Page 20 of His By Contract

Georgia lost sight of Adrian behind a cluster of socialites in evening gowns. The crowd shifted like water, faces blurring into a sea of practiced smiles and calculated glances. A waiter swept past with a tray of empty glasses. The string quartet started a new piece.

The space around her cleared. No accidental stumbles or casual bumps—the crowd parted with fluid grace, leaving her exposed. Alone.

Her pulse quickened. The air changed, grew thick with intent.

Richard Vaughn materialized at her side, close enough that his cologne reached her—sandalwood and something darker. Hekept his eyes on the crowd ahead, but she felt him there beside her, his energy radiating into the narrow gap that separated them.

“Beautiful evening.” His voice carried just far enough for her ears alone. “Though these events can feel suffocating, can’t they? All these people watching, judging, waiting to see what happens next.”

Georgia’s fingers tightened around her glass. The crystal felt cold against her skin.

“Some of us are used to being watched,” she said.

“Are you?” A trace of a smile ghosted across his lips. “Or are you just learning to live in a cage?”

The string quartet’s music swelled. Through gaps in the crowd, she caught glimpses of Adrian, deep in conversation with two board members. His back was turned.

Vaughn shifted slightly, angling his body toward her without moving closer. “The thing about cages, Mrs. Adler—sometimes we don’t realize we’re in one until someone shows us the door.”

Georgia’s heart hammered against her ribs. The crystal stem of her glass turned slick in her palm as Vaughn leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper that cut through the noise of the party.

“Let me make you an offer.”

Her muscles tensed. She wanted to step back, to call for Adrian, to do anything but stand frozen as Vaughn’s words sliced through her defenses.

“One conversation. That’s all I’m asking.”

The music hit a crescendo. Across the room, someone’s laughter pierced the air. Georgia’s throat closed up as Vaughn paused, letting silence stretch between them like a tripwire.

“If you’re not interested, walk away. But if you want out—truly out—you’ll know where to find me.”

The words hung in the air, simple and clean as a blade. No ultimatum. No threat. Just an exit door, cracked open enough to let in a sliver of light.

Before she could gather her thoughts or form any response, Vaughn turned away. His shoes clicked against the marble floor as he merged back into the crowd, vanishing between clusters of evening gowns and tuxedos.

He didn’t look back. Didn’t wait to see if his words had landed. But Georgia felt them sink into her skin, taking root in the dark corners of her mind where doubt already grew.

Her hands shook as she set down her champagne glass. The party swirled around her, faces blurring into meaningless shapes as Vaughn’s offer echoed in her thoughts.

One conversation.

A way out.

The seed was planted.

The next day, Georgia pushed through the glass doors of Le Petit Café, clutching her sketchbook to her chest. The familiar scent of fresh pastries and coffee couldn’t calm her racing thoughts. Vaughn’s words from last night’s gala haunted her steps.

She paused on the sidewalk, inhaling the crisp morning air. A black sedan idled at the curb, its polished surface reflecting the morning sun.

Her fingers tightened around her sketchbook. The vehicle screamed luxury without drawing attention, the kind of car that belonged in this upscale neighborhood yet stood apart from the usual parade of status symbols.

A man in a dark suit stood beside the open rear door. His posture spoke of training and purpose, but his expression remained neutral as their eyes met.

“Mr. Vaughn sends his regards.” The driver’s voice carried just far enough to reach her ears. “He’s ready to have that conversation.”

The words settled like stones in her stomach. The open door gaped before her, an invitation and a warning wrapped in leather and chrome.

She glanced down the street. No sign of Adrian’s security detail, no familiar faces watching from the shadows. Just her, standing on the precipice of a choice that could change everything.

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