"Lara, since it's raining, let Rain take you and your friend back to your respective stays, as Zain's busy with guests. You both can rest for the day," Adam said, patting Rain on the back.
"Sure, Uncle. I'll take them back," Rain assured.
"Please, follow me, ladies," Rain said.
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In the car, he spoke first. "Let me drop you off first, Ms. Lara, since you're staying in Uncle Adam's guest house. Daisy and I shall stay in the hotel arranged for guests as we can't all fit at Uncle's place."
"Sure," Lara replied.
Daisy's mind immediately wandered. So it's just me and Mr. Rain after Lara leaves… what if we do something naughty? Damn… Her cheeks warmed at the thought.
Meanwhile, the three discussed the guests they had just met. Lara learned that Mira had been chasing Zain for a year because of his status, and Zain was trying to brush her off.
"Ms. Lara, as you know, there will be a cocktail party for intimate friends and family tomorrow. Please let me know when you're ready, and I'll pick you up. For now, take care. Let Zain or me know if you need anything," Rain said as he stopped the car in front of Adam's guest mansion.
"Thanks, Mr. Rain. Sure," Lara smiled.
Once the car drove off, Lara realized she had left the real danger behind—Daisy.
She immediately texted her, "Behave. Don't do anything stupid, for God's sake."
"Yeah, yeah," Daisy replied. If Lara finds out what's happened… I might get killed, she thought, biting her lip.
Rain's voice pulled her from her thoughts. "Ms. Daisy…"
Her heart raced. She expected him to call her over to the passenger seat, maybe stop in some dark alley… the thought of giving in to that wild mixture of pleasure and pain made her cheeks flush.
"We've reached. You can go in. I'll meet you tomorrow. I need to rejoin Zain for some work," Rain said.
"So… we're not doing anything?" she asked aloud, before realizing what she had said.
Rain paused, studying her. The flush on her cheeks, the way she avoided his eyes… he didn't need telepathy to know exactly what she had been imagining.
"No," he said gently, but with that restrained edge that always hinted at something darker underneath.
"We need to respect our business boundaries. Go inside… and let me know if you need anything."
It was polite. Professional. Safe.
But the look in his eyes wasn't safe, not even close.
Daisy stepped out of the car slowly, heart thudding.
Rain drove off… but not before he murmured under his breath, just for himself:
Not now, kitty… but someday, we're going to try it
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In ballroom,
"Zain, we need to get hold of Dane," Rain said, voice low enough that only Zain could hear over the ballroom noise. "Tomorrow night. He'll be at location Y. That's the intel our team confirmed."
Zain's expression shifted instantly, the playful ballroom prince gone, replaced by the calculating, dangerous man few ever saw.
"Good. Then we strike after the cocktail party before them."
Rain gave a single nod.
No questions.
No hesitation.
No fear.
They walked in opposite directions, disappearing into the glittering crowd like nothing had ever happened.