Page 16 of Tempting My Nemesis

Why do I feel like he's testing me? I glance over at Caleb, who stands across the room. His posture is stiff, his eyes sweeping the crowd with a predator's vigilance.

Kane chuckles darkly, leaning in slightly. "You must know by now that Caleb's interests… extend beyond just business. Be careful. He's dangerous company to keep."

My pulse quickens. Kane's words carry an underlying threat that sends alarm bells ringing through my mind. Before I can respond, Caleb appears beside me, his presence cutting through the tension like a blade.

"I think that's enough for now," Caleb says coolly.

Kane smiles, but there's no warmth in it. "Of course. Just looking out for the lady."

Relief washes over me as Kane walks away, but the encounter leaves me shaken. What did he mean by that? I turn to Caleb, seeking answers, but his expression is unreadable.

"Are you alright?" he asks quietly.

"I need some air," I answer honestly, trying to steady my nerves.

Caleb nods, understanding in his eyes. He gently guides me through the crowd, his hand on the small of my back, until we reach the balcony doors. The cool night air hits my face as we step outside, offering a welcome respite from the suffocating atmosphere of the ballroom.

His watchfulness is comforting, yet it raises questions I'm not sure I want answered. Who are you, really, Caleb Steele?

The cool marble railing feels solid under my fingers as I try to steady myself. Kane’s words still linger in my mind, leaving me rattled. The night air wraps around me, offering a small comfort against the unease simmering within.

Caleb steps closer, his presence a force field of warmth and strength. He leans against the railing beside me, his handbrushing against mine. The touch sends a shock of electricity through my body, making my breath catch.

“You don’t have to worry about him,” Caleb says, his voice low and soothing. “I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

I look up at him, searching his eyes for any sign of deceit.

“But you’re hiding something, aren’t you? What aren’t you telling me?”

His gray eyes flicker with something unspoken. He hesitates, the mask he always wears slipping for just a moment.

“Some things are better left unsaid,” he murmurs.

His hand finds mine again, his fingers brushing lightly against my skin. The air between us hums with unspoken desire. I feel myself leaning closer, drawn to him like a moth to a flame.

I shouldn’t want this… but I do. I can’t stop myself.

Caleb’s lips brush against mine, soft at first, testing the waters. My breath hitches, and I let myself melt into the kiss, the warmth of his mouth chasing away all my doubts, if only for this moment.

The kiss deepens, slow and deliberate, as if we are both savoring the connection we’ve been resisting for so long. His hand moves to cup my face gently, his thumb tracing my cheek as our lips move together in perfect harmony.

The distant murmur of the gala fades into the background. All that exists is this moment—this undeniable pull between us that feels both inevitable and dangerous.

Caleb pulls back slightly, his forehead resting against mine as we both catch our breath.

“Zoe,” he whispers, his voice raw with emotion.

I open my eyes and find him looking at me with an intensity that makes my heart race even faster. This is more than just business… it’s starting to feel real.

“What are we doing?” I ask softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

He doesn’t answer right away; instead, he presses another kiss to my lips—gentler this time but no less filled with meaning.

“We’re figuring it out,” he finally says when he pulls back again.

The honesty in his eyes tells me that he’s as lost in this as I am. And for now… that’s enough.

My skin still burns where Caleb's hands touched me. I adjust my gown, fingers trembling. What just happened?

---