Maya Richards pulled at the hem of her tailored black skirt, trying to ignore the way it hugged her ass a little too tightly for a first day on the job. The Regency Palace Hotel in Mayfair wasn't just a hotel; it was an institution, a playground for the rich and famous. She had worked her ass off literally and figuratively to get here. From pouring cheap wine in South London pubs to greeting influencers at mid-range boutiques, this was the crown jewel on her CV.
She glanced around the opulent marble lobby, where a Swarovski chandelier the size of a car sparkled overhead. Everything about this place screamed exclusivity. From the bellboys dressed in bespoke suits to the floral arrangements that smelled like money, it was clear that The Regency wasn't just a hotel, it was a lifestyle. And now, she was part of it.
Behind the concierge desk, Victoria Harrington, the hotel director, stood like a queen surveying her kingdom. With her sleek blonde bob, sharp Louboutins, and a blazer that could probably pay a month's rent, Victoria was the epitome of polished power.
"You're late," Victoria said without looking up from her tablet. Her voice was clipped, and her English accent had a sharp edge that could slice through glass.
Maya glanced at the clock. It was 8:59. She swallowed her retort. "My apologies, Ms. Harrington."
Victoria's icy blue eyes finally landed on her, scanning her from head to toe. "You'll address me as Victoria. But don't mistake familiarity for leniency. At The Regency, perfection isn't a goal; it's a requirement."
Maya nodded, her pulse quickening. "Understood."
"Good." Victoria's gaze flicked to a tablet on the desk. "You'll be shadowing me today. The Regency clientele demand discretion and efficiency, two things I expect you to master immediately. This is not the kind of place where we ask how high when they say jump. We anticipate the jump before they even speak."
Maya nodded again, but before she could respond, the sound of heels clacking on marble echoed through the lobby. Lila Moreno, the Brazilian influencer currently staying in the hotel's executive suite, sashayed in like a walking Instagram story. Clad in a skin-tight white dress that showed off her perfect curves, she exuded confidence. Her honey-blonde waves cascaded over her shoulders, and her caramel skin glowed under the chandelier light.
"Victoria, darling!" Lila's voice was sugary sweet, her Brazilian accent wrapping around the words like silk.
Victoria's smile was sharp and fake. "Miss Moreno, always a pleasure."
"Of course it is," Lila said, her perfectly glossed lips curling into a smirk. Her eyes flicked to Maya. "And who's this?"
"Maya Richards, our new concierge," Victoria said briskly.
Maya extended her hand, but Lila simply looked her up and down with an appraising eye. "Cute," she said dismissively. "But do you know how to keep a secret?"
Maya blinked, caught off guard. "I—"
"Good." Lila didn't wait for her response. "Send up a bottle of Dom Perignon to my suite. And tell your sommelier to chill it properly this time. The last one was lukewarm, and I don't drink piss."
Victoria gave a tight smile. "Of course, Miss Moreno. Consider it handled."
Maya bit her tongue, but she could feel the heat rising to her cheeks. The arrogance, the entitlement, it was everything she hated.
As Lila strutted toward the elevators, Victoria leaned in. "Rule number one: You never challenge the guests. No matter how ridiculous the request."
Maya nodded, though she was already mentally imagining slapping Lila across the face with her lukewarm champagne bottle.
The day passed in a blur of introductions and shadowing. Maya was quickly introduced to the hotel's inner workings: the private dining rooms, the spa with its exclusive treatments, and, most importantly, the penthouse floor.
The Regency's penthouses were the stuff of legend. Each suite was custom-designed, from the Egyptian cotton sheets to the marble bathrooms. It was where the real money stayed—billionaires, celebrities, and politicians who needed a discreet place to indulge their vices.
By mid-afternoon, Maya was delivering a private dinner order to the penthouse lounge when she came face-to-face with Adrian Sterling.
He was seated on a plush leather armchair, his steel-gray eyes focused on a laptop. His dark brown hair was perfectly tousled, and his tailored shirt hugged his lean, muscular frame. There was something about him, his aura, his confidence, that made the air feel heavier.
"Mr. Sterling," Maya said, keeping her voice steady.
He looked up, his gaze locking onto hers. His lips curled into a slow smirk, one that sent a shiver down her spine.
"You're new," he said, his voice smooth and deep.
"Yes, sir," she replied, placing the tray on the coffee table. "Your lunch."
"Thank you," he said, but his eyes didn't leave hers. "What's your name?"
"Maya."
"Maya," he repeated, testing the syllables on his tongue. "Welcome to The Regency."
There was a pause, the kind that stretched just a little too long, before he leaned back in his chair. "Tell Victoria I said she's outdone herself this time."
Maya frowned slightly. "Excuse me?"
He tilted his head, his gaze flicking to her curves. "Nothing. You'll find out soon enough."
Later that evening, as Maya was clocking out, she passed Jamal Carter at the rooftop bar. He was leaning casually against the counter, his white shirt rolled up to reveal his tattooed forearm as he stirred a drink with practiced ease.
"First day?" he asked, flashing her a smile that was equal parts charm and mischief.
Maya nodded, letting her guard down for the first time all day. "Yeah. Survived, though."
"Barely," Jamal quipped, sliding a glass toward a waiting guest. He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Don't let Victoria scare you off. She's all bark."
Maya chuckled. "And what about the guests? Are they all as awful as Lila Moreno?"
Jamal's grin widened. "Oh, you haven't seen anything yet."
The tension was just beginning to brew at The Regency Palace. Guests were arriving for an exclusive event—a lavish masquerade party hosted by none other than Adrian Sterling. And Maya, whether she liked it or not, was about to find herself tangled in the hotel's web of secrets, seduction, and scandal.
Maya barely had time to process Jamal's parting words before Victoria swept into the bar like a storm in stilettos. Her blonde bob gleamed under the dim light, her Louboutins clicking sharply against the polished floor.
"There you are," Victoria said curtly, her eyes narrowing as they scanned Maya's slightly frazzled appearance. "You're not done yet."
Maya blinked. "I was just clocking out."
"Not anymore," Victoria said, handing her a gold-embossed envelope. "Mr. Sterling's masquerade party is tonight. He requested additional staff. I trust you'll rise to the occasion."
Maya opened her mouth to argue but thought better of it. Instead, she nodded, her fingers tightening around the envelope.
"Good." Victoria's icy gaze softened just slightly. "Remember, Maya, this isn't a job. It's an audition. Every interaction here could define your future."
As Victoria turned on her heel and strode away, Maya glanced at Jamal, who was shaking his head with a knowing smirk.
"Better get used to that," he said, sliding her a cocktail with a wink. "You're in for a long night."
The masquerade party was being held in The Regency's Celeste Ballroom, a sprawling space that oozed opulence. Crystal chandeliers hung low, casting a golden glow over the room. Velvet drapes framed the floor-to-ceiling windows, and a string quartet played softly in the corner, their music weaving through the murmurs of London's elite.
Maya adjusted the mask Victoria had handed her—a delicate black lace creation that covered the upper half of her face. The dress code was formal, and she had swapped her work uniform for a sleek black dress that clung to her curves. She couldn't shake the feeling of being out of place, surrounded by people who probably spent more on their shoes than she earned in a month.
Her task for the night was simple: ensure the guests had everything they needed. But as Maya circulated the room, it quickly became clear that "everything" meant something entirely different in this crowd.
Adrian Sterling stood at the center of it all, a magnet for attention. His tailored tuxedo hugged his lean frame, and his mask—black with silver accents—did nothing to hide the intensity of his steel-gray eyes. He sipped his whiskey slowly, his gaze scanning the room like a predator surveying its prey.
When his eyes landed on Maya, his lips curled into that same infuriating smirk. He beckoned her with a subtle tilt of his head, and she hesitated before walking over.
"Mr. Sterling," she said, keeping her tone professional.
"Adrian," he corrected, his voice smooth as silk. "Let's not stand on ceremony tonight."
Maya nodded, her pulse quickening. "Is there something you need?"
Adrian's eyes flicked to her lips, then down her body in a way that made her skin heat. "Not yet," he said, his tone layered with implication. "But I'm sure I will."
Before she could respond, a woman's laughter cut through the conversation. Lila Moreno, clad in a glittering gold gown that clung to every curve, draped herself over Adrian like a cat marking its territory.
"Adrian," she purred, her Brazilian accent thick and sultry. "Don't hog all the fun. You promised me a dance."
Adrian's smirk didn't waver. "Then let's not keep you waiting."
As they disappeared onto the dance floor, Maya let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
Jamal Carter stood at the edge of the room, expertly blending into the background while keeping an eye on the chaos. His white shirt was unbuttoned just enough to reveal the hint of his tattooed chest, and his easy charm made him a favorite among the guests.
When Maya approached the bar to grab a tray of drinks, Jamal leaned in close.
"Having fun yet?" he asked, his deep voice tinged with amusement.
Maya rolled her eyes. "Define fun."
He chuckled, pouring her a glass of champagne. "Don't let them get to you. Most of these people are all bark and no bite. Except for Adrian."
"What about him?" Maya asked, trying to sound casual.
Jamal's eyes darkened slightly. "Let's just say he's not used to hearing the word 'no.' Watch yourself around him."
The night wore on, and the ballroom's elegant atmosphere began to unravel. The string quartet had been replaced by a DJ, and the champagne was flowing freely. Guests abandoned their masks, revealing faces that Maya recognized from tabloids and magazine covers.
In the corner, Malik Bennett, the footballer, was holding court. His towering frame and infectious laugh drew a small crowd, and his accent—a smooth blend of London street and polished charm—rolled off his tongue as easily as his flirtations.
"Come on, bruv," Malik said to Dez Clark, the hotel's head of security, who stood nearby with his arms crossed. "Loosen up for once."
Dez's deep baritone cut through the noise. "I'm here to work, not play."
Malik grinned, his dark eyes glinting. "Work can be fun too. If you know how to do it right."
Maya passed by with a tray of drinks, and Malik's gaze zeroed in on her. "Now there's a face I haven't seen before," he said, his smile turning wicked.
Maya felt a blush rise to her cheeks as Malik reached for a drink. His fingers brushed hers, lingering just long enough to make her heart race.
"Careful, mate," Dez said, his tone low and warning.
"Relax, big man," Malik replied, his grin never faltering. "I'm just being friendly."
As the night spiraled deeper into debauchery, Maya found herself pulled into the shadows of the hotel's secrets. She caught glimpses of guests slipping into private rooms, their laughter and whispers promising things she couldn't begin to imagine.
And then there was Adrian, always watching her, his gaze sharp and unrelenting.
When the party began to wind down, Maya stepped outside for air. The cool night breeze was a welcome relief from the heat and chaos inside.
"You look like you could use a drink," Jamal's voice came from behind her.
Maya turned to see him holding out a glass of champagne, his eyes warm and inviting.
"Thanks," she said, taking the glass.
Jamal leaned against the balcony railing, his tattooed forearm brushing against hers. "So, what do you think of The Regency so far?"
Maya laughed softly. "It's... intense."
"That's one way to put it," Jamal said with a smirk. "But don't worry. You'll get the hang of it."
As their conversation continued, Maya couldn't help but feel the pull of the hotel's intoxicating allure. The Regency was more than just a job. It was a world of secrets, seduction, and danger—and she was already in too deep.
Maya found herself lingering on the balcony longer than she intended. Jamal was easy to talk to—too easy. His charm was natural, the kind of disarming humor that made her laugh despite the tension of the evening. But even as they chatted, her mind kept wandering back to the events of the night.
The masquerade had peeled back a layer of The Regency Palace that she hadn't been prepared for. Beneath the glittering chandeliers and polished facades was a darkness she could feel but couldn't yet define.
Jamal leaned closer, his deep brown eyes gleaming under the soft moonlight. "So, Maya... what's a girl like you doing in a place like this?"
She smirked, taking a sip of her champagne. "Same as everyone else. Trying to make a living."
He tilted his head, studying her. "Nah, you're different. You don't look like you're here to play the game."
"And what game is that?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"The one where everyone pretends they're better than they are," Jamal said, his voice dropping lower. "This place? It's a front. All this luxury, the exclusivity—it's just a shiny distraction from how messy these people really are. Trust me, I've seen it all."
Maya didn't have a chance to respond before the balcony doors opened, and Victoria Harrington appeared like a specter.
"Richards," she said sharply, her tone cutting through the air. "Mr. Sterling has requested you."
Maya blinked. "Me?"
"Yes, you," Victoria snapped. "He's in the penthouse lounge. Don't keep him waiting."
Jamal shot her a look, his lips quirking in a knowing smile. "Told you, you're in for a long night."
Maya's heels clicked against the marble floors as she made her way to the penthouse level. Her nerves buzzed with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. Adrian Sterling was an enigma, and every interaction with him left her feeling off-balance.
When she reached the lounge, the doors were slightly ajar. She knocked softly before stepping inside.
Adrian was seated on the edge of a sleek leather sofa, his jacket discarded and his shirt sleeves rolled up. A crystal tumbler of whiskey sat on the table in front of him, untouched. He looked up as she entered, his steel-gray eyes locking onto hers.
"You're prompt," he said, his voice smooth and low.
"You asked for me," Maya replied, keeping her tone professional.
Adrian leaned back, studying her with a gaze that felt like a physical touch. "Do you always follow orders so easily?"
Maya's lips parted in surprise, but she quickly recovered. "It depends on who's giving them."
His smirk deepened, and he gestured to the chair opposite him. "Sit."
She hesitated for a moment before taking the seat. The room was silent except for the faint hum of the city outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Adrian picked up his glass, swirling the amber liquid. "Tell me, Maya... what do you think of The Regency?"
"It's... impressive," she said carefully.
"Impressive," Adrian repeated, his tone laced with amusement. "That's a diplomatic answer."
"I'm still getting used to it," she admitted.
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Let me give you a piece of advice. This place will chew you up and spit you out if you're not careful. The guests, the staff—even Victoria. Everyone here is playing a game. If you don't learn the rules, you'll lose before you even realize you're in it."
Maya swallowed, her heart pounding in her chest. "And what game are you playing, Mr. Sterling?"
Adrian's lips curved into a slow smile. "The only one worth playing."
Before she could respond, the sound of laughter echoed from the hallway. The door opened, and Lila Moreno waltzed in, her gold gown shimmering under the lights.
"There you are," she purred, her eyes flicking between Adrian and Maya. "Am I interrupting something?"
"Not at all," Adrian said smoothly, leaning back in his seat.
Lila's gaze lingered on Maya, her expression unreadable. "You must be very good at your job to get personal summons from Mr. Sterling."
Maya stiffened but kept her composure. "Just doing what's asked of me."
Lila smirked, her honey-blonde waves cascading over her shoulder as she sauntered toward Adrian. "Well, don't work too hard, darling. Leave some fun for the rest of us."
Adrian watched her with a bemused expression, his fingers tracing the rim of his glass. "Lila, why don't you go enjoy the party?"
Lila pouted but didn't argue. As she left the room, her heels clicking against the floor, Maya felt the tension in the air shift.
Adrian stood, his tall frame towering over her. He extended a hand, and for a moment, she thought he was going to help her up. Instead, he leaned down, his lips brushing against her ear.
"Be careful, Maya," he murmured, his voice sending a shiver down her spine. "This place has a way of pulling people under."
Maya left the penthouse feeling more confused than ever. Adrian's words lingered in her mind, their weight unsettling. She knew there was something about him—something dangerous. But she couldn't deny the pull he had over her, the way his presence made her heart race and her skin prickle with heat.
As she stepped into the elevator, her phone buzzed with a message from Victoria: Your shift isn't over. The Midnight Bar needs coverage.
Maya groaned, her exhaustion creeping in, but she knew better than to argue. The elevator doors opened onto the sleek, dimly lit rooftop bar, where Jamal was leaning against the counter, his eyes lighting up when he saw her.
"Back so soon?" he teased.
"Apparently, I'm a glutton for punishment," Maya replied, sliding behind the bar.
"Welcome to The Regency," Jamal said with a grin. "You'll fit right in."
The night dragged on, the crowd thinning as guests retired to their suites—or to one another's. Maya found herself stealing glances at Jamal, his easy confidence a stark contrast to the chaos of the evening.
"Ready for a real drink?" he asked, sliding her a glass of something dark and smooth.
Maya took a sip, the warmth of the alcohol spreading through her chest. "What is this?"
"House secret," Jamal said with a wink. "Trust me, it'll help you sleep after a night like this."
Maya laughed softly, the tension in her shoulders easing for the first time all night. But as she looked out over the glittering cityscape, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was standing on the edge of something she didn't fully understand.
Maya walked home from the hotel just as the sun began to break over the London skyline, painting the city in shades of soft orange and gold. The air was crisp, and the streets were mostly empty, save for the occasional cab speeding by. She'd missed the last Tube, and even though her feet ached from hours in heels, she couldn't bring herself to mind. Walking gave her time to process.
The masquerade, Adrian's cryptic warnings, Lila's sharp gaze—it all swirled in her head like a cocktail of confusion and intrigue. She kept replaying Adrian's words: This place has a way of pulling people under.
Maya sighed, tugging her coat tighter against the chill. What the hell have I gotten myself into?
Her phone buzzed in her pocket, jolting her from her thoughts. She pulled it out, frowning at the unknown number flashing on the screen.
"Hello?"
"Maya," came the smooth, deep voice on the other end.
She froze mid-step. "Mr. Sterling?"
"Adrian," he corrected, his tone laced with amusement. "I trust you made it home safely?"
Maya glanced around, as though he might somehow be watching her. "I... yes, I did. Is there something I can help you with?"
"I wanted to thank you for your professionalism tonight," Adrian said, his voice dripping with a kind of charm that felt both genuine and calculated. "You handled yourself well for someone new to the game."
Maya's brow furrowed. "The game?"
"Let's just say The Regency isn't your typical hotel," Adrian said cryptically. "You'll see soon enough."
Before she could press him further, he ended the call, leaving her standing on the empty street, her heart pounding in her chest.
The next morning, Maya dragged herself into work, running on two hours of sleep and a strong cup of coffee. The lobby was bustling with activity, as usual—guests checking out, staff moving seamlessly in the background.
"Maya," Victoria's sharp voice cut through the noise.
She turned to see her boss striding toward her, clipboard in hand. Victoria's blonde bob was as sharp as her tone, and her heels clicked with purpose.
"You'll be shadowing Mr. Carter today," Victoria said, her eyes flicking to Jamal, who was leaning casually against the concierge desk.
Jamal raised an eyebrow. "Shadowing me? Didn't know I was so important."
"Don't flatter yourself," Victoria said dryly. "Maya needs to familiarize herself with the bar operations, and you're available. Try to keep her out of trouble."
Jamal smirked, giving Maya a playful wink. "Guess you're stuck with me."
Victoria didn't wait for a response before turning on her heel and walking away.
The Midnight Bar was quiet during the day, its usual vibrancy dimmed by the absence of guests. Maya followed Jamal as he walked her through the setup, explaining everything from the signature cocktails to the unspoken rules of serving The Regency's elite clientele.
"The first rule," Jamal said, leaning against the bar, "is discretion. What happens here, stays here."
Maya nodded. "That much I've gathered."
He chuckled, shaking his head. "You think you've seen it all after one night? Trust me, Maya, you haven't even scratched the surface."
She frowned. "What do you mean?"
Jamal's gaze turned serious, the playful glint in his eyes dimming. "This place is like a beehive. The surface is all glitter and gold, but underneath, it's buzzing with secrets. Affairs, scandals, power plays—it's all happening right under your nose."
Maya crossed her arms, leaning against the counter. "And you? Are you part of that buzz?"
His lips curved into a slow smile. "Let's just say I know how to keep my head down when it counts. You should learn to do the same."
Before Maya could respond, the sound of heels clicking against the floor announced the arrival of a guest. She turned to see Lila Moreno entering the bar, her honey-blonde waves bouncing with each step.
"Jamal," Lila purred, her Brazilian accent wrapping around his name. "I need a favor."
Jamal straightened, his playful demeanor shifting into something more professional. "Of course, Miss Moreno. What can I do for you?"
Lila's eyes flicked to Maya, her lips curling into a smirk. "Not here. Let's talk in private."
Jamal hesitated, glancing at Maya. "I'm in the middle of—"
"I'm sure your little apprentice can handle things for five minutes," Lila interrupted, her tone dripping with condescension.
Maya bit her tongue, forcing a polite smile as Jamal followed Lila out of the bar.
The day dragged on, with Maya filling her time by organizing the bar's inventory and replaying the events of the night before. Jamal returned after a while, his expression unreadable.
"Everything okay?" she asked cautiously.
"Yeah," he said, though his tone was clipped. "Just another day at The Regency."
Maya raised an eyebrow. "You're not going to tell me what that was about, are you?"
Jamal smirked, leaning on the counter. "Nope. But don't worry—you'll figure out how this place works soon enough."
Later that evening, Maya found herself back on the penthouse floor, delivering a tray of cocktails to Adrian's lounge. The doors were closed, but the muffled sounds of laughter and conversation seeped through the walls. She knocked softly before pushing the door open.
The scene inside was a stark contrast to the formal atmosphere of the previous night. Adrian was lounging on the sofa, his shirt unbuttoned at the collar, a glass of whiskey in his hand. Malik Bennett was sprawled in a nearby chair, his deep laughter filling the room as he recounted a story.
"—and then the poor bastard tries to run, but his trousers are around his ankles!" Malik said, doubling over with laughter.
Adrian chuckled, his steel-gray eyes gleaming with amusement. "That's what he gets for underestimating you."
Maya stepped inside, her presence immediately drawing their attention.
"Ah, the lovely Maya," Adrian said, his smirk returning. "Come in. Don't be shy."
She set the tray down on the table, her cheeks flushing under Malik's intense gaze.
"So, you're the new girl everyone's talking about," Malik said, his deep voice tinged with curiosity. "They didn't mention you were this fine."
Maya's blush deepened, but she kept her composure. "Just doing my job, Mr. Bennett."
"Call me Malik," he said, his smile widening. "We're all friends here."
Adrian raised an eyebrow, his gaze flicking between Maya and Malik. "Careful, Bennett. Don't scare her off."
Malik leaned back, his grin never faltering. "I'm just being friendly."
Maya felt the weight of their attention, her heart pounding in her chest. The air in the room was thick with tension, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being drawn into something far more dangerous than she realized.
Maya moved to leave the penthouse lounge as quickly as possible. The intensity of Adrian's smirk and Malik's lingering gaze made her feel exposed, as though her every move was being cataloged and dissected. But before she could reach the door, Adrian's voice cut through the air.
"Not so fast, Maya."
Her hand froze on the doorknob. She turned, forcing a calm expression even as her pulse hammered in her ears. Adrian had risen from the sofa, his tall frame moving with the ease of someone completely in control of his surroundings.
"You seem to be in a hurry," he said, stepping closer, the tumbler of whiskey dangling loosely from his fingertips.
"I just didn't want to disturb your conversation," Maya replied, keeping her voice steady.
"You're not disturbing anything," Adrian said, his lips curving into that maddening smirk. "In fact, I think you should stay. Don't you agree, Malik?"
Malik, still sprawled in his chair, chuckled. "Absolutely. Things just got interesting."
Maya's jaw tightened. The way they looked at her—like she was some kind of challenge to be conquered—set her teeth on edge. But a small part of her, one she wasn't ready to acknowledge, felt a spark of curiosity.
"I'm afraid I have other duties," she said politely, trying to sound unaffected.
Adrian's eyes narrowed, the gray depths glinting with something darker. "Victoria works you too hard. You deserve a break."
"I appreciate the concern, Mr. Sterling," she replied, her tone laced with a touch of sarcasm, "but I'm fine."
Malik's laughter boomed through the room. "She's got some bite. I like her already."
Adrian tilted his head, studying her as though she were a puzzle he couldn't quite solve. "You're an interesting one, Maya. I'll be keeping an eye on you."
Maya didn't respond. Instead, she gave a polite nod and slipped out of the room, her heart pounding as she made her way down the hall.
By the time her shift ended, Maya was utterly drained. She had barely stepped into her tiny apartment when her phone buzzed with a text.
Jamal: You alive?
She smirked despite herself and quickly typed a reply.
Maya: Barely. What's up?
Jamal: Just checking in. Saw you heading to the penthouse earlier. Everything good?
Her fingers hovered over the screen as she debated how to answer. Something about Jamal's easy demeanor made her want to confide in him, but she wasn't sure how much to share.
Maya: All good. Just... getting used to things.
Jamal: Good. Keep your head up. And don't let Adrian get in your head. He's trouble.
Maya frowned, reading the message twice. It was the second warning she'd received about Adrian Sterling, and she couldn't ignore the uneasy feeling settling in her chest.
The next day, Maya was back at The Regency, her exhaustion hidden beneath flawless makeup and a professional smile. The day started quietly enough—handling reservations, arranging transportation for guests—but the calm didn't last.
"Maya!" Victoria's sharp voice called from across the lobby.
She turned to see her boss striding toward her, clipboard in hand.
"Mr. Bennett has requested your assistance with a... special errand," Victoria said, her tone neutral but her eyes glinting with curiosity. "You'll accompany him to an event this evening. Consider it an opportunity to prove yourself."
Maya's stomach dropped. "An event?"
Victoria raised an eyebrow. "Is that a problem?"
"No, of course not," Maya said quickly, forcing a smile.
"Good," Victoria said, handing her an envelope. "The details are inside. Don't be late."
That evening, Maya found herself in a sleek black car, sitting beside Malik Bennett as the driver weaved through London's bustling streets. Malik was dressed in a tailored suit, the crisp white shirt highlighting his deep espresso skin. His cologne—a heady mix of spice and wood—filled the car, and Maya found herself acutely aware of his presence.
"So, Maya," he said, his deep voice cutting through the silence. "How's your first week at The Regency treating you?"
"It's... an adjustment," she admitted, keeping her tone light.
Malik chuckled, his white teeth flashing against his dark skin. "Yeah, it has a way of doing that. Don't let the glitter fool you. This place is like quicksand."
"Everyone keeps saying that," Maya said, her curiosity piqued. "What exactly am I supposed to be watching out for?"
Malik's eyes flicked to her, his expression unreadable. "Everything."
Before she could press him further, the car pulled up in front of an exclusive nightclub in Soho. The line stretched around the block, but Malik led her through a side entrance, bypassing the crowd entirely.
Inside, the bass from the music thumped in her chest, and the air was thick with heat and energy. The club was dark and moody, with flashes of neon cutting through the haze.
Malik leaned down to speak into her ear, his lips brushing against her skin. "Stick close to me."
She nodded, her pulse quickening as they moved through the crowd. Malik was greeted like a king—hands clasped, drinks offered, women throwing themselves at him with shameless abandon. But his attention never strayed far from Maya.
"Relax," he said, handing her a drink. "You look like you're about to bolt."
"I'm fine," she said, taking a sip of the cocktail.
Malik smirked. "Good. Because the night's just getting started."
Hours passed in a blur of music, dancing, and expensive liquor. Maya found herself loosening up, the tension in her shoulders melting away as Malik guided her through the crowd. He was magnetic, his energy infectious, and she couldn't help but be drawn to him.
But as the night wore on, she began to notice the way certain people approached him—whispered exchanges, envelopes passed discreetly. Something about it felt off.
"What's going on?" she asked when they were alone in a quieter corner of the club.
Malik's expression shifted, the playful glint in his eyes replaced by something colder. "Just business."
"Business?" she repeated, her suspicion growing.
He leaned in close, his lips brushing against her ear as he spoke. "Relax, Maya. You're not ready for that side of things yet."
Her stomach churned, but before she could press him further, Malik's hand slid to the small of her back, guiding her back toward the dance floor.
The night ended with a ride back to the hotel, the tension between them palpable. Maya couldn't shake the feeling that she was being pulled deeper into something she didn't understand, and the worst part was... she wasn't sure she wanted to stop.