The party that evening lived up to all my fanciful expectations of high society revelry. When Cindy and I arrived at the Malibu Beach Hotel, valets were scrambling to park sleek luxury vehicles along the palm tree lined drive. Inside, the lavish ballroom had been transformed with drapes of filmy chiffon and hanging fairy lights. Waiters glided among the well-heeled guests with trays of champagne and caviar canapés.

I spotted Diana holding court in a bejeweled corset dress, a gaggle of socialites hanging on her every purposely vague word. Catching my eye, she waved us over imperiously.

Just then, the lights flickered to signal the start of the show. Diana shooed me away with a flutter of her wrists that were filled with bangles. "Off you go now, enjoy the entertainment! Cindy, fetch me another glass of Bollinger at once."

We hurried to gather on the makeshift stage as the band took their places. Derek shot me a wink from behind his mic stand. Okay that wasn't needed.

The Vultures launched into their opening number, an uptempo blues rocker that got the affluent audience tapping expensive shoes. As his friend now, I couldn't help but grin like a proud parent watching their child's school play.

Mid-set, Derek began strumming a slowed down cover of Layla that had guests swaying romantically. His smoky voice was wrapped around those lyrics like a caress. When his gaze found mine in the crowd, I swear the temperature spiked a few degrees.

"Emily, I'm so glad I found you. Are you alright?" Sarah came rushing over me.

I nodded in reassurance. "Of course, why do you ask?"

Sarah bit her lip nervously. "Diana told me what happened earlier. That you had to go to the hospital because your stitches opened up." Her eyes were filled with worry. "I feel terrible, I had no idea. If I'd known, I never would have asked you to come with us on the hike."

Reaching out, I grasped her hand gently. "Sarah, please don't feel bad. These things happen, it was just unfortunate timing. I'm feeling much better now, see?" I gave an easy smile to convince her.

She still looked unsure. "Are you sure? I know it must have been painful. I wouldn't forgive myself if anything serious happened to you because of me."

I laughed lightly. "We've been best friends for how long now? Nothing could ever come between us, not even a small mishap like this. I'm just happy you're having a nice time with Stevo." Glancing over, I saw him engaged in polite conversation with some of the people from Solar Flare. "He seems very taken with you."

Sarah blushed prettily. "You really think so? I was afraid I might be misreading things, or that it was just a fling for him."

Squeezing her hand firmly, I met her gaze. "I can see how he looks at you, Sarah. It's clear he thinks you're special."

~

When Derek was singing, it was like he was singing directly to me, each note a secret message only I could decipher. He had the power to draw any woman who listened into his spell and I felt myself being swept up in it all.

"Earth to Emily," Sarah giggled, waving her hand in front of my face. "You totally have a crush on the lead singer."

I felt my cheeks flush. "What? No way, I was just appreciating the music," I said unconvincingly.

Sarah raised an eyebrow, not buying it for a second. "Uh huh, sure. And I'm just 'appreciating' Stevo's impeccable fashion sense," she replied sarcastically.

We burst into laughter, the kind only best friends understand. It felt good to let loose and forget about the drama of the past few days, even if just for a moment.

But a second after that, I winced. I was now feeling a twinge in my side. The new stitches were holding but the area was still tender from earlier. "I'm going to run to the ladies' room real quick," I told Sarah. "Save my spot?"

She nodded, already transfixed by Stevo making his way over. I wove through the sea of gowns and suits, inhaling their scents of expensive perfume and salty ocean air drifting in from the open terrace doors. As I neared the hall, I couldn't shake the sensation of being watched.

A sudden urge to turn around made me almost break stride but my instincts told me otherwise, even if they were just my paranoia playing tricks on me. I could have been a bit more careful though because when I turned back to look at the man behind me, he had vanished. He was gone so fast that it felt like he'd never been there at all. The hair on my neck stood up and I quickened my pace.

That's when I collided with what felt like a brick wall. Strong hands grabbed hold of me before any sound left my lips or I could react in fear. It was my handsome boss himself who had caught me, and judging by the smile on his face, he thought it wasn't half bad. "Miss, do not be alarmed. You are safe here."

His voice like ever was smooth and low with no trace of accent, and a very masculine one, too.

I stepped back now, trying to compose myself. Daniel looked impossibly handsome in his tailored navy suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist. His usually perfectly styled hair was lightly tousled that moment, giving him a rakish charm.

"Mr Hunter! I was just, uh, heading to the restroom," I stammered, cursing my inability to form coherent sentences around him (like always).

His brows lowered a fraction as he looked down at my slightly upturned nose (I swear those blue eyes can see straight through to your soul!). "Are you feeling okay? I heard about the hospital visit earlier from Cindy and Brent. That wasn't just a minor setback, was it?"

I waved my hand dismissively, wanting to appear nonchalant. "Oh that, it was nothing really."

Daniel's eyes searched mine, not buying my act for a second. "Emily, you don't have to pretend with me. I know you're tough but it's okay to admit when you're hurting."

There was a softness in his voice like he knew me well enough to read my mind. It was making me want to spill all my fears. But before I could respond, a familiar voice cut in.

"You know, that's not really true. She does feel pretty weak right now." Derek sauntered over, still oozing stage swagger despite being shirtless and sweat-slicked. The guitar pick around his neck caught the light.

Daniel narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Is she talking to you?"

"Just trying to be helpful, Mr Hunter," Derek said, grinning.

"Hey, aren't you supposed to be working somewhere else? Isn't your show about to end anyway?" Daniel asked, clearly annoyed.

The smile on Derek's face faded into something resembling hurt.

The contrast between Derek's rockstar edge and Daniel's polished elegance could not have been starker. Daniel then added. "Quite a show out there."

Derek flashed a cocky grin. "Thanks, Mr Hunter, always aim to please. Especially when there's such a captive audience," he replied, eyes flickering to me with a mischievous glint. No Derek. Not in front of my boss. My breath hitched and his words made my skin prickle. He was flirting with me, right in front of my employer. Even though Daniel didn't seem particularly impressed by Derek's presence, I wondered whether he noticed how flirty Derek was.

He did, if his frown was anything to go by.

I felt caught between their charged exchange, an electric tension crackling in the air despite them never meeting before. Or maybe they did. There seemed to be an undercurrent of rivalry transcending this moment alone.

"Emily, I was hoping to catch you after the set. What did you think?" Derek's voice dropped to a low purr, attention trained fully on me.

Before I could answer, Daniel interjected. "I'm sure Ms Watson was impressed, but if you'll excuse us... we were in the middle of a conversation."

Derek raised an eyebrow- he looked amused by Daniel's protective stance. "Oh? Didn't realize I was interrupting something so... important," he drawled sarcastically.

I glanced between them, feeling like a rope in an attractive game of tug-of-war. Part of me wanted to bask in the attention but the rational side knew I was Daniel's assistant and professionalism came first.

"Actually, I really do need to use the restroom," I spoke up, voice small between their tall presences- one left - one right to me. "If you'll both excuse me..."

I winced as another sharp pain shot through my side. Derek immediately noticed and concern flashed across his face. "Are you alright?" he asked, gently grasping my arm to steady me.

Daniel's eyes narrowed as he watched Derek holding me. "She said she needs to use the restroom. Alone," he added pointedly.

Derek ignored Daniel, focusing only on making me feel better. "Let me walk you, I want to make sure you're okay," he said in his silky accent. Without waiting for a response, he carefully wrapped a protective arm around my waist, sending my pulse racing. His hands were like magic—strong but soft. Gentle yet commanding, confident yet respectful.

I was completely enamored by his touch as if I'd been electrocuted or burned. And Daniel knew it.

I could feel Daniel's stare burning into me or maybe I was imagining it. "It's alright, I'm fine really. You both should get back to the party," I said with a winning smile, playing the mentally matured one as usual.

Daniel's jaw clenched so hard, I was surprised his perfect teeth didn't shatter. "Ms Watson, perhaps I should get you to the hotel room if you're not feeling well...," he said, his voice tight like a cobra about to strike. Was that possessiveness I detected beneath his cool?

I shook my head weakly, not wanting to cause World War III between the testosterone bombs. "No really, I'm fine. Just a little twinge." Like I would pass up spending quality time with either of these yummy specimens!

Derek clearly wasn't falling for my "I'm tough" act. He gently took my hand, sending electric currents up my arm, and led me to a plush chaise lounge. I sank into the velvet with relief, drinking in his handsome features, etched with worry for me. Swoon! "Here, sit down for a sec," he insisted in his hot accent.

"Can I take a look?" he asked quietly, glancing pointedly at my side. I looked up nervously at Daniel, who was looming behind Derek like an oncoming storm. His beautiful face was like stone that second.

I suppressed a shiver, guilt and pain warring inside me. Daniel had always been so good to me, but Derek was hard to resist. The throbbing pain made my decision for me, however.

"Okay," I said timidly, avoiding Daniel's eyes.

Derek's hands were impossibly gentle as he lifted my blouse to reveal the angry red line of stitches along my waist. He pressed his finger against it and I gasped. I hadn't realized I'd screamed, which was probably why he'd pulled away. "Sorry, um, I guess it was quite painful."

"It's a bit inflamed," he continued softly, voice low and full of concern. "Does it hurt when I do this?"

He pressed lightly this time and I couldn't hold back a small whimper. My tears were springing unbidden to my eyes at the sharp flare of pain.

Daniel clearly heard it too because his control finally snapped. "That's enough," he growled, stepping forward aggressively. In one swift motion, he smacked Derek's hand away from my exposed skin.

"She doesn't need you pawing at her," Daniel spat, looming over Derek in a truly frightening display.

Derek rose quickly to his full height, squaring up to Daniel with clenched fists. "I'm not pawing at her, man. I'm trying to help." His usually calm eyes were stormy as he glowered. "Which is more than I can say for you...just standing there looking constipated."

Oh no Derek. Do NOT provoke this man.

The testosterone in the air was practically suffocating as the two men faced off, glaring daggers at each other. Derek's eyes were dark and threatening; Daniel's were fierce and challenging. They stood like stone statues for what seemed like an eternity before I could finally break the awkward silence. I clutched my side weakly, this drama was only exacerbating my pain.

"Guys, please," I said, desperation coloring my tone. "There's no need for this. I appreciate your concern but really, I'm fine." I gave them both a forced smile, willing the tension between them to dissipate.

And so they both reluctantly turned their attention towards me, their eyes blazing fiercely with anger, resentment and frustration. I sighed inwardly at the sight.

"I am going to go freshen up. Do try to relax, guys," I said, forcing myself to sound upbeat, trying desperately to change the atmosphere. "Please enjoy yourselves tonight."

Both men nodded curtly without speaking, neither budging an inch.With that, I slowly got to my feet, clutching my side tightly as I headed toward the bathroom.

~

I took a deep breath and fanned myself with my hand as I walked down the long hallway, trying my best not to notice the people walking past me. As soon as I passed the bathroom sign, I ducked into the closest empty room and closed the door.

Men. I rolled my eyes so hard I thought they might get stuck that way. Give them some designer threads and a sliver of attention from a girl and suddenly they think they're the hottest thing since sliced bread. As if I needed saving like some damsel in distress. Please. Like I said, men.

I was grateful to find the powder room to be empty. I leaned against the marble counter and gazed at my reflection in the ornate gilt-edged mirror hanging on the wall. My usually pale cheeks were flushed a rosy pink from the humid ocean breeze, and a few wisps of hair had escaped my braided updo. But instead of looking like a mess, I thought I looked kind of cute. Vibrant. Alive.

Despite the drama outside and the sting in my side, I felt more awake than I had in days. Which was both exciting and kind of scary at the same time.

"Get a grip, Em," I muttered under my breath as I splashed some cool water on my burning cheeks. It did nothing to improve my mood.

That's when I felt it - that familiar prickle on the back of my neck, like someone was watching me.

I froze, one hand still pressed against my damp skin, as silence descended in the room. Slowly, ever so slowly, I turned to face the door, expecting to find Sarah or one of the other guests here.

Instead, a tall blonde woman was leaning casually against the door frame, studying me with an unreadable expression on her perfect face. It took me a moment to place her, but then I recognized those sharp cheekbones and signature crimson lips.

Olivia. Daniel's ex-makeup artist. The one who had mysteriously vanished after stabbing me that night. The memory of that night came crashing back with such force I almost stumbled backwards in surprise. The pain flared again, searing through my entire body, and I gripped the sink to steady myself.

Olivia watched me quietly with that calculating stare of hers, arms crossed over her chest. She was dressed in a white floor length silk dress, her hair flowing elegantly behind her, contrasting against her porcelain skin. Her beauty radiated with intensity, like she was ready to tear the world apart if needed. But somehow, she remained eerily silent, like the world was waiting on her decision.

"Poor Emily, all alone. No Daniel this time around... How sad!" she crooned mockingly. She pushed off the frame in one fluid motion. Her voice was silky smooth but carried an underlying edge. Like a razor wrapped up in silk.

I backed up instinctively until the small of my back hit the counter, suddenly very aware of how alone we were. "Olivia," I squeaked, cursing the waver in my tone. "I, um - what are you doing here?"

Her smile widened then, revealing a row of pearly white teeth. It was the kind of smile models spent hours perfecting in front of mirrors but never quite achieved naturally. "Oh, I've been looking all over for you...Emily." She took a predatory step closer, her spiky heels clicking ominously on the tile floor. "We have a lot to...discuss."

My mind raced as I scanned the room for an escape route or a weapon, coming up frustratingly empty-handed. Olivia was blocking the only exit, so unless I wanted to scale the twelve-foot centerpiece fountains, I was trapped.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked in a voice that was much braver than I felt. Something told me provoking her wasn't the smartest move, but staying silent didn't seem much safer. "I never did anything to you."

Olivia threw her perfectly styled head back and laughed, a harsh bark that didn't match her glamorous look. "You exist...that's what you did wrong." She took another slow step, eyes glittering like diamonds. "You stole everything from me - my job, my future. Daniel."

I shook my head frantically. "No, you're mistaken. Daniel and I are just... we work together. There's nothing going on."

A twitch passed over her face before her lip curled back in a snarl. "Liar!" she shouted, lunging suddenly.

I scrambled backward but wasn't quick enough. Her fingers closed around my throat with an iron grip, squeezing the air from my windpipe as easily as crushing a paper cup. I clawed at her wrists, spots bursting behind my eyes, but it was like trying to break free from a boa constrictor's coils. How was she this strong?? Or was this her anger??

Her face then swam into view and it was dangerous-  contorted with just pure rage!
"I should have finished the job that night," she hissed through her clenched teeth. "But don't worry...there won't be any interruptions this time."

With a strength that came I didn't know from where, she shoved me backward with unnecessary force. I stumbled, my vision still blurred, until my hip slammed into something hard. The terrace door.

It swung open under my weight and suddenly the cool night air was rushing past me as I struggled to find my balance on the slippery tile. My stomach dropped to my toes as I glimpsed at the drop below, which was very dizzy.

Olivia sidled up behind me. She had the same wicked glint in her eye I saw that night when she stabbed me. "Let's see how well you fall," she taunted.

"Goodbye, Emily," she hissed sweetly in my ear as she gave me a final push.

I felt myself falling, a scream ripped from my throat on instinct. All I could see was the starry sky and ground rushing up to meet me at terminal velocity. This was it, end of the line. Goodbye, cruel world.

Just then, a strong, familiar arm banded around my waist like an iron chain, jolting me to an abrupt halt. I dangled precariously over nothingness, certain my heart had stopped in my chest.

"I've got you, I've got you!" came Daniel's distressed voice from somewhere above. I craned my neck back to see him leaning halfway over the railing, strain etched on every line of his handsome face.

"Don't you let go, Mr Hunter!" I cried, tears already streaming down my cheeks as my body threatened to give in to gravity's pull.

With a superhuman heave, Daniel began reeling me upwards. I thrashed and kicked, more hindrance than help in my panic. Finally, blessedly, my feet hit the solid balcony once more.

I crumpled immediately into Daniel's waiting arms, suddenly boneless with relief and adrenaline. "It's okay, you're safe," he murmured against my hair, his familiar woodsy cologne grounding me.

Over his broad shoulder, I glimpsed Derek struggling with a hissing, spitting Olivia. She whipped her head around and speared me with a look so venomous it nearly stopped my heart all over again.

"I'll kill you!" she howled, thrashing against Derek's ironclad hold. "You hear me? I'll end you!"

"Not bloody likely, love," Derek growled, exerting more pressure to subdue her.

In that moment, with Daniel's arms the only thing keeping me upright, I felt very small and fragile. Like one rough breeze could shatter me to pieces. It was staggering to think how close I'd come to sharing Olivia's fate - six feet under and forgotten. But somehow, miraculously, I was still alive. And it was all thanks to Daniel.

My rescuer. My knight in shining Armani.

The vibrato hum of approaching sirens began coming from somewhere. It filtered through the tense silence as Sarah and a few others appeared in the terrace doorway, gasping at the scene.

"Emily! Oh my god, are you alright?" Sarah cried, rushing to hover protectively.

I buried my damp face in Daniel's shirtsleeve, unable to muster any words to reassure her. Daniel rubbed slow, grounding circles on my back. I realized that my body was shaking really badly. "It's okay, you're safe now. I've got you," he soothed like a mantra.

For some reason, I believed him.

~