Three weeks later, I stood on the precipice of Thorne Dynamics' grand product launch. The venue was a symphony of holographic projections, futuristic decor, and digital art flowing across the walls. It was the first time Julian had brought me to a company event.
"Relax, Avalon," he murmured in my ear, his breath warm on my neck. "Tonight is just a simple product showcase."
I nodded, tightening my grip on his arm.
His possessiveness had escalated. It wasn't just the possessive hand on my back anymore; it was the dark, angry marks he'd leave on my neck to claim his territory, the security detail that followed me 24/7. I never thought he'd let another woman get this close.
"Julian!" A familiar, saccharine voice called from the stage.
It was Savannah, descending a brightly lit staircase in a slinky, silver-sequined gown.
What was she doing here?
"Savannah." Julian acknowledged her with a curt nod, his voice polite but cold. "You made it."
I remained silent, a whirlwind of confusion in my mind.
Savannah glided over to us, shooting me a defiant smirk. "Avalon, long time no see."
She then turned to Julian, deliberately flexing a toned bicep. "Julian, look." Her arm gleamed under the spotlights, her skin impossibly smooth. "The results are incredible, aren't they?"
"Very good," Julian replied, his eyes scanning her arm with professional detachment.
"Your 'bio-enhancement therapy' is a miracle," Savannah said smugly.
Bio-enhancement therapy?
I looked at Julian, a question in my eyes. He seemed uncharacteristically flustered.
"Savannah's father is an investor in our new biomedical division," Julian explained quietly. "As a favor, I made her a brand ambassador for the new product line and let her trial the therapy."
My heart sank. "You let her be part of the experiment?"
"A preliminary showcase of its potential," Julian said, squeezing my hand reassuringly. "Avalon, you have to trust me. I'm yours. Always."
But the moment the words left his mouth, he turned his attention back to Savannah. "Come. I'll show you the main lab."
I watched as they walked towards a restricted-access elevator leading to the basement, an area off-limits to even most senior executives.
I followed, keeping a careful distance.
The basement lab was a sterile, futuristic world of stainless steel, cool-toned lighting, and humming, sophisticated instruments behind sealed glass chambers.
"This is our most advanced formula," Julian said, showing Savannah an auto-injector pen. "A single dose can increase muscle endurance by thirty percent, instantly."
Savannah's eyes widened with greed. "Can I try it?"
"It's still in the testing phase," Julian said slowly. "We need more data."
"I can help with that." Savannah's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "I know people. Underground fighters, extreme athletes… They would pay anything for an edge like this."
A flicker of interest crossed Julian's eyes. "Go on."
"My influencer network gives me access to them," Savannah said, pressing her advantage. "I can quietly funnel them to you as 'volunteers.' I can even..." she paused, lowering her voice further, "...provide their complete biometric data. Off the books. No one would ever know."
A predatory gleam sparked in Julian's eyes.