Vincent's introduction carried more weight than a simple greeting. There was no mistaking the underlying message.
He had witnessed the exchange between Dayna and Michael, missing nothing.
"We're leaving." With quiet authority, Vincent drew Dayna close and steered her toward the waiting car.
The drive back unfolded in silence, tension filling the space between them.
Noticing the shift in Vincent's mood, Dayna wondered if Michael's sudden appearance had rattled him. Perhaps it left him uneasy—or maybe even irritated.
She hesitated, unsure if Vincent was upset, but felt compelled to speak up. "We just planned a simple dinner with old friends from university. I had no idea Michael would be—"
Before she could finish, Vincent reached for a small shopping bag and set it on her lap. "I got you something."
Her eyes widened in surprise as she accepted the gift.
Though their marriage had lasted three years, Vincent's work kept him away most of the time. Still, he never returned without bringing her a token from his trips.
Now she questioned if he was truly upset.
The package felt almost too warm in her hands. Unsure, she bit down on her lip and sneaked a glance at him.
Vincent leaned back with his eyes closed, head resting on the seat, making it clear he had nothing more to say.
Without pressing further, Dayna rolled the window down a little, letting the night air brush against her skin and clear her mind, still hazy from the evening's drinks.
Recollections surfaced from three years ago, when Roberts Group stood on the brink of collapse. Glenn Roberts, her father, seized on the family's old agreement with the Clarkes, insisting she honor the childhood engagement and marry Vincent. Glenn believed this union was the only way to keep their company afloat.
Roberts Group was her mother's legacy, the only thing she had left to remember her by. Letting it fall apart wasn't something she could accept. At the same time, her relationship with Michael had been rocky. He was unpredictable, overwhelmed by the pressure of building his company from the ground up, and their constant arguments eventually pushed her to walk away.
Marriage to Vincent followed, though his manner stayed cool and reserved. Conversation between them was minimal, but he always treated her with respect.
Their home in Crescent Bay had become her new world after the wedding.
Once the car glided into the underground garage and settled in its spot, David Cooper glanced back at them. "We're here, Mr. and Mrs. Clarke."
Dayna, nearly dozing, snapped awake at the announcement, just in time to hear Vincent say, "Go on, David. Head home for the night."
"Of course, sir." With that, David stepped out and disappeared into the evening.
Dayna started to open her door, but Vincent's fingers circled her wrist, stopping her.
A gentle tug brought her tumbling right into his lap.
Surprise escaped her lips. Her knees bent, landing her astride him without warning.
Blush spread from her cheeks to her neck as she realized their positions. She tried to move, pushing herself up, but Vincent refused to let go. His hand pressed firmly at her back, bringing her even closer until their bodies met, heartbeat to heartbeat. The warmth radiating between them left no doubt about his intentions.
"Vincent, let me go," she whispered, her voice trembling with embarrassment and anticipation. She understood the situation all too well and tried to slip away.
Vincent didn't answer. Instead, he cupped her chin, lifted her face, and captured her lips in a deep, possessive kiss.
Muted lights washed the garage in shadow, turning the car into a private pocket of darkness where their movements melted together, charged and impossible to ignore.
Flustered, Dayna braced her palm against his chest and tried to create distance. Vincent had never been subtle about what he wanted, but he always knew where to stop. Tonight, restraint was nowhere to be found.
Warm hands framed her face as his breathing turned uneven, the kiss deepening until it stole her sense of place. An arm locked around her waist, anchoring her firmly against him.
Minutes slipped by without shape or order. When he finally pulled away, her lips felt tender and damp, tingling from the intensity.
Strong fingers caught her chin, guiding her gaze upward until she had no choice but to meet his eyes. His voice came out low and rough. "So tell me. Did you have fun seeing everyone again tonight?"
Even through the haze of alcohol, Dayna could sense the shift in him.
This wasn't like Vincent. He was controlled, composed. This edge was new.
She started to speak, ready to explain, but his grip tightened around her waist before she could finish a single word, pressure biting just enough to make her gasp.
His gaze lingered on her mouth, dark and assessing. "You drank," he said flatly.
She nodded, unable to deny it.
"And what did I say about that?" he pressed on.
Her teeth caught her lower lip as her hand fisted in his shirt.
Alcohol had never agreed with her. Once, she drank too much and wandered into traffic, ending up in the emergency room. The call went straight to Vincent, and he left an important meeting without hesitation to get to her. After that night, he made it clear. No more drinking.
Still, she had crossed that line tonight. He wasn't sure if Michael's sudden return played a part, but the unease settled heavy in his chest.
Slowly, Vincent's hand traced along her side, the touch deliberate and unhurried. The tension beneath his calm surfaced in the way his fingers tightened, drifting lower until his palm slipped beneath the edge of her dress, making his intent unmistakably clear.
