Suite Seductions

The days following her confrontation with Adrian felt like a blur. Maya threw herself into her work, staying busy with demanding guests, endless schedules, and the never-ending chaos of The Regency. But no matter how hard she tried to bury herself in her duties, the tension between her and Adrian simmered just beneath the surface.

And then there was Malik. Every time she crossed paths with him, he made it his mission to push her buttons, his flirtations turning sharper and more explicit with each encounter. The man was a walking, talking temptation wrapped in trouble.

By the time Friday rolled around, Maya was exhausted. She was in the middle of organizing a last-minute request for a guest's private jet when Victoria appeared beside her, clipboard in hand and a faint scowl etched on her face.

"You're assigned to the penthouse party tonight," Victoria said curtly.

Maya blinked. "What party?"

"Mr. Sterling is hosting an intimate gathering," Victoria replied, her tone dripping with unspoken judgment. "You'll be on hand to ensure everything runs smoothly."

Of course. Adrian fucking Sterling.

The Penthouse Party was anything but intimate. The spacious suite was packed with some of London's most influential faces-celebrities, tech moguls, and socialites lounging on plush leather sofas with drinks in hand. The lights were dim, casting a sultry glow over the room, and the air hummed with a charged energy.

Maya moved through the crowd, her black dress blending into the sleek surroundings. Her job was simple: stay out of the way while making sure everyone had what they needed. But the moment she spotted Adrian across the room, her pulse quickened.

He was leaning against the bar, his shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal the sharp lines of his collarbone. His steel-gray eyes found hers almost immediately, and the smirk that tugged at his lips was nothing short of predatory.

Maya turned her attention back to the tray of drinks she was carrying, determined to ignore him. But ignoring Adrian Sterling was impossible.

"Looking sharp, Richards," a deep voice drawled.

Maya glanced up to find Malik Bennett standing in her path, his dark eyes gleaming with amusement. He was dressed in a tailored navy suit that hugged his broad shoulders, and the grin on his face was nothing short of wicked.

"Malik," she said coolly. "Enjoying the party?"

"It just got better," he replied, his gaze roaming over her. "You clean up nice, love."

"Thanks," she muttered, sidestepping him.

But Malik wasn't one to be brushed off so easily. He followed her to the bar, leaning in close enough that she could feel the heat radiating off him.

"You're wound too tight," he said, his voice low. "Relax a little. Have a drink."

"I'm working," Maya snapped.

"So?" Malik smirked, his hand brushing lightly against her arm. "Doesn't mean you can't have a little fun."

Before Maya could respond, Adrian appeared beside them, his presence commanding as he placed a hand on the small of her back.

"Bennett," Adrian said smoothly. "Don't you have someone else to bother?"

Malik's grin widened, but there was an edge to it now. "Just making conversation."

Adrian's steel-gray eyes darkened, his grip on Maya's back tightening slightly. "She's not here to entertain you."

Maya bristled, her anger bubbling to the surface. "I can speak for myself," she said sharply, pulling away from Adrian's touch.