Suite Seductions

The next morning, Maya woke in a haze, her body still aching from Adrian's touch. She lay in bed, staring at the ceiling as the memories of last night flooded her mind-his hands, his lips, the way he'd completely unraveled her. She hated how much she'd wanted him, how easily he'd broken down her defenses.

But as much as she wanted to regret it, she couldn't. Because for all the chaos and confusion, Adrian made her feel alive. He made her burn in ways she hadn't thought possible.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, pulling her from her thoughts. She grabbed it, her stomach twisting when she saw Malik's name on the screen.

Malik: We need to talk. Now.

Maya groaned, dropping the phone onto the bed. She didn't need this-not from him, not after last night. But she knew Malik wouldn't take no for an answer.

When she arrived at The Regency, the tension in the air was suffocating. She'd barely stepped into the lobby when Jamal appeared, his sharp eyes narrowing as he took in her frazzled state.

"Morning," he said, his voice low. "You look like hell."

"Thanks," Maya muttered, brushing past him.

Jamal followed, his presence grounding her even as her nerves threatened to unravel. "You okay?"

"I'm fine," she lied, her voice clipped.

Jamal caught her arm, stopping her in her tracks. "Maya." His tone softened, his thumb brushing against her skin. "Talk to me."

She exhaled sharply, her shoulders slumping. "It's just... Adrian. And Malik. And everything."

Jamal's jaw tightened, his dark eyes hardening. "What did they do?"

"Nothing," she said quickly, though the memory of Adrian's hands on her body sent a shiver down her spine. "It's just... complicated."

Jamal stepped closer, his voice dropping to a near growl. "If they're fucking with you-"

"They're always fucking with me," she snapped, cutting him off. "But it's my mess to deal with, Jamal."

His lips pressed into a thin line, his frustration palpable. "You don't have to deal with it alone."

Before she could respond, a sharp voice cut through the air.

"Maya!"

She turned to see Victoria striding toward her, clipboard in hand and a faint scowl on her face. "Mr. Bennett is waiting for you in the penthouse. Now."

The elevator ride to the penthouse was tense, her nerves fraying with every floor. By the time the doors slid open, she was wound so tight she felt like she might snap.

Malik was waiting for her, leaning against the bar with a glass of whiskey in his hand. His dark eyes lit up when he saw her, and his grin was equal parts wicked and dangerous.

"There's my girl," he said, his deep voice rolling over her like a caress.

"I'm not your girl," Maya shot back, her tone sharp as she stepped into the room.

Malik chuckled, setting his glass down as he sauntered toward her. "You keep saying that, but we both know it's bullshit."

"What do you want, Malik?" she demanded, crossing her arms.

"I want to know why the fuck you're still playing with Sterling," he said bluntly, his grin fading. "You think I don't know what's going on?"

Maya's stomach tightened, but she refused to let him see her falter. "What happens between me and Adrian is none of your business."