Keifer's POV
The jet hummed quietly as it cut through the night sky. Keifer sat back, eyes observing the cabin, but his attention wasn't on the flight plan or the papers in front of him—it was on her.
Jay.
She looked radiant, sitting across from him, flipping through the notes he had handed her for the upcoming business meetings. Her hair caught the light of the cabin softly, the way she adjusted her posture as she concentrated made his chest tighten.
Why does she affect me like this? he thought, jaw tightening slightly. She's my secretary. Nothing more. Keep it together, Keifer.
But then one of the air hostesses leaned slightly toward him to clarify a detail about the flight schedule, her smile bright and easy. Keifer felt a subtle flare of something he hadn't expected—jealousy.
She's mine to notice, he reminded himself, staring straight ahead as if nothing had happened. The tightness in his chest and the small clench of his hands betrayed him, though.
Every glance Jay stole in his direction, every soft hum of concentration, made his pulse quicken. He couldn't stop noticing the way she bit her lip thoughtfully, how her fingers fidgeted with the edge of her notes, and the subtle tilt of her head.
No one else should get this kind of attention from me. Not her. Not anyone, he thought, feeling the unfamiliar surge of possessiveness mix with his usual icy composure.
Jet Arrival & Rooms
When they landed, Keifer led the way through the sleek limousine ride. Both were escorted to their rooms—across the hall from each other. Even here, Keifer's mind lingered on her, imagining how she might prepare for the upcoming party, picturing her in something elegant, glowing, completely captivating.
She'll look perfect. She always does. And yet… I can't stop thinking about her in that dress. Damn it, he muttered silently, clenching his fists briefly before releasing.
Party Preparation (Keifer's POV)
Later, as they got ready for the grand event, Keifer studied himself in the mirror. Black suit, tie perfectly adjusted, every detail precise. He knew the wine-red dress she would wear—he had imagined it. And the thought made his chest tighten again, a low, possessive awareness sparking inside him.
She's mine to notice. I won't let anyone else… His jaw set.
Arrival at the Party (Keifer's POV)
Entering the estate, Keifer immediately noticed the attention she would draw. And yet, as guests swarmed him—laughing women, admiring colleagues—his focus remained fixed on Jay. He caught the smallest shift of her posture as she followed him, the subtle way her eyes scanned the room, and the tiniest flicker of nervous anticipation in her movements.
Jealous. Of the attention she'll get from them. And I hate it, he thought, restraining a muscle in his jaw. She's mine to notice. All of her. No one else.
Every polite nod, every laugh he gave to others, he tempered internally, ensuring it didn't stray too close, but inside… he felt the heat of jealousy flare again. Every glance toward her reminded him just how much he wanted to protect her, control the attention she received, even without saying a word.
By the time they were settled among the other business elites, Keifer's cold exterior remained intact, but the fire of jealousy and possessiveness simmered silently beneath the surface. He was watching. Always watching.