frame, he barely reacted. He shifted, adjusting slightly to maintain the distance between them.
Even more interesting.
Her lips curled in a slow smile. Lowering her hands, she let her fingers slide down his arms, feeling the tension in his muscles as she asked, "Not even a gentlemanly hand to catch me? Are you really that kind of man, or are you just trying to build a facade?"
Adam smiled then, and Laela blinked.
Holy shi*.
This man really was hotness. It was a good thing Melanie wasn't interested in him in love that is, she couldn't blame her for wanting to bed the hottie but at least she wasn't foolish enough to love him. Otherwise, poor Mel would have to fight hordes of women just to keep him.
She forced herself to snap out of it as Adam finally responded. "I hardly think you needed me to catch you," he said smoothly. "As for a facade? Why would I?"
Laela narrowed her eyes slightly, studying him.
No, this man was not so simple. The mask he had on. It was firmly in place. But she narrowed her eyes.
She really didn't care for people like Adam who would shed skin and change in a moment. Like snakes. She narrowed her eyes at him," What exactly are your designs on my Mel?"
Adam smirked again and leaned in close, his eyes now fixed on the woman who had reached the upper level," My plans?I hardly think it is any of your business, Miss Laela. You are Melon's best friend. Not mine."
Laela scoffed. "See, that's where you're wrong. I'm not just her best friend. I am her sister." Her voice dropped, turning sharper, colder. "I don't give a damn about whatever deal you two have going on. Whether it's business or some twisted game you've thought up, that's not my concern. But let me make one thing very, very clear."
This time, she leaned in closer and continued in a steel tone," If you hurt her, I will make sure you suffer for it. And trust me, Mr. Hotness—" her lips curled into something far too sweet to be friendly as she distanced herself, "—I'm very, very good at making men pay."
For a moment, the two stared at each other, challenging. Then Adam let out a quiet exhale, something like amusement flickering in his expression. "Noted," he said simply.
Laela held his gaze for another beat before giving him a satisfied nod. "Good. Now go chase her. WIth the way your eyes are following her, they might just fall out of your sockets and go directly to her."