Chapter 34: Flashbulbs & Fireworks
The invitation came sealed in black wax, the edges trimmed with gold.
"Exclusive celebration for elite entrepreneurs and business moguls," Shane read aloud as she stepped into the living room, adjusting the cuffs of her suit.
May, in nothing but one of Shane's silk shirts and lace panties, sprawled on the couch with a mischievous smirk. "Fancy."
"You like fancy," Shane said, walking over and gently tugging the shirt off May's shoulder. "You'll be the most gorgeous woman in the room."
"Only if you're standing next to me," May replied, her fingers slipping into the waistband of Shane's trousers. "Then everyone will know I'm taken."
Shane grinned, but behind her eyes, something flickered.
The conversation with Adam during her morning run still played in her mind—"She'll come back to me. You're just a distraction."
But she didn't tell May.
Not yet.
Instead, she kissed her deeply, as if it could wipe away the memory.
That Night – The Gala
The event glittered with chandeliers and paparazzi flashes. The moment Shane and May stepped out of the black-on-black Lamborghini, all eyes turned.
Shane looked dangerous in a tailored midnight suit, no tie, her shirt unbuttoned just enough to tease. May wore a deep wine-red gown that clung to every curve, her lipstick matching the satin.
They were the storm in the room.
Cameras flashed.
People whispered.
Shane led May in by the waist, owning the space.
"Everyone's looking," May whispered against her ear.
"Let them," Shane murmured, lips brushing her skin. "You're mine."
They mingled, drank, danced—until a familiar voice sliced through the music.
"Didn't expect to see you glowing like this, May."
May turned sharply.
Shane froze.
Adam.
He was dressed in sharp grey, charm turned on full volume, but Shane saw the fire behind his eyes.
May blinked. "Adam? What the hell are you—"
He stepped closer, ignoring Shane's protective stance. "I just came to wish you both well. Though I can't say I expected you to fall so easily."
Shane's jaw tightened. "That's enough."
But May—May was livid.
"You don't get to speak like you know me anymore," she snapped. "You left me broken."
He smirked. "And yet here you are—shining. Must be nice to have someone fix you."
Shane was about to step forward, fists curled—
But May beat her to it.
She grabbed Shane's collar and pulled her into a kiss so intense, so possessive, the whole room went silent. Shane responded instantly, hands gripping May's hips, kissing her back like she was claiming territory.
When they broke apart, May turned back to Adam, lips red and slightly swollen.
"I'm not fixed. I'm free. And she's the reason."
Adam said nothing.
Shane wrapped an arm around May's waist. "Now walk away. Before I forget I'm in heels and not boots."
Adam left.
But he didn't look defeated.
He looked amused.
Back at Home
Shane poured whiskey, jaw still tight.
May touched her hand. "You knew he was back, didn't you?"
Shane looked at her.
And said nothing.
May's face hardened. "You kept it from me."
"I was protecting you," Shane replied quietly. "You don't need to relive that pain."
"I'm not fragile, Shane. I just want the truth."
Shane set down her glass. "Next time, I'll give it to you. No matter how ugly."
May sighed. "Good. Because we're in this together."
Shane pulled her close. "Together."
But in the dark corner of her phone screen, an anonymous message blinked.
You have no idea what she's hiding from you, Shane.
And just like that, a new seed of doubt took root.
The message on Shane's phone glowed like a warning.
You have no idea what she's hiding from you, Shane.
She stared at it, jaw tense, thumb hovering over the delete button. The room behind her was dim, the flicker of candlelight casting soft shadows across the loft. May was upstairs, in Shane's bed, probably curled up in nothing but her scent and the warmth they'd made.
Shane swallowed hard.
No.
She wouldn't spiral. Not again.
She tossed the phone face down and climbed the stairs, her muscles heavy with tension and restraint.
When she opened the door, May was lying on her stomach, the sheet barely covering her, legs tangled, back arched in her sleep like an invitation. The moonlight kissed her bare skin, highlighting the faint bite marks Shane had left behind from earlier.
For a moment, Shane just watched her. Something so raw twisted in her chest—desire, yes, but also fear.
Was she enough for this woman?
Or just the rebound? A protector, not a partner?
"Shane…" May's voice, drowsy and soft, broke her spiral.
Shane stripped out of her suit and slid under the covers, pulling May into her arms. The warmth of her skin, the way she fit—like a secret meant only for her—it was grounding.
May nuzzled into Shane's neck. "You're thinking too loud."
Shane kissed her forehead. "Just quieting the noise."
"Liar," May whispered with a teasing smile.
But Shane didn't respond.
She held her tighter, burying her face in May's hair, trying to silence the voice in her head whispering what if she's lying too?
The Next Morning
The sun streamed in warm and soft, the kind of light that made everything look like a dream. Shane was already up, in the kitchen, coffee in hand, her gray joggers slung low on her hips, tank top clinging to her abs still damp from her morning run.
She hadn't run far.
Just far enough to clear her head—or try to.
May padded in behind her, wearing nothing but Shane's button-down from the night before.
"Morning, heartbreak," she purred, wrapping her arms around Shane from behind.
Shane smiled and leaned back into her. "You're dangerously distracting."
"I try."
May rested her chin on Shane's shoulder. "You okay?"
Shane hesitated… then lied.
"Yeah. Just tired."
May didn't buy it. But she let it go.
For now.
Later That Day
Shane sat in her office, eyes locked on her laptop. The screen showed something she never expected—security footage. Of Adam.
At her office. Two days ago.
Talking to one of her assistants.
He'd gotten close. Closer than Shane realized.
Her phone buzzed again.
Unknown Number:
You can trust her. Or you can find out who she really cried for at 2 a.m. You choose, Kingston.
Her fist clenched.
Then—soft footsteps.
May leaned against the doorway, holding up a bakery bag. "Peace offering. You skipped lunch."
Shane forced a smile. "Thanks."
May stepped in, set the bag down, and climbed onto Shane's lap. "Hey…" She wrapped her arms around Shane's neck, kissing her gently. "I'm here. With you. Whatever's got you overthinking... don't let it win."
Shane looked up at her, heart thundering.
"You're mine, right?" she asked quietly, more raw than she'd meant to sound.
May's expression softened. "In every way that matters."
And yet, Shane couldn't ignore the shadow in her chest.
Because part of her believed it.
And another part? Was starting to wonder what May might still be hiding.
Across the City
Adam stood outside a dark apartment complex, phone to his ear.
"Yeah, she took the bait."
A pause.
"She'll start digging. Once she does, it's only a matter of time before she finds out what May did three years ago."
A smirk twisted his lips.
"And when she does... she won't look at her the same again."